Easy Banana Oat Recipe with Blueberries & Coconut Milk

Last Updated on 5 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Banana Oat Recipe With Blueberries & Coconut Milk

Introduction

Okay, friends, let me tell you about this recipe. It’s honestly become a staple in my kitchen – especially on those mornings when I need something quick, comforting, and actually good for me. I first made this when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to reach for a biscuit! It’s a warm hug in a baking dish, and the blueberries just make everything better. Plus, it’s so easy, even the kids can help (and they love helping!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana oat bake is seriously the best of both worlds. It feels like a treat, but it’s packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s perfect for a relaxed breakfast, a light dessert, or even a satisfying snack. It’s also super adaptable – you can easily swap out the blueberries for other fruits, or add a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch. Honestly, it’s a winner all around!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 4 ripe bananas
• 2 cups rolled oats (about 200g)
• 1 cup coconut milk (240ml)
• ½ cup maple syrup (120ml)
• 1 cup blueberries (about 150g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5g)
• 1 cup hot water (240ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Rolled Oats: These are the classic choice for a lovely texture. They’re a fantastic source of fiber, keeping you feeling full and happy.
• Coconut Milk: You can use either canned full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier bake, or the carton kind for a lighter version. I usually go for the carton coconut milk for a slightly healthier option.
• Maple Syrup: I love using maple syrup as a natural sweetener. It adds a lovely flavour that complements the bananas and blueberries perfectly. You could also use honey or agave nectar if you prefer!
• Bananas: The riper, the better! Seriously, those spotty bananas are the sweetest and will give your bake the best flavour.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pour the hot water over the rolled oats and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This softens them up and makes the bake extra tender.
3. While the oats are soaking, grease a baking dish (around 8×8 inches works well).
4. Now, mash those bananas right in the baking dish! Don’t worry about getting it perfectly smooth – a few lumps are totally fine.
5. Add the coconut milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup to the mashed bananas and give it a good mix.
6. Stir in the soaked oats and cinnamon. Make sure everything is well combined.
7. Gently fold in the blueberries.
8. Top with sliced bananas for an extra touch of banana goodness.
9. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
10. Let it cool slightly before serving. A sprinkle of nuts and a drizzle of extra maple syrup are highly recommended!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overbake! You want it to be golden and set, but still moist.
• For a more intense flavour, try using a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
• If your bananas aren’t super ripe, you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the mix.

Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already pretty close to vegan! Just double-check your maple syrup is 100% pure.
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: Rolled oats are naturally gluten-free, but if you’re coeliac, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
• Spice Level – Cinnamon Adjustment: My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny pinch of cardamom for a more exotic flavour. Feel free to experiment!
• Breakfast/Dessert Adaptation: For a more dessert-like treat, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the oat mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This banana oat bake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

• A dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut cream.
• A sprinkle of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds are all great).
• A drizzle of extra maple syrup or honey.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream (for a truly decadent treat!).

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftover banana oat bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can gently reheat it in the microwave or oven. It’s also surprisingly good cold!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe? Absolutely! Just don’t thaw them beforehand, or the bake might get a little soggy.
• What type of oats work best – quick oats, steel-cut oats? Rolled oats are the best for texture. Quick oats will work in a pinch, but the bake will be softer. Steel-cut oats aren’t recommended, as they take too long to cook.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can definitely assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• How can I adjust the sweetness level? Reduce the amount of maple syrup, or use a sugar-free alternative.
• Is this recipe suitable for babies or toddlers? It can be, but make sure the oats are very well cooked and the blueberries are cut into smaller pieces. Always check with your pediatrician before introducing new foods to your little one.