Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups are a delicious and nutritious choice for breakfast or snacks. These little cups are easy to make and packed with flavor. They are perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or even as a sweet treat after a workout. The combination of peanut butter and banana creates a delightful taste that is both satisfying and wholesome.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cups come together quickly, making them ideal for any skill level.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with oats, bananas, and peanut butter, these cups offer a healthy dose of fiber and protein.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy them warm or cold, for breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up. They can fit into any part of your day.
- Make Ahead: These oatmeal cups store well in the fridge or freezer, allowing you to prepare them in advance.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweet taste of banana combined with creamy peanut butter makes them a hit with kids.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups, you’ll need some essential tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: This is crucial for shaping the oatmeal into perfectly sized cups.
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl helps combine all ingredients efficiently.
- Whisk: Use this tool to blend wet ingredients smoothly with dry ones for even flavor distribution.
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Cups
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oatmeal cups bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin
Grease the muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with muffin liners. This prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. The mashed bananas
2. The peanut butter
3. The milk
4. The honey or maple syrup
Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together:
1. The rolled oats
2. The baking powder
3. The cinnamon
4. The salt
Stir until well blended.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Tin
Spoon the mixture into each muffin cup until about three-quarters full.
Step 7: Bake in Oven
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Allow the oatmeal cups to cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Top with chopped parsley if desired before serving. Enjoy your Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a quick breakfast, a snack on-the-go, or a dessert, these cups are versatile and satisfying.
For Breakfast
- With Yogurt: Top your oatmeal cups with Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside sliced strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Nut Butter Drizzle: A drizzle of extra peanut butter enhances flavor and richness.
As a Snack
- Nut Mix: Pair with a handful of mixed nuts for a crunchy texture and healthy fats.
- Smoothie: Enjoy with a fruit smoothie for an energy-boosting snack that’s easy to prepare.
For Dessert
- Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips on top before baking for a sweet touch.
- Ice Cream Scoop: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
To make the best Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups, consider these helpful tips:
- Bold Flavoring: Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and enhanced flavor.
- Even Cooking: Ensure your cups are evenly filled to promote uniform baking.
- Cooling Time: Allow them to cool slightly before removing from the pan to maintain their shape.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
These oatmeal cups pair excellently with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Cottage Cheese: Creamy cottage cheese offers protein and pairs well with the oatmeal’s texture.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious pudding adds another layer of flavor and health benefits.
- Granola Bars: Crunchy granola bars provide additional crunch and make for an easy grab-and-go option.
- Oatmeal Smoothie: Blend oats, banana, and milk for a drinkable version of your favorite baked treat.
- Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey over the top enhances sweetness naturally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial for consistency. Use measuring cups and spoons, and check for precision.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense oatmeal cups. Stir just until ingredients are combined for a lighter texture.
- Skipping the resting time: Allowing the mixture to sit before baking helps flavors meld together. Give it at least 10 minutes before placing in the oven.
- Using ripe bananas only: While ripe bananas add sweetness, using overripe ones can change the flavor profile. Choose bananas that are yellow with some brown spots.
- Not greasing the muffin tin: A well-greased tin prevents sticking and makes removal easy. Use cooking spray or butter generously on each cup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
- Place the cups in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them first.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups that might help you get started.
Can I customize my Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups?
Yes! You can add nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
How do I know when my oatmeal cups are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I make these oatmeal cups gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use certified gluten-free oats in your recipe.
What’s the best way to serve Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups?
They are delicious as is but can be topped with yogurt, honey, or sliced fruits for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups offer a delightful blend of flavors while being healthy and filling. Their versatility allows for numerous customization options based on your preferences. Whether as a breakfast treat or a snack, these oatmeal cups are sure to please everyone!
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 oatmeal cups 1x
Description
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups are a scrumptious and healthy breakfast or snack option that will delight your taste buds. These easy-to-make cups combine the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a wholesome treat perfect for any time of day. Ideal for busy mornings or as a post-workout snack, these oatmeal cups are not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients like oats and protein-rich peanut butter. With their versatility, you can enjoy them warm or cold, on their own or topped with yogurt, fruit, or a drizzle of honey. Plus, they store well in the fridge or freezer, making meal prep a breeze!
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners.
- In a bowl, combine mashed bananas, peanut butter, milk, and honey or maple syrup; whisk until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spoon mixture into muffin cups until three-quarters full.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor. Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.