Easy healthier baked oats without banana made in 1 bowl! This recipe is a game-changer for busy mornings! Perfect as a healthy breakfast or easy snack to ensure you get a nutritious and delicious recipe.
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Imagine starting your day with a chocolatey treat that's not only indulgent but also packed with wholesome ingredients. These baked oats without bananas are your answer! With the natural sweetness of apples, the richness of nut butter, and the decadence of dark chocolate, every bite is a delightful experience. And the best part? Our healthy baked oats It's all made in one bowl, making your mornings fuss-free and delicious.
Our healthy baked oats without bananas turned out so great that we have them for a nutritious breakfast or as a healthy afternoon snack with my kids. They have also inspired our healthy bliss balls for kids recipe, our high-protein chocolate mousse recipe, and our dairy-free, gluten-free brownies!
More Healthy Breakfast Recipes
Fluffy Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Muffins (Gluten-Free, Vegan Option)
Easy Blueberry Chocolate Chip Muffins (Gluten-Free& Vegan)
Banana Blackberry Oatmeal Muffins (Gluten-Free, Vegan Option)
👪Why You'll Love Baked Oats
Every family has its go-to recipes, and I hope our baked oatmeal can become a staple in your home too. Here is why you will love them:
- Packed with Nutritional Goodness: Oats are a powerhouse of nutrients. They're rich in fiber, which aids digestion, and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- No Refined Sugars: We're sweetening things up naturally! With ingredients like apple sauce and maple syrup, you can be assured that there are no hidden sugars or artificial sweeteners.
- Customizable to the Core: Whether it's swapping out the nut butter or adding in some of your kids' favorite fruits, this recipe is versatile. It's an open canvas, ready to adapt to your family's tastes.
- Perfect for Picky Eaters: I can't tell you how often this vegan baked oats recipe has come to my rescue on those busy or lazy mornings. The addition of chocolate makes it an instant hit.
🙋🏽♀️Tips Kids and Picky Eaters
To help your kiddos when introducing them to baked oats without banana, try some of these tips:
- Consistent Exposure: Kids are more likely to accept new foods with repeated tries (1). Start with these oatmeal squares and then get playful with other ingredients.
- Bake Together: Research suggests kids are more open to foods they help prepare (1). Let them pick their mix-ins and watch them enjoy the results!
- Be the Role Model: Your eating habits influence theirs (2). Show them how much you love these squares, and they might just follow suit.
- Balance is Key: It's all about offering variety and teaching moderation (2). These squares strike the right balance between having a treat and nutrition.
- Chat About Food: Open communication can help understand their preferences and guide them towards healthier choices (1).
If you want to read a bit more on how to deal with picky eaters be sure to check out this article on Tips and Meals for Picky Eaters!
🌿Simple Ingredients
You just need a handful of healthy ingredients to make our baked oats without banana:
- Quick Cooking Rolled Oats: Make sure to use quick-cooking oats for that perfect texture and ease of preparation.
- Nut Butter: Adds a creamy richness. I used peanut butter for this recipe but you can use almost any nut or seed butter in its place. I love how it binds everything together and offers a dose of healthy fats.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: My secret to natural sweetness and moisture without any added sugars.
- Oat Milk: A dairy-free touch that brings everything together. It's light and complements the oats beautifully.
- Pure Maple Syrup: A hint of natural sweetness. I adore its earthy flavor and how it pairs with the chocolate.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Because who can resist chocolate? It's my kids' favorite part, and I must admit, mine too! If you are dairy-free make sure to use vegan chocolate chips to ensure your baked oatmeal recipe is a real treat!
- Salt: Just a pinch if your nut butter is unsalted. It elevates all the flavors.
For full quantities, see the recipe card.
💡Recipe Tips
To ensure you get the best texture and results for your healthy baked oats recipe be sure to follow these recipe tips:
- Use Quick Oats: Always opt for quick-cooking rolled oats. They absorb moisture well and give the squares a delightful cake-like texture. If you use another type you may end up with a dry or mushy vegan baked oatmeal!
- Nut Butter Choice: If you're using unsalted nut butter, don't forget that pinch of salt. It truly makes a difference in flavor.
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate chips are my go-to for this recipe. They offer a rich taste without being overly sweet. However, you may have to adjust the sweetness if you use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips.
- Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your squares at the 20-minute mark for best results. They should have a golden top and firm edges.
👩🏽🍳How to Make Baked Oats Without Banana
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or a baking liner. This ensures your oatmeal squares won't stick.
Step 2: Mix Your Oats:
In a large bowl, combine all your dry ingredients. Start with the oats and salt, then add in the wet ingredients like apple sauce, oat milk, and maple syrup. Do not add in the chocolate. Mix until you get a smooth batter.
Pro Tip: If your nut or seed butter is cold it may not mix well. You can slowly microwave it to bring it up to close to room temperature. This will make it easier to mix. Make sure not to overheat!
Step 3: Add Your Toppings:
Now, fold the dark chocolate chips into the oatmeal mixture. You can also add in any other toppings you like here. We have had amazing success with adding frozen blueberries, cherries, and chopped Brazil nuts.
Step 4: Pour and Spread:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use your spatula to spread it evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Step 5: Bake Your Oats:
Place your pan in a preheated oven at 350°F. Let it bake for 20-25 minutes. You're looking for a beautiful golden top and firm edges.
Pro tip: Every oven is different. Start checking at the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Step 6: Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan. Patience is key! Once cooled, slice into big squares. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tip
Here are some time-saving tips to help you whip up these healthy baked oats without banana:
- Bulk Baking: Double or triple the recipe and freeze the extra squares. This is a great recipe for meal prep.
- One-Bowl Wonder: This recipe only requires one bowl, which means less cleanup. Plus, involving kids in the mixing can be a fun activity and a learning experience for them.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your loaf pan with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze.
🥬Substitutions & Variations
Remember, "we use what we have," and sometimes, that's when the magic happens! Here are some handy substitutions and variations to help you adapt this vegan baked oats without banana to your needs:
Substitutions:
- Oats: If you don't have quick oats on hand, rolled oats can be a good substitute. They might give a slightly chewier texture. Steel-cut oats can also be used, but they'll need a longer cooking time and might require a bit more liquid. So if possible stick to the quick-cooking oats when making these baked oats without banana.
- Nut Butter: Almond butter can be a delightful alternative to other nut butters. It offers a slightly nuttier taste. If you're aiming for a school-safe version, sunflower seed butter is a great choice.
- Sweetness & Flavor: Missing maple syrup? A splash of vanilla extract can add a hint of sweetness and aroma. You can also consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a chocolaty twist.
- Milk: Any non-dairy milk can be used in place of oat milk. Think almond milk, soy milk, or even coconut milk. Each brings its unique flavor profile. If you opt for this substitution then make sure you reduce the other wet ingredients or add more oats.
Variations:
- Overnight Oats Twist: Convert this into an overnight oats version by reducing the quantity of quick oats and adding more non-dairy milk. Let it soak overnight for a creamy, no-bake treat.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie: This recipe can also be made into cookies. Reduce the amount of wet ingredients by ¼ to get a thicker batter. Then scoop the batter onto parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
- Boost It Up: Want to up your nutrition? Add a scoop of protein powder or sprinkle some chia seeds into the mix. Both are great for an added protein kick.
- Berry Twist: Add in fresh berries, banana slices, or even dried fruits for an alternative baked oats recipe.
- Flavor Enhancements: A dash of cocoa powder can transform this into a chocolatey delight. Trust me; it's the best thing to satisfy those chocolate cravings!
🥡How to Store Baked Oats
Here's how to keep your baked oats recipe at its best:
Room Temperature: Store your healthy baked oat in an airtight container or plastic wrap at room temperature. They'll stay fresh and ready to eat for up to 2 days. Perfect for those grab-and-go moments!
Fridge: To extend their freshness, pop them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cool temperature also firms them up a bit.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze these oat squares for up to 3 months.
❔FAQ
Quick-cooking rolled oats are the ideal choice for this recipe. They absorb moisture well and give the squares a perfect texture. While you can use regular rolled oats, they might result in a slightly chewier texture.
To make this vegan baked oatmeal recipe nut-free, simply swap out the nut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini. Both are great alternatives that keep the squares creamy and delicious without any nuts.
Yes! The primary ingredient, oats, is naturally gluten-free. However, ensure you're using certified gluten-free oats, as some oats might be processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing grains and could have cross-contamination.
Boosting the protein content is easy! You can add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder to the baked oats mix. Alternatively, consider adding chia seeds or hemp seeds. Both are excellent sources of protein and blend seamlessly into the recipe. Keep in mind that you may have to add more oat milk to adjust for the extra dry ingredients!
🥣Make this next…
I hope you enjoyed our family-favorite baked oatmeal squares! If you are looking for more easy breakfast or healthy snack recipes be sure to check out these recipes:
- Vegan Baked Rice Balls (Bolinho de arroz-portuguese version)
- High Protein Overnight Oats
- Dairy-free Brownies: fudgy and gluten-free
- Layered Oat Milk Chia Pudding
- No Bake Bliss Balls
📖 Recipe
One-Bowl Baked Oats (No Banana)
Ingredients
- 4 cups quick cooking oats
- 1 cup peanut butter (sub with sunflower seed or almond butter)
- ¾ cup apple sauce
- ¼ cup oat milk
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp tablespoon salt
- 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Then line a 9x5 inch square loaf pan with parchment paper or a baking liner. This ensures your oatmeal squares won't stick.
- In a large bowl, combine all your ingredients except the dark chocolate. Mix until well mixed. TIP: If your peanut butter or nut butter is too cold it may be hard to mix. You can slowly microwave it to bring it to room temperature. Just be sure to not over heat.
- Now, fold in the dark chocolate chips.
- Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use your spatula to spread it evenly and then place it in the oven.
- Let it bake for 20-25 minutes. You're looking for a beautiful golden top and firm edges.Tip: Every oven is different. Start checking at the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan. Once cooled, slice into big squares.
Notes
- Room Temp: store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh and ready to eat for up to 2 days.
- Fridge: If you prefer them chilled or want to extend their freshness, pop them in the refrigerator. In an airtight container, they'll last for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze these squares. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll keep for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Information Source:
- Fries, L. R., & van der Horst, K. (2019). Parental feeding practices and associations with children's food acceptance and picky eating. In Nestlé Nutrition Institute Workshop Series (pp. 31-39).
- Vollmer, R. L., & Baietto, J. (2017). Practices and preferences: Exploring the relationships between food-related parenting practices and child food preferences for high fat and/or sugar foods, fruits, and vegetables. Appetite, 113, 134-140.
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