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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

Bananas And Cream Oatmeal

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When you’re craving banana bread but want something quicker and healthier, then you’ve got to give this bananas and cream oatmeal a try! It has all of the flavor of rich, moist banana bread, but rolled into a simple healthy morning oatmeal! It’s also vegan and gluten-free!

Homemade bananas and cream oatmeal in a bowl, topped with milk.

You really can’t go wrong with this easy, healthy bananas and cream oatmeal recipe. It makes a quick and easy weekday breakfast, it’s delicious as part of a larger brunch spread, and it’s perfect for the whole family!

Bananas in oatmeal is one of those classic combinations, and I will often make a simple vegan banana oatmeal for breakfast! But with just a few additions you can turn a regular bowl of oatmeal with banana into decadent, delicious banana bread oatmeal.

This easy banana nut oatmeal is truly AMAZING. It totally tastes just like banana bread, and it’s actually a total Quaker bananas and cream oatmeal copycat – but much healthier for you. And it is the perfect way to start your morning because it’s packed with nutrients, but is also hearty and satisfying enough to keep you full until lunch.

Our entire family loves this banana and cream oatmeal. I have a feeling once you taste all the spices and delicious flavors, you are going to be a believer as well. Plus, you can whip this up in under 15 minutes, so it’s great for those crazy mornings when you don’t have a lot of time.

And if you want to go crazy with banana flavor, feel free to pair this oatmeal with my gluten free chocolate chip banana bread or my vegan banana bread!

👩🏽‍🍳 Why This Recipe Works

  • Easy recipe
  • Ready in less than 15 minutes
  • Super creamy banana oatmeal
  • Vegan and gluten free
  • Healthier copycat quaker oats banana and cream oatmeal
  • Kid friendly
  • Family friendly
  • Simple to customize – lots of variations to try!

Latest Recipe Video!

🥘 Ingredients

This bananas and cream oatmeal recipe calls for only 5 simple ingredients, plus a few spices for more flavor! See the recipe card below for the full instructions and nutritional information.

Ingredients for healthy bananas and cream oatmeal recipe on a white background.
  • Old Fashioned Oats: I like using rolled oats for this banana cream oatmeal recipe, because they have a fluffy, creamy, hearty texture.
  • Sliced Bananas: The riper the better! Overripe bananas will make this oatmeal super sweet without needing a lot of added sugar. Feel free to use banana slices or even mashed bananas will work.
  • Walnuts: Walnuts in oatmeal is one of my favorite combinations. Walnuts are have a rich, slightly sweet, earthy and buttery flavor with a mild crunchy texture that pairs really well with oatmeal. But you can use any nuts you like, or omit them if you’re not a fan of nuts!
  • Spices & Sugar: Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg help give this oatmeal its banana bread flavor. We use just a little bit of coconut sugar to sweeten it up, but you can use brown sugar, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute if you like. You can also omit the sugar altogether if you want a less sweet oatmeal.
  • Water And Unsweetened Almond Milk: Combining water and milk allows you to get a lot of volume out of your oats, while still getting a creamy and rich feeling. You can use any milk you like – everything from regular milk to soy milk to oat milk or your favorite non-dairy milk will all work. For a super decadent feel, try coconut cream, canned coconut milk, or whole milk. For a thinner oatmeal, use more water or milk, for a thicker oatmeal, use less!

🔪 Instructions

Cook Oats: Cook the oats according to package directions (I cooked mine in the microwave with 1¼ cups water).

Cooked oatmeal in a bowl with toppings on the side.

Combine Cooked Oats With Toppings: Top with bananas, walnuts, spices, salt, and coconut sugar and stir to combine.

Easy banana bread oatmeal in a white bowl with a spoon.

Add Milk: Pour the milk over your homemade banana oatmeal until they have reached the consistency you want (for thicker oats, use less milk).

Milk added to banana cream oatmeal in a white bowl.

Stir And Serve: Stir to combine, serve this bananas and cream oatmeal warm!

Homemade banana oatmeal in a white bowl with a spoon.

💭 Expert Tips

  • Don’t overcook your oats. They will become mushy if you cook them for too long. Also, don’t use quick oats or instant oats because they will get mushy super fast!
  • Make sure to use rolled oats for this recipe. They deliver an excellent texture, yet still cook quickly. Steel cut oats will take as long as 45 minutes to cook, while quick oats tend to have a mushy consistency.
  • Not all oats are gluten free. Make sure to use gluten free certified oats if you’re trying to guarantee that this recipe is gluten free. While all oats technically are gluten free, not all oats are processed in gluten-free facilities, so cross-contamination is a risk. If you need this oatmeal recipe with banana to be gluten free, make sure the package of oats says “certified gluten free”. If you can find it, I recommend purity protocol oats for a super guaranteed gluten free version.
  • Meal prep this banana walnut oatmeal recipe by making a double batch, separating it into individual serving containers and storing it in the fridge. Then when you’re ready to serve, just pop it into the microwave and enjoy it all week long!
  • When making this for kids, feel free to split one serving into two – since each serving of this cream of oatmeal with bananas is quite large. Feel free to add their favorite toppings and drizzles on top!

