If you’re looking for a delicious, nutritious breakfast that’s easy to grab on the go, look no further than Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups. These wholesome little cups combine the creamy richness of peanut butter, the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, and the heartiness of oats into a perfectly portioned, portable breakfast or snack. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just craving a cozy, comforting morning treat, these baked oatmeal cups are a fantastic way to start your day.
Why Choose Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups?
Breakfast can often be rushed or skipped altogether, especially when mornings get busy. That’s why these oatmeal cups are such a game-changer—they’re easy to make ahead, packed with energy-boosting ingredients, and perfectly portioned to fit your busy lifestyle.
- Convenience: Bake a batch on the weekend and enjoy them all week long. They’re easy to store in the fridge or freezer and can be eaten cold or warmed up.
- Balanced Nutrition: Loaded with fiber from oats and bananas, healthy fats and protein from peanut butter, and natural sweetness, these cups help keep you full and satisfied until lunch.
- Kid-Friendly: These baked oatmeal cups make a great breakfast or snack option for kids, with familiar flavors and a soft, muffin-like texture.
- Versatile: Easily customize them by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to suit your taste.
Ingredients That Make These Cups So Good
Here’s what you’ll need for your batch of Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups:
- Rolled oats — the base that gives these cups their chewy, hearty texture
- Ripe bananas — mashed to add natural sweetness and moisture
- Peanut butter — creamy or crunchy, providing richness and protein
- Milk — dairy or plant-based to bring everything together
- Honey or maple syrup — for a touch of extra sweetness (optional)
- Eggs — to bind the ingredients and help the cups hold their shape
- Baking powder — for a little lift and fluffiness
- Vanilla extract — to enhance the overall flavor
- Cinnamon — for warmth and spice
- Salt — to balance sweetness
- Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners to make removing the oatmeal cups easier.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and honey or maple syrup until well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until fully incorporated. If you’re adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in now.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the oatmeal batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the oatmeal cups are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cups to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or store for later.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Oatmeal Cups
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Feel free to swap peanut butter for other nut or seed butters like almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter.
- For a gluten-free version, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
- Customize by adding your favorite toppings like a drizzle of honey, nut butter, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts before serving.
- These oatmeal cups freeze beautifully — just pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
Why These Cups Are a Great Meal Prep Option
Making a batch of Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups is an excellent way to streamline your mornings. They keep well in the fridge for up to a week and freeze for up to three months. This means you can enjoy a nutritious breakfast or snack anytime, without any extra prep or cooking.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups are a simple, wholesome, and satisfying way to fuel your day. With their natural sweetness, comforting flavors, and nutritious ingredients, they’re sure to become a breakfast staple in your home. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a lazy weekend morning, these baked oatmeal cups offer the perfect balance of taste and convenience.
Try baking a batch this weekend—you’ll love how easy and delicious healthy eating can be!