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This pumpkin and banana baked oatmeal makes a cozy breakfast that fills your home with the lovely smells of cinnamon and nutmeg. It blends the sweet flavor of ripe bananas with the creamy pumpkin puree for a healthy start that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
I gave this dish a go on a cold morning when I needed something warm and healthy. It quickly turned into a weekend favorite for my whole crew, especially with that comforting fall smell in the air.
What You’ll Need
- Thick rolled oats: make a filling base that soaks in all the moisture for a rich texture—old-fashioned oats work great
- Pure pumpkin puree: brings moisture and flavor plus vitamins—make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pie mix
- Ripe bananas: give natural sweetness and help things stick together—pick ones with lots of brown spots for full flavor
- Milk or plant milk: adds creaminess and softens the oats
- Large eggs: hold everything together and give the baked oats some shape
- Maple syrup: adds a gentle sweetness—go for pure for the best taste
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: warm and spice up the dish for fall vibes
- Baking powder: helps the oats puff up a bit for a light finish
- A pinch of salt: balances the sweetness and pumps up the spices
- Optional nuts or dried fruit: give a nice crunch and extra flavor pops
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the oven:
- Turn your oven on to 350°F and grease an 8x8 inch pan well so the oatmeal doesn’t stick and slices easily.
- Mix wet stuff:
- In a big bowl, whisk together pumpkin, mashed bananas, milk, eggs, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything’s smooth and combined.
- Add dry ingredients:
- Slowly stir in rolled oats and baking powder making sure the mix is even but don’t overdo it so the oats keep some texture.
- Get it ready to bake:
- Pour the batter into your greased pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly for a nice crust and even baking.
- Bake it up:
- Put the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and enjoy:
- Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes so flavors settle and it’s easier to cut. Serve warm with extra maple syrup or some yogurt if you like.
I'm a big fan of the cinnamon that mixes so well with pumpkin and banana. It takes me back to crisp fall mornings baking with family where all the best laughs and stories happened near the oven.
Keeping It Fresh
Put leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight box in the fridge for up to three days. It warms up nicely in the microwave or oven and tastes just as good. For longer storage, split into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before heating again.
Switch It Up
You can swap pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree in colder months for a cozy change. Coconut or almond milk work great instead of dairy and add their own subtle flavors. Toss in a scoop of nut butter or sprinkle chia seeds before baking for a bit more protein and nice texture.
Great Things to Serve With It
This baked oatmeal shines with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of warm cream for extra richness. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries adds some nice brightness. A hot chai tea or spiced coffee pairs perfectly with the warm spices and makes breakfast feel special.
This hot baked oatmeal is more than breakfast. It’s a comforting habit that mixes family time and great flavor in every bite.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Which oats give the best texture here?
Go for rolled oats since they soak up liquids nicely but don’t get soggy, so you end up with a great bite after baking.
- → Can I swap pumpkin puree for something else?
Yes, pureed squash or sweet potato work well too and keep that moist feel with a hint of sweetness.
- → How do bananas change how this feels when you eat it?
Mashing ripe bananas makes it creamy and moist. They keep things soft and bring natural sweetness so you don’t need extra sugar.
- → What’s the easiest way to mix in nuts or dried fruit?
Stir them in gently before baking or sprinkle on top once it’s done to add some crunch.
- → How do I keep leftovers fresh and reheat them?
Cover leftovers and pop them in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them up gently in the oven or microwave so they don’t dry out.