Cherry & Banana Baked Oatmeal

Looking for easy and healthy breakfast ideas? You’ve come to the right place! Introducing these Easy Cherry & Banana Baked Oatmeal (yes, they are one of my all time FAVOURITE breakfasts).

If you’re looking for ways to spice up your mornings a little with a delicious but healthy breakfast, this is the perfect recipe for you! I find I can easily get sick of monotonous porridge and oatmeal bowls, so it’s important to switch up your meals to keep those mornings delicious! Plus, baking your oats literally makes them taste like hot, cakey dessert.. and who doesn’t like dessert?

As the mornings get a little darker and cooler this autumn, these hot and fudgy baked oats make for the most comforting, warming breakfast (as well as being packed with tonnes of fibre, healthy fats and antioxidants!)

One of the things I love most about oatmeal is that you can get so creative with it. I absolutely love playing around with different toppings for my oats. Oatmeal is delicious with thick coconut yoghurt, peanut butter (it goes all ‘melty’), coconut shreds, maple syrup.. the list is endless! I’ve listed a few additional ideas in the ingredients list so you can get creative.

For more delicious and healthy breakfast recipe ideas, why not check out these Hot Chocolate Overnight Oats or The Best Thick Chocolate Smoothie Bowl.

If you make this Cherry & Banana Baked Oatmeal, then please make sure to comment below or tag me in your recreations over on Instagram using @ginabnutrition or #ginabnutrition – I love to see them! Happy breakfasting!

Is Baked Oatmeal Good For You?

Baked oatmeal can indeed be a wholesome and flavorful breakfast choice, but its nutritional value hinges on the ingredients incorporated into the recipe and the overall nutrient balance it offers.

Baked oatmeal capitalizes on the nourishing attributes of oats, a whole grain teeming with complex carbohydrates, fiber, and a medley of essential vitamins and minerals. The soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucans, present in oats can contribute to lower cholesterol levels and promote digestive well-being. This fiber content, along with the intricate carbohydrates, can also foster a sense of fullness and contentment, potentially facilitating weight management.

Furthermore, the versatility of baked oatmeal allows for the infusion of nutritious add-ins, such as fruits, nuts, seeds, and aromatic spices.

So yeah, Cherry & Banana Baked Oatmeal is certainly a nutritious breakfast recipe that could be considered good for you!

Cherry & Banana Baked Oatmeal

1. Rolled Oats (1/2 Cup):
   • Oats are a good source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, promoting satiety and digestive health.
   • They provide energy and essential nutrients such as B-vitamins, iron, and magnesium.
     
2. Mashed Banana (1/2):
   • Bananas are rich in potassium, which is important for heart health and maintaining fluid balance in the body.
   • They provide natural sweetness and contribute to the texture of the oatmeal.
     
3. Ground Flaxseed (1 tbsp):
   • Flaxseeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, which have potential health benefits including heart health and digestive regularity.
     
4. Vanilla Extract (1 tsp):
   • Vanilla extract adds flavor and aroma to the oatmeal.
   • It contains minimal nutritional value but enhances the overall taste of the dish.
     
5. Maple Syrup (1 tsp):
   • Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that provides a source of carbohydrates and adds sweetness to the oatmeal.
     
6. Salt (Pinch):
   • A pinch of salt enhances the flavors in the oatmeal.
   • It’s important to use salt in moderation to control sodium intake.
     
7. Cinnamon (Pinch):
   • Cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor to the oatmeal.
   • It also has potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and potential blood sugar regulation.
     
8. Dairy-Free Milk (1/2 Cup):
   • Dairy-free milk provides liquid to cook the oats and adds creaminess to the oatmeal.
   • Nutritional content varies based on the type of milk used (e.g., almond, soy, coconut).
     
9. Stoned Cherries (1 Handful, frozen):
   • Cherries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
   • They provide natural sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor.

How Healthy is Oatmeal with Banana?

The combination of oats and bananas (banana baked oatmeal) creates a balanced meal that provides a mix of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The fiber in both oats and bananas helps with digestive health and contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management. Finally, the natural sugars in bananas add sweetness to the oatmeal without the need for excessive added sugars.