Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
Rolled oats are the key to a creamy, smooth texture in this recipe. Quick oats won’t give you the same richness, and steel-cut oats require a longer cooking time. Rolled oats cook just right in about 5-7 minutes, giving you time to prepare other things while the oatmeal simmers. - 1 ripe banana, mashed
A ripe banana is essential for that natural sweetness and flavor that really make this oatmeal shine. Mash it up well so that it blends seamlessly into the oatmeal. The more ripe the banana, the sweeter your oatmeal will be! - 2 cups milk (or milk alternative)
For a creamier oatmeal, use whole milk, but if you prefer dairy-free options, almond, oat, or coconut milk work beautifully as well. If you like your oatmeal extra rich, you can even mix in a little heavy cream. - 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
If you like your oatmeal on the sweeter side, a drizzle of honey adds a lovely touch. Feel free to skip this if your banana is sweet enough, or substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the flavor, balancing out the natural sweetness of the banana. It’s a small addition, but it makes a big difference in elevating the taste. - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon and banana are a match made in heaven! The cinnamon brings warmth and depth, especially in the cooler months. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra flavor. - A pinch of salt
Salt might seem like an odd ingredient in a sweet dish, but just a small pinch helps bring out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the oatmeal. - Toppings (optional)
Here’s where you can get creative! Consider adding chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds), a dollop of peanut butter, sliced bananas, or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. You could also sprinkle a little granola on top for added crunch.
Instructions
- Cook the oats
In a medium saucepan, combine your rolled oats and milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the milk heats up, ensuring the oats don’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Once the mixture starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir every few minutes to make sure the oats cook evenly.
Tip: If you like your oatmeal thicker, cook it a little longer. If you prefer it more soupy, add a little more milk. - Mash the banana
While the oats are cooking, mash your ripe banana in a bowl. Make sure it’s mashed well so there are no chunks left behind. You want the banana to blend smoothly into the oatmeal, giving it that lovely creamy texture.
Tip: If you want a smoother consistency, you can blend the banana in a food processor or blender. - Add the banana and spices
Once the oats are fully cooked and the milk has absorbed into the oats, stir in the mashed banana, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is combined and the oatmeal takes on a creamy, golden color.
Tip: If you want your oatmeal extra whipped, use a whisk or fork to whip the mixture while it’s on the stove. This will make it even creamier! - Simmer for an extra 2-3 minutes
Let the oatmeal simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the banana to fully incorporate into the oats. Taste it and add more cinnamon, vanilla, or honey if needed.
Tip: You can adjust the sweetness at this stage, adding more honey or maple syrup if you prefer your oatmeal on the sweeter side. - Serve and enjoy
Once your oatmeal has reached the perfect creamy consistency, it’s time to serve! Scoop the oatmeal into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. I love adding a few extra banana slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a dollop of peanut butter for an extra hit of protein.
Tip: For a fun twist, try adding some chocolate chips or coconut flakes as a topping!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 6g