Banana Cream Oatmeal

Breakfast at a Glance

• Prep Time: <15 minutes total
• Planning Ahead: You could measure out the ingredients ahead of time to make it slightly quicker in the morning
• Morning Effort: About 15 minutes
• Protein: 19g
• Fiber: 10g

Nessy's Note

It's no wonder that desserts like banana cream pie and banana pudding (which inspires the flavor of my banana chia overnight oats) are so loved. Banana and cream go great together!

This banana cream oatmeal captures that same flavor in a cozy, nourishing breakfast that's creamy, just sweet enough and packed with extra fiber and protein to keep you satisfied for hours.

• Large Flake Rolled Oats- This is my go-to for my morning oatmeal (and for my Greek yogurt overnight oats). While I love steel cut oats, they take a lot longer to cook (and aren't always feasible for a busy morning!).
  • Substitution: If you prefer quick oats or steel cut oats, you can experiment with increasing the liquid and cook time (for steel cut oats) or decreasing the liquid and cook time (for quick oats) but I haven't personally tested it for this recipe.
• Banana- Like for banana chocolate overnight oats, I recommend using a banana that is ripe with a few brown spots as it will be sweeter. We'll be mashing half of it and cooking it right into the oatmeal and then slice the other half for topping.
• Milk- I like to cook my oatmeal in dairy milk to add a bit of protein and to make it extra creamy. Milk boils over quite easily (more easily than water), so be sure to keep a close eye on it!
  • Substitution: Water also works or an alternative milk. Note that the protein in the recipe will vary depending on what you use.
• Chia Seeds- I almost always add some chia seeds to my oatmeal to up the fiber.
  • Substitution: You can also add ground flaxseed or leave it out.
• Sea Salt- I swear by adding a bit of salt to oatmeal whenever I make it as I find it just makes it taste so much better.
• Egg- Egg white oatmeal is definitely having a moment and for good reason, I love adding some egg whites to oatmeal to make it more filling! But did you know the concept also works with just adding a whole egg? I added an egg to the recipe for extra protein and it also makes the oatmeal a bit more fluffy.
  • Substitution: You can sub ¼ cup of eggs whites or simply leave it out.
• Cream- For the "cream" in this banana cream oatmeal. I used half and half but heavy cream or coffee cream will also work depending on your preferences (or what you have on hand, which is how I most often decide!).
  • Substitution: Milk or yogurt can be used instead- they'll add a bit more protein as well.

My Tips for the Best Banana Cream Oatmeal

• Enjoy it fresh. For best texture and flavor, this oatmeal is best eaten right after making.
• Choose a ripe banana. It adds natural sweetness and provides a stronger banana flavor.
• Cook in milk. This makes the oats extra creamy and adds protein. But keep a close eye on it so that it doesn't boil over!
• Don't skip the salt. A small pinch brings the flavors together.

More Oatmeal Recipes...

• Brownie Baked Oatmeal
• Cinnamon Overnight Oats
• Peanut Butter Cup Oatmeal