Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious breakfast that is easy to prepare and can be made in advance, then this Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal is the perfect choice. It combines the richness of bananas with the indulgence of chocolate chips, all while being a healthy, filling, and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a balanced, wholesome breakfast that will keep them full throughout the morning.

Baked oatmeal is an excellent option for those who prefer a hot, hearty breakfast over the traditional cold cereal. It’s packed with nutrients and can be customized to suit various dietary needs. In this article, we’ll dive into the many benefits of this recipe, explore the ingredients, and show you how to make this healthy and scrumptious baked oatmeal.

The Benefits of Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal

Before we jump into the recipe, it’s important to understand why this Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal is not only delicious but also a fantastic choice for a healthy breakfast. Oatmeal is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. It’s a staple in many healthy oatmeal recipes because it can help improve digestion, maintain stable blood sugar levels, and keep you feeling full for hours.

The addition of bananas brings in a natural sweetness, along with a dose of potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. Bananas are known to boost heart health and are a great source of energy. Chocolate chips, when used in moderation, add a delightful touch of indulgence, while still offering antioxidants and a little bit of satisfaction for those with a sweet tooth.

Not only is this recipe healthy and delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can make it egg-free, gluten-free, or even vegan by swapping a few ingredients to suit your dietary preferences. Plus, it’s a fantastic meal prep option that you can bake in a large batch and enjoy for several days. Whether you’re starting your day with a petit-déjeuner sain or need a snack during the day, this recipe can work for you.

Ingredients for Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal

Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this flavorful baked oatmeal recipe. Many of the ingredients are commonly found in dietitian recipes that focus on whole foods and nutrient-dense options.

Pour la Base:

2 ripe bananas (mashed)
2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free oats if necessary)
2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond milk or oat milk)
1 c. à thé d'extrait de vanille
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 c. à thé de sel
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (preferably dark chocolate chips for a healthier option)

For the Binding:

1/4 cup chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional, for added fiber and omega-3 fatty acids)
1/2 tsp baking powder

En Option Garnitures:

Sliced bananas
Additional chocolate chips
Chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or almonds)
Fresh fruit

How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal

Etape 1: Préchauffer le Four

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oatmeal will bake evenly and achieve a golden-brown crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Oats and Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the two ripe bananas until they become smooth and creamy. Bananas are naturally sweet and will act as the base for the egg-free breakfast. Add the milk of your choice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and maple syrup (if using). Mix everything together until it is well combined.

Next, stir in the rolled oats, chia seeds (or flaxseeds), baking powder, and salt. The oats will absorb the liquid, and the mixture will start to thicken. Make sure all of the oats are evenly coated and the wet ingredients are incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring that they are distributed throughout the oatmeal mixture. If you want extra sweetness, feel free to add more chocolate chips on top of the oatmeal before baking.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. If you want to add extra toppings, like sliced bananas or chopped nuts, now is the time to sprinkle them on top.

Etape 5: Faire Cuire

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the oatmeal is set in the center. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the middle of the oatmeal. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the oatmeal is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut into squares.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Slice the Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal into squares and enjoy! It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Nutritional Information

This Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal recipe is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients in each serving (assuming 9 servings):

Calories: 180–200 per serving
La protéine: 5–6 grams
La fibre: 4–5 grams
Carbohydrates: 30–35 grams
Fat: 5–7 grams (depending on the choice of milk and chocolate chips)
Sugars: 10–12 grams (from natural sources like bananas and maple syrup)
Potassium: 250–300 mg (thanks to the bananas)

Why Choose Baked Oatmeal?

Oatmeal has long been celebrated as one of the healthiest breakfast options due to its high fiber content, ability to regulate blood sugar, and its cholesterol-lowering properties. For those on a real food diet, oatmeal is an excellent option to incorporate into your meal plan.

Here are a few reasons why Baked Oatmeal Recipes like this one are beneficial for your health:

High in Fiber: Oats are rich in soluble fiber, which helps to regulate digestion and keep you feeling full. This makes it a great choice for those looking to manage their weight or improve their gut health.
Riche en Nutriments: The oats in this recipe are packed with essential vitamins and minerals like manganese, iron, and magnesium, all of which contribute to overall health and wellness.
Personnalisable: One of the best things about baked oatmeal is that it’s easily customizable. You can swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs. For example, you can make it egg-free by omitting eggs, use a dairy-free milk option for those who are lactose intolerant, or add extra fruits and nuts for added flavor and nutrition.
Easy Meal Prep: Baked oatmeal is a great meal prep option. You can bake a large batch, slice it into squares, and store it in the fridge for a quick breakfast throughout the week. It’s a fantastic healthy breakfast recipe that can save you time in the morning.
Satisfies Sweet Cravings: With the addition of banana and chocolate chips, this oatmeal satisfies your sweet tooth without the need for refined sugars or processed ingredients.

How to Make This Recipe Even Healthier

While this Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal is already packed with wholesome ingredients, you can further boost its nutritional value by incorporating the following changes:

Add More Fiber: Consider adding extra chia seeds, flaxseeds, or ground nuts to increase the fiber content and omega-3 fatty acids.
Use Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a lower sugar content and more antioxidants.
Substitute Maple Syrup: If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, you can reduce or eliminate the maple syrup and let the natural sweetness of the bananas shine through.

Réflexions Finales

This Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal recipe is a perfect blend of health, taste, and convenience. It’s a fantastic choice for those looking for a petit-déjeuner sain that provides lasting energy, without compromising on flavor. Whether you’re following a real food diet, looking for an egg-free breakfast, or simply craving something sweet, this oatmeal recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s also an ideal option for busy mornings, as you can bake a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it all week long.

Give this recipe a try and experience the perfect balance of nourishing ingredients, sweet flavor, and comforting texture. It’s more than just a breakfast—it’s a wholesome start to your day that you can feel good about.