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Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups

If you’re searching for a deliciously satisfying, health-conscious breakfast that also caters to your craving for something sweet, these Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups are a perfect fit. Not only do they offer a wonderful balance of flavors, but they also deliver the wholesome goodness of oats and fruits. Perfect for busy mornings or as a midday snack, these little cups are as nutritious as they are flavorful.

Why Make This Recipe

Packed with nutrients, these oatmeal cups provide a great source of fiber and vitamins.
They’re incredibly easy to make and are perfect for meal prep, saving you time during hectic mornings.
A delightful combination of bananas and blueberries offers a sweet, naturally flavored treat without added sugars.

Simple Way to Prepare Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups

Creating Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups is a straightforward process that anyone can master. This recipe not only yields a delicious outcome but also allows for some creativity in your kitchen. Let’s go ahead and dive into the step-by-step guide that will help you whip up these delightful treats.

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious oatmeal cups, gather the following ingredients:

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup mashed bananas (from 2-3 ripe bananas)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of your choice)
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, do not thaw)

Directions

Preheat Oven and Prep Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup standard muffin tin or line each cup with paper muffin liners.
Mash Bananas
In a medium bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small lumps.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the old-fashioned rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Ensure they are well combined and any brown sugar clumps are broken up.
Whisk Wet Ingredients
To the bowl with the mashed bananas, add the almond milk, large egg, honey (or maple syrup), and pure vanilla extract. Whisk until all wet ingredients are thoroughly combined and homogenous.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the large bowl containing the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter will be thick. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the oats to begin absorbing the liquid.
Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries (or frozen blueberries without thawing) until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without being crushed.
Fill Muffin Cups
Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, evenly distribute the oatmeal batter among the 12 prepared muffin cups, filling each almost to the brim.
Bake
Carefully transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the oatmeal cups cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes to firm up. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm, optionally with a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Storing Leftover Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups

To keep your scrumptious oatmeal cups fresh and delicious, follow these storage guidelines:

Room Temperature: If left at room temperature, consume them within 1 day.
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days at 40°F (4°C).
Freeze: For extended storage, freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply warm them up in the microwave or oven.

Serving Suggestions for Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups

The versatility of these oatmeal cups makes them a fantastic option for various serving occasions. You can enjoy them as a wholesome breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea. For a more filling meal, try pairing them with some scrambled eggs or Greek yogurt.

If you have a sweet tooth, top them with a dollop of almond butter or a drizzle of maple syrup for added richness. They can also be crumbled over a smoothie bowl for a delightful crunch. For a family gathering or brunch, set them out with a variety of toppings like fresh fruits, nuts, or even a splash of your favorite plant-based milk.

Tips to Make Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups

Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the more natural sweetness they will bring to the recipe.
Don’t Over Mix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, avoid over mixing to maintain a lovely, fluffy texture.
Use Muffin Liners: Liners can help with easy removal of the oatmeal cups and keep them from sticking to the tin.
Customize the Topping: Feel free to sprinkle some chopped nuts or coconut flakes on top before baking for a delicious twist.

Variations or Substitutions

Feel free to tweak the recipe to cater to your taste or dietary requirements. For instance, you can substitute the almond milk with any other milk—oat milk, coconut milk, or even regular dairy milk works wonderfully.

Alternatively, if you’re a fan of nutty flavors, consider substituting half of the rolled oats with ground almonds for an added nutty punch. You may also replace the blueberries with chopped strawberries or raspberries for a fruity variation.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these oatmeal cups ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These oatmeal cups are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for future breakfasts or snacks.

What can I use if I don’t have honey?
A: Maple syrup is a great alternative to honey and will yield a similar sweetness and texture.

Q: How do I keep them moist?
A: Make sure not to overbake them and store properly once cooled. A drizzle of yogurt or nut butter when serving can also help maintain moisture.

Do I have to use fresh blueberries?
Absolutely not! Feel free to use frozen blueberries, but do not thaw them beforehand to maintain their shape and avoid excess moisture.

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: While quick oats will work, keep in mind that they will alter the texture of the oatmeal cups, making them less chewy.

Nutritional Information

These baked oatmeal cups are not just tasty; they’re also packed with nutrients. Each individual cup is approximately:

Calