Banana Baked Oatmeal (Gluten Free)

Banana baked oatmeal is filled with dark chocolate chips and topped with almond butter and extra bananas. This healthy breakfast recipe is easy to make and store so you can have breakfast all week.

Baked oatmeal is such a simple, healthy breakfast and it’s great to prep in advance and warm up easily during the week. Another easy baked oatmeal recipe is our blueberry baked oatmeal. The best part about these recipes is that you can add any fruit you have on hand.

If you love banana and gluten-free breakfast recipes, next time, try these healthy banana muffins, banana oatmeal pancakes, or 3 ingredient banana oatmeal cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal

A huge hit for the whole family: This delicious breakfast is more fun to eat than traditional oatmeal, making it a great recipe for the whole family to enjoy. Our kids absolutely love this recipe, though we leave out the chocolate chips for them! 

Great for meal prep: It’s the perfect breakfast to make ahead of time and grab on your way out the door.

Filling: This meal is a satisfying breakfast with wholesome ingredients that will help fuel your morning.

Easy recipe: So easy you can mix up a big batch of it while dinner is cooking, throw it in the oven while you eat, and have it cooled and ready for breakfast the next morning by the time dinner’s over. 

Want to try it in muffin form next time? These banana blueberry muffins are bursting with fresh fruit and our healthy banana muffins are made in one bowl.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients for this healthy baked oatmeal recipe. Most are pantry staples and easy (and affordable) to find in grocery stores. Jump down to the printable recipe card for exact measurements.

• Mashed banana: This recipe calls for about 2-3 mashed bananas. The number will vary based on how big your bananas are!
• Eggs: Large, organic eggs if possible!
• Pure maple syrup: This adds a little sweetness but can be omitted if you wish! You’ll still get the sweetness from the banana.
• Rolled oats: I opted for a gluten free rolled oat, but any rolled oat works well.
• Spices and leaveners: Vanilla, cinnamon, salt and baking powder
• Chocolate chunks: We used a dairy-free and allergy-friendly chocolate from Enjoy Life or Hu Kitchen. You can leave this out!

Can You Use Steel Cut Oats or Quick Oats?

Steel-cut oats and quick oats will yield a very different texture than old-fashioned oats (or rolled oats) so I don’t recommend using them in this chocolate banana baked oatmeal.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Baked Oatmeal

The full printable recipe is below, but let’s walk through the steps with some photos and a video so you have a clear idea of what to expect. This healthy banana baked oatmeal is really easy and these step-by-step instructions will make sure it turns out every time.

Mix: Whisk together the mashed banana, eggs, milk, pure maple syrup, and vanilla in a large bowl. Lumps from bananas are okay. Stir in oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined then gently stir in the dark chocolate chips.

Bake: Pour the oatmeal mixture into a greased square baking dish, sprinkle with a few extra dark chocolate chips, then put it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until set and light golden brown on top.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

There are so many delicious ways to switch up the original recipe to fit your preferences, or a dietary need, or just what’s already in your pantry. 

• Make it vegan: Use two flax eggs by mixing 2 tablespoons of flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water then let it rest in the fridge for 15 minutes before using it in the recipe. Please note i haven’t tested this, but i do think it will work! Plus it adds even more fiber!
• Add peanut butter: Include some healthy fats by mixing 1/3 cup of peanut butter into the batter. Our favorite brand is Wild Friends! Peanut butter and banana are the best combo.
• Omit the chocolate chunks: While they do add so much delicious flavor, you can simply leave them out if you don’t want them.
• Add blueberries: Instead of chocolate chips, you can stir in 1 cup of fresh blueberries before baking and it’s so good.
• Turn them into banana baked oatmeal cups: Instead of putting the batter into a square baking dish, divide it evenly into muffin tins sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Storage and Freezer Instructions

Fridge: allow to cool completely then cut into squares and store in a large airtight container or store in individual bags/containers for on-the-go.

Freezer: allow to cool completely then place in an even layer on a sheet pan to freeze. Once solid, transfer to a storage bag or container to save space. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave.

How to Serve Banana Baked Oatmeal

• Top it with fresh fruit (like berries into bananas) or jam
• Spread peanut butter on top for a little extra healthy fats
• Leave it plain and simple!
• Enjoy it with a cup of pumpkin spice bulletproof coffee.
• Have it as a dessert with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top.

 If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!

More Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes

Get inspired to start the day on a filling and healthy note with these gluten-free breakfast recipes. You’ll find oatmeals, smoothies, savory meals with eggs and so much more.

If you love this delicious banana baked oatmeal as an alternative to the traditional bowl of oatmeal, be sure to try these blueberry oatmeal bars to add to the rotation.

If you have extra oats and want something a little different, these peanut butter protein bars are perfect for grabbing on the go. 

And if you’re in the mood for a fall recipe, try these gluten-free pumpkin muffins, apple cinnamon oatmeal breakfast cookies, or healthy apple cinnamon granola bars.