Mashed Banana Oatmeal is the easiest sugar-free "sweet" breakfast of all time. It's literally just oatmeal with mashed bananas, and although it's not even a little bit fancy, it's cheap, easy to make, and yummy!
Recipe: $0.94 | Per Serving: $0.47 | Yield: 2 Servings
This recipe was originally published in February of 2016. It has been updated with new photos, nutrition information, and more detailed instructions. Thank you for supporting me and my blog!
Why You Should Make Mashed Banana Oatmeal
Here's a surprise for you, I have never liked oatmeal. The people surrounding me enjoy it - love it, even! - but I always thought it was just...blah. Then, one day, two things changed my opinion: milk and mashed bananas.
First of all, oatmeal made with only water tastes watery. That's a fact. Second of all, cooking the oats with sliced or mashed bananas makes them sweet and creamy. Plus, an ingredients list doesn't get much easier (and cheaper) than this.
Sorry oat haters, I'm jumping ship and I'm now 100% on board with mashed banana oatmeal. If you give it a fair chance you'll probably join me!
How to Make a Quick and Easy Breakfast
Ingredients
Oats, banana, milk. I'm serious, that's really all you need to get started. I would eat those three ingredients alone, but I also love myself so I include some additional ingredients that add more flavor and texture, and of course protein and fiber for more balanced blood sugar.
Beyond those three key ingredients, you can add vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, or cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.
If you're a texture person, you can play with ingredients like hemp hearts, chia seeds, and an assortment of nuts. If you'd like it a little thicker and creamier - add a swirl of almond butter! Finally, one of my favorite ways to keep my mashed banana oatmeal new and exciting is by adding seasonal fruits! Juicy blueberries anyone?
Step-By-Step Instructions
Start by slicing the banana into small rounds, and then toss them into a small pot with the oats and ½ a cup of water. I sometimes only use water for this first step because milk can scorch on the bottom of the pan, but you can add the milk here too if you're watching the pot.
Bring the pot to a simmer and then cook until most of the water is absorbed. Add the milk and reduce the stove to low heat, stirring occasionally, cooking until your desired texture is reached.
While you stir, mash the bananas up a bit until they're well combined with the oats. Leave some chunks if that's your preference, and add more water if it's necessary to reach your desired texture. Then, stir in the additional ingredients of your choice and enjoy!
FAQs and Dietary Modifications
Oatmeal and banana contain fiber, which is great for your digestion! But together, they're very high in carbohydrates without much fat, fiber, or protein to balance your blood sugar. I always recommend adding things like nuts, seeds, nut butter, a high-protein milk, or protein powder to your oatmeal.
You can always blend your oats before cooking to reach a fine texture and then add milk and banana and blend. Then add the mixture to your pot to heat, and add the rest of your desired ingredients before serving. Alternatively, use instant oats (unsweetened), which will result in a smoother texture.
It's a personal preference, but keep in mind that milk makes your oatmeal creamier and usually provides protein! Enough said!
Vegetarian: YEP!
Vegan: Not with milk, but if you use water or plant-based milk it is! For plant-based milks, I recommend organic soy milk as this has a higher protein content.
Paleo: Nope!
Whole 30: Nope!
Low FODMAP: Yes, in moderation and without dairy milk!
Additional Breakfast Recipes
- Single Serve Overnight Oats
- Banana Peanut Butter Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
- Whole Wheat Carrot Banana Muffins
- Chickpea Shakshuka with Kale
I hope you enjoy this simple breakfast recipe - and if you make it, please be sure to leave a ⭐️ review and comment below!
For videos of different recipes from my blog, please check out my Instagram and YouTube channel!
Mashed Banana Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 medium banana ripe
- 1 cup instant or rolled oats look for gluten-free oats if you're gluten-free!
- ½ cup water more if needed
- 1 cup whole milk soy milk or any
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- 1 splash vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons hemp hearts
- 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
- 2-4 Tablespoons almond butter as desired
- ½ cup berries
- Optional: sweetener of choice ¼ cup additional nuts and seeds if desired (flax, pumpkin, sunflower, almond, walnuts, etc.)
Instructions
- Slice the banana into small rounds, then toss them in a small pot with the oats, ½ cup water, and milk.
- (Milk can scorch on the bottom of the pan, so feel free to start with only the water if desired.)
- Bring to a very low simmer, then reduce heat, and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir often.
- As you stir, mash the bananas up a bit until they're well combined. Leave some chunks if desired. Add more water if necessary to continue cooking the oats to your preference.
- Once desired consistency is reached, remove from heat and stir in the cinnamon & vanilla.
- Divide into two bowls and pile high with the hemp hearts, chia seeds, almond butter, and berries.
Banana as a sweetener is so good!
It's the best! And personally, I much prefer the texture of oatmeal with the banana. :)
Bananas and oatmeal are one of my favorite easy breakfasts. This recipe was easy and came out perfectly!
Thanks, Lyn! Definitely my go-to way for preparing oatmeal!