Almond Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups.
These delightful Almond Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups are the perfect way to start your day. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they’re not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. With the creamy texture of almond butter and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, these oatmeal cups offer a satisfying breakfast or snack that can be enjoyed on the go or savored at home. Let’s dive into why these oatmeal cups should be your next favorite recipe!
The Upside of Almond Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups.
There’s so much to love about these Almond Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups. For starters, they are a fantastic source of energy, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings or post-workout snacks. The combination of rolled oats, almond butter, and bananas provides a nutritious balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Not only are they filling, but they are also versatile; you can easily customize them with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits.
Moreover, these baked oatmeal cups can be made ahead of time and stored for the week, saving you time and effort during those hectic mornings. Plus, they are a hit with both kids and adults alike, making breakfast a more enjoyable experience for the entire family.
Your Shopping Guide
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand. Here’s a detailed list to guide your shopping:
- Old fashioned rolled oats: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
- Kosher salt: ½ teaspoon
- Large eggs: 2
- Milk: 1 cup (any variety you prefer)
- Mashed bananas: 1 cup (roughly 1 large banana)
- Maple syrup: ½ cup
- Creamy almond butter: ½ cup (melted)
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
Equipment & Tools
To make your Almond Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups, gather the following equipment:
- Muffin tin: For baking the oatmeal cups.
- Mixing bowls: To combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: For mixing ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula: To help transfer the mixture into the muffin tin.
Almond Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups, Made Easy
Making these delicious Almond Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oatmeal cups bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin
Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with muffin liners. This will make it easier to remove the oatmeal cups once they are baked.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix well to ensure that the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of mashed bananas, ½ cup of maple syrup, ½ cup of melted creamy almond butter, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is combined, being careful not to overmix. The mixture should be thick yet pourable.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin
Using a spatula, evenly distribute the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. This allows room for the oatmeal cups to rise as they bake.
Step 7: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the oatmeal cups from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These Almond Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Substitutions by Category
If you need to adjust the recipe based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability, consider these substitutions:
- Oats: You can use quick oats if you’re in a pinch, but old-fashioned oats provide the best texture.
- Milk: Any plant-based milk (such as almond milk or oat milk) works wonderfully in this recipe.
- Sweetener: If you prefer, honey or agave syrup can be used instead of maple syrup.
- Nut Butter: Peanut butter or sunflower seed butter can be used in place of almond butter for a different flavor.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
- Ensure your bananas are ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the batter; this can lead to dense oatmeal cups.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out with wet batter, they need more time.
- Let the oatmeal cups cool completely before removing them from the tin to prevent them from breaking apart.
Best Ways to Store
These Almond Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week to extend freshness.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can use instant oats, the texture may be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats are recommended for the best consistency in your Almond Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups.
How can I make these oatmeal cups gluten-free?
Simply use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of the recipe.
Can I add chocolate chips to the mixture?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a great way to enhance the flavor. Just fold in about ½ cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips before pouring the mixture into the muffin tin.
What can I serve with these oatmeal cups?
These oatmeal cups are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with yogurt, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of extra almond butter for added indulgence.
Cook This Next
If you loved making these Almond Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups, here are some other delicious recipes to try:
See You at the Table
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a batch of Almond Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups that will become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a healthy dessert, these oatmeal cups are sure to please. They are not only nourishing but also customizable to suit your taste. Happy baking!
Almond Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Step 2: Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with muffin liners.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mashed bananas, maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until combined.
- Step 6: Distribute the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
- Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 8: Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for up to a week for extended freshness.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
