If you crave a cozy, soul-warming breakfast that doubles as a little treat, you need to try Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal. This dish bakes up golden and gently sweet, packed with wholesome rolled oats, luscious bananas, and mini chocolate chips for irresistible pockets of melty goodness. It’s a true crowd-pleaser—whether for a leisurely weekend brunch, a make-ahead weekday breakfast, or an after-school snack—bringing comfort and a smile with every hearty, chocolatey bite.

Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal is simple and, more importantly, brings something special to the table. From creaminess to sweet depth, each one adds a layer of flavor, texture, or moisture that makes the final bake shine.

Ripe Bananas: For natural sweetness and moisture, mash two very ripe bananas—spotty ones are perfect!
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The star base of this recipe, giving the oatmeal its chewy, satisfying texture.
Mini Chocolate Chips: For little bursts of melty chocolate in every bite—mini chips spread more evenly than standard-sized ones.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Adds a lovely, gentle sweetness and works perfectly with the bananas; choose your favorite.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances every other flavor, giving your baked oatmeal a comforting, aromatic note.
Ground Cinnamon: Just the right amount of warm spice to make the kitchen smell incredible as it bakes.
Baking Powder: Helps the oatmeal puff up a bit for a tender, cake-like texture.
Salt: A pinch to balance flavors and keep the oatmeal from tasting flat.
Milk (Dairy or Non-Dairy): Adds creaminess—use whatever milk you love or have on hand.
Large Egg: For binding everything together, ensuring your squares hold up well.
Melted Coconut Oil or Butter: Just enough fat for moisture and richness; either option works beautifully.

How to Make Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish so your Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal comes out easily and cleans up like a breeze. This quick prep helps set the stage for an effortless breakfast!

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Grab your largest mixing bowl and mash those ripe bananas until they’re smooth and mostly lump-free. This is the secret to a sweet, moist bake—well-mashed bananas blend seamlessly into every bite!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

To your mashed bananas, add the egg, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and the melted coconut oil or butter. Stir everything together until fully combined. This mixture brings all the flavors together and forms the backbone of the oatmeal’s irresistible taste.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to stir in the oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Once these are in, pour in the milk and gently mix until everything is incorporated. Your kitchen will already start to smell incredibly inviting!

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Fold in those mini chocolate chips, saving a handful for the top if you’d like a picture-perfect finish. This step is where Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal truly earns its chocolate-studded charm.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle any reserved chocolate chips over the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set—your whole home will smell absolutely incredible.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the oatmeal cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. This little pause makes it easier to slice and helps the flavors settle in. Serve warm, maybe with a splash of extra milk or your favorite toppings for plant-powered comfort at its best!

How to Serve Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal

Garnishes

Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal is delicious as is, but you can dress it up with a scatter of fresh banana slices, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, or a handful of chopped nuts for a bit of crunch. Even a light dusting of cinnamon or a little dollop of yogurt can take it to the next level.

Side Dishes

Pair your warm squares of oatmeal with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or a little fruit salad for a balanced and wholesome breakfast spread. For coffee lovers, a creamy latte or hot cup of tea is the perfect complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal into parfait cubes and layer them with yogurt and berries in jars, or wrap squares individually for a grab-and-go treat. For brunch, try serving it warm in bowls with a splash of heated milk and an extra sprinkle of chocolate chips on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftover Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture holds up beautifully, and makes for quick, nourishing breakfasts all week long!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze it! Simply slice the cooled oatmeal into portions, wrap tightly, and pop the squares in a freezer bag. When you need a quick snack or breakfast, just grab one and let it thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat it.

Reheating

To enjoy again, warm your oatmeal squares in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Add a splash of milk before reheating for extra moisture and an ultra-creamy result.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats give the best texture, but if quick oats are what you have, they’ll work in a pinch. Expect your Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal to turn out a bit softer—still tasty, just with a less chewy bite.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Swap the egg for a flax or chia egg, use dairy-free milk, and pick vegan chocolate chips. Coconut oil is already plant-based, so you’re good to go for a fully vegan treat.

How do I make this oatmeal higher in protein?

Stir a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the oat mixture before baking, or add a side of Greek yogurt or nut butter when serving. Chopped nuts are also a delicious, protein-boosting mix-in.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully! Just bake in a 9×13-inch dish and adjust the baking time as needed—check for doneness at the center with a toothpick, adding extra time if necessary.

What are the best ways to reheat it?

Both the microwave and oven work well. For soft, moist oatmeal, add a little milk over the portion before reheating. If you prefer slightly crisp edges, the oven is your best bet!

Final Thoughts

Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal is pure comfort in a pan and so easy to make yours. Whether you savor it warm from the oven or tuck away slices for speedy breakfasts, this recipe is sure to be a household favorite. Give it a try and let those cozy aromas and chocolatey bites turn any morning into something special!