📖 Variations

There are so many ways to mix up this gluten free, vegan banana bread oatmeal recipe! Feel free to make adjustments or add extra ingredients as you see fit. Here are a few ideas that you may enjoy:

  • Mix-Ins: You can add any of your favorite toppings to this simple recipe! Try peanut butter, almond butter, chia seeds, flaxseeds, other nuts like pecans, almonds, cashews or peanuts, some high protein granola or low calorie granola for a bit of crunch. For a more decadent, dessert like feel, try mini chocolate chips, or drizzle on vegan nutella or this white chocolate hazelnut spread!
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice Oatmeal With Vanilla: Instead of cinnamon, add pumpkin pie spice and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract!
  • Add Protein: Feel free to add 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra protein boost!
  • Reduce the Sugar: Instead of coconut sugar, you can use a sugar-free option like monk fruit or stevia.
  • Caramelized Banana Oatmeal: Spray a small skillet with olive oil spray or coconut oil spray and cook the bananas for 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized before adding them to your oatmeal.
  • Banana Overnight Oats: Don’t cook your oats, and instead, combine the oats, mix-ins, and 1 cup almond milk in a mason jar or airtight container. Store in the fridge overnight, then enjoy in the morning!

❓Recipe FAQs

Is oatmeal with banana healthy?

Yes! Plain oatmeal with mashed banana is super healthy for you. And even with our additions, this bananas and cream oatmeal is healthy. Here’s what makes it so good for you!

#1 | Low In Calories: There are only about 300 calories in this banana bread oatmeal. And you get a HUGE serving for 300 calories! Considering many other breakfasts have well over 500 calories, this is a filling breakfast that won’t weigh you down!

#2 | High In Protein: Oats are an excellent source of plant protein. Served with almond milk, the total protein in each serving is 9-10 grams.

#3 | High In Fiber: Oats are also an excellent source of fiber. Fiber helps with digestion and also keeps you feeling fuller longer! Each bowl of banana cream oatmeal has almost 8 grams of fiber.

#4 | Low in Sugar: If you use coconut sugar, each serving will have 4 grams of added sugar, half the amount of Quaker bananas and cream instant oatmeal. If you omit the sugar or use a sugar substitute, each bowl will have 0 grams of added sugar and only 7 grams of natural sugar from the bananas!

What is the healthiest fruit to put in oatmeal?

Just about any fruit is both delicious and healthy to put in oatmeal, because all fruits are high in vitamins, nutrients and fiber – all things that are really great for you. Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, pears, bananas, mangoes, peaches and even cherries are all great fruit options to mix into oatmeal for added nutrition, flavor, and sweetness.

How Do You Store and Reheat Oatmeal?

If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator in an air tight container. Another option is you can make a large serving, and place in individual serving containers to reheat in the morning. They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

You can reheat this mashed banana oatmeal in the microwave or on the stovetop, whichever works better for you. Add a little bit more almond milk to the oatmeal because it will have thickened after being refrigerated. Then warm in the microwave for 45 seconds. Or reheat on the stovetop on medium heat, stirring consistently until warmed through.

What is the best type of oats to use for oatmeal?

There are three different types of oats: quick, rolled, and steel cut – and each has a different cooking time. In general, for oatmeal, I recommend using rolled oats for this oatmeal banana recipe. They deliver an excellent texture, yet still cook quickly.

Steel cut oats are also a good option, as they have an even more hearty texture than rolled oats and taste great, but they can take as long as 45 minutes to cook.

I don’t recommend quick oats for oatmeal – even though they cook fast, they always end up having a mushy consistency because they are cut so finely!

Healthy bananas and cream oatmeal in a bowl, topped with milk.

🥣 More Healthy Oatmeal Recipes!

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📋 Recipe Card

🎥 Watch How to Make It

https://youtu.be/opGy7KxeruQ
Homemade bananas and cream oatmeal in a bowl, topped with milk.
Print Recipe
5 from 7 votes

Bananas And Cream Oatmeal

When you’re craving banana bread but want something quicker and healthier, then you’ve got to give this bananas and cream oatmeal a try! It has all of the flavor of rich, moist banana bread, but rolled into a simple healthy morning oatmeal! It's also vegan and gluten-free!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 312kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook the oats according to package directions (I cooked mine in the microwave with 1¼ cup water)
  • Top with bananas, walnuts, spices, salt, and coconut sugar and stir to combine.
  • Pour the milk over the oats until they have reached the consistency you want (for thicker oats, use less milk)
  • Stir to combine, serve hot.

Notes

Variations and Substitutions
There are so many ways to mix up this banana bread oatmeal recipe! Feel free to make adjustments or add extra ingredients as you see fit. Here are a few ideas that you may enjoy:
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice and Vanilla: Instead of cinnamon, add pumpkin pie spice and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract! It gives this recipe a nice warm autumn flavor. 
  • Chocolate Chips: Add a teaspoon of mini chocolate chips to the top for a touch of extra sweetness.
  • Nuts: While I already add walnuts to this recipe, you could sub them for other nuts such as pecans, almonds, cashews, or peanuts. You could even add ground flaxseed for more healthy fats, protein and nutty flavor.
  • Add Protein: Feel free to add 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra protein boost!
  • Reduce the Sugar: Instead of coconut sugar, you can use a sugar-free option like monk fruit or stevia.
  • Caramelize the Bananas: Spray a small skillet with olive oil spray or coconut oil spray and cook the bananas for 3-5 minutes until they are
Expert Tips
  • Don’t overcook the oats they will turn mushy. 
  • Add a little milk at a time until you get your desired texture.
  • Depending on the type of oats you use you will have a slightly different cooking time. I recommend using rolled oats. They deliver an excellent texture, yet still cook quickly. Steel cut oats will take as long as 45 minutes to cook, while quick oats tend to have a mushy consistency.
  • Make sure to use gluten free certified oats if you’re trying to guarantee that this recipe is gluten free (all rolled oats are not processed in gluten-free facilities, so cross-contamination can happen)
  • If you are running really short of time, simply pop this oatmeal into a sealable glass jar and you can eat it on the go.  You can also reheat it in the microwave, so you can take it to work and have a hot breakfast when you arrive!

Nutrition

Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 375mg | Potassium: 398mg | Fiber: 7.5g | Sugar: 11g

47 responses to “Bananas And Cream Oatmeal”

  1. Made this for my kids last week and the could not get enough! Thank you for making breakfast and our family and enjoyable event! 🙂5 stars

  2. wow! i love banana bread but never thought to make oatmeal! this is super delicious and i can’t wait to make it more frequently!

  3. This Banana Bread Oatmeal was out of this world delish! My kids loved it, and so did their friends who stayed over. I will be bookmarking this recipe for future use!!!

    Happy Holidays!5 stars

    • Thanks so much Kendra! I’m sure you will love this recipe – it’s one of my favs for breakfast!

  4. This recipe looks delicious but since I like my oatmeal like cold cereal I would like to try this recipe without cooking the oats. I bet It will still be yum.

    • Hi Kay! If you make this recipe without cooking the oats, I’d recommend you don’t use any water, and that you soak it overnight in milk or yogurt (so it’ll have the consistency of muesli in the morning) because otherwise the oats will taste really strange. Alternatively, you could cook the oatmeal and keep it in the fridge overnight, and then just mix in the toppings in the morning and it’ll be cold oatmeal. Hope that helps!

  5. Hi Anjali! You have so many inspiring recipes, and have already tried several ones out 😀 I have started a food blog on my own and would be so happy if you would´ve taken a few minutes to just check it out! -Lilly Leana <3

    • Hi Lilly! Aw thank you so much!! I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying my recipes. I just checked out your blog and I love it! Your photos are great and some of your recipes look absolutely delicious! Keep writing and stay in touch!

    • It depends on how much almond/soy milk, nuts and banana you use, but with these proportions: 1/2 cup oats (150 calories), 1/2 banana (50 calories), 1 Tbsp walnuts (50 calories), 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (40 calories), and 1/3 cup soy milk (30 calories) – you end up with: ~320 calories!

  6. This really sounds like it would be awesome for breakfast (and honestly, I rarely want anything for breakfast). Waking up to this would be a delight.

  7. Oh my… with the milk over top? It looks soooo good! The perfect combination of toppings makes or breaks oatmeal for me. You’ve done a fantastic job. mmm

    • Hehe thank you so much!! And yes – pouring the milk over might be my favorite part – because that’s when it really starts to come together, and it’s the last step before devouring it!

  8. I’m pretty sure I’ll make my daughter’s whole day when I make this for her in the morning. She is an oatmeal junkie and adding bananas will just send her right over. Great recipe, I love your innovation!

    • Me too! Oatmeal is such a great base for all kinds of creative toppings 🙂 Hope your kids love this!

      • It should be there now! Sorry for the slight delay in getting this recipe updated, but it should be all set! 🙂

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