Banana Bread Oatmeal Recipe (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

This Banana Bread Oatmeal tastes like a slice of homemade banana bread but is refined sugar-free, vegan, and can easily be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats! This is such an easy recipe with simple ingredients that any banana bread lover will obsess over.

I am a total oatmeal lover and will eat oatmeal in just about any way possible. Cold, as overnight oats, as baked oatmeal, baked blended oats, or, if I feel like I need some extra comfort, cooked on the stovetop.

I love coming up with new oatmeal recipes for you and this Banana Bread Stovetop Oatmeal is my current favorite. You know me, I’m obsessed with all things banana desserts and already have some Banana Cream Pie Overnight Oats, Healthy Banana Bread Cookies and Healthy Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal on the blog to prove it.

Banana bread is such a simple yet delicious snack or breakfast and it’s a pretty perfect dessert too. So when I was trying to come up with a new dessert-inspired stovetop oatmeal recipe, my mind immediately went to “banana bread”  and I knew it was going to be a hit.

This healthy oatmeal banana bread is refined sugar-free and can easily be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats!  Further down, I add some awesome tips on how to make great oatmeal on the stove that the whole family will love! 

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR MAKING BANANA BREAD OATS RECIPE

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the banana bread recipe (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• brown bananas, mashed – it would not be banana bread oatmeal without it but apart from the taste it is also added for sweetness 
• certified gluten-free oats – old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats work best here. Could also use steel cut oats for this recipe.
• chia seeds for some extra nutritional value and healthy fats
• cinnamon and vanilla are a must for that signature banana bread flavour 
• we cook the oats in a mix of almond milk and water for that perfect creamy texture. Any non-dairy milk such as oat milk, soy milk or coconut milk will do the trick.
• a pinch of sea salt is important to enhance the nutty oat flavour 
• toppings: I like to add some banana slices caramelized in coconut oil along with walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon 
• optional: brown sugar, peanut butter, almond butter, vanilla extract, pure maple syrup, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT OATMEAL

1. Add all ingredients under “FOR OATMEAL” in a small saucepan. Cook on medium low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon.  
2. Cook for approximately 10 minutes. Make sure you continue to stir every once in awhile to prevent the bottom from burning.  
3. In a separate frying pan, heat coconut oil. Add sliced bananas and walnut and sprinkle everything with cinnamon. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping bananas half way, to caramelize them.  
4. Once the old fashioned oats have fully cooked and have sat to thicken for 1-2 minutes, transfer to a bowl. Top with caramelized bananas and toasted walnuts. Sprinkle with more cinnamon and serve with almond milk if desired! 

Wondering how to cook the perfect oatmeal on the stove? Making the perfect bowl of oatmeal is pretty easy if you follow these tips.

WATER OR MILK FOR THIS COZY BANANA BREAD OATMEAL?

You can cook oatmeal with water or milk. The ratio of liquid / water to oatmeal is 2:1. The usual serving size is ½ cup oats to 1 cup of water, milk, or a combination of both.

I like my oatmeal creamy so we use a mix of water and almond milk. The key to getting a creamy bowl of oatmeal is using enough water. Notice I said water—cooking oatmeal in just milk tends to make sticky, thick oatmeal.

ADD SOME SALT

You should add a pinch of salt at the beginning! The salt emphasizes the oat’s natural flavours. Adding it later as an afterthought only makes your bowl taste salty. 

STIR – BUT NOT TOO OFTEN

Gluey oatmeal is the result of over-stirring them while they’re cooking. Now I know it’s very tempting to want to continually stir those oats as they simmer, but try to leave them undisturbed. Cover the pot and let them do their thing.

USE OVERRIPE BANANAS

The more ripe the mashed bananas are, the more of a delicious banana flavor will come through. If you use green bananas vs spotty bananas it will not yield a very sweet taste.

HOW TO STORE THIS PERFECT BREAKFAST

Homemade Banana Bread Oatmeal is a comforting and flavorful breakfast option that can be stored for later enjoyment. Here’s how to store it properly:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the cooked oatmeal to cool down to room temperature before attempting to store it. This prevents condensation and moisture buildup in the storage container.
2. Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled banana bread oatmeal to an airtight container. Use containers made of glass or plastic that have tight-fitting lids.
3. Portion Control: If you plan to enjoy the oatmeal over several days, consider portioning it into individual servings before storing. This prevents unnecessary exposure to air and moisture when you open the container.
4. Refrigeration: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator. Homemade oatmeal can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
5. Microwave Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, scoop out the desired portion of oatmeal and transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl. Reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated to your preferred temperature.
6. Stir Before Reheating: Oatmeal tends to thicken as it cools, so give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the moisture and ensure a consistent texture. Enjoy this great recipe!

TOPPINGS:

I topped my banana bread oatmeal with caramelized bananas and walnuts (see recipe) and also added some nut butter to up the protein content.

And while I was at it, I added some sugar-free chocolate chips! Feel free to add whatever add-ons you like for your perfect loaf of banana bread. Thinks pecans, coconut, or maybe some cocoa nibs! Enjoy!

If you want to throw a pumpkin twist on this for fall you can add some pumpkin pie spice as well.

MORE HEALTHY OATMEAL RECIPES: 

• Tiktok Baked Oats (Birthday Cake)
• Chocolate Zucchini Baked Oats
• Gluten Free Key Lime Pie Overnight Oats
• Biscoff Baked Oats
• Gluten Free High Protein Carrot Cake Baked Oats

IF YOU TRIED THIS HEALTHY BANANA OATMEAL PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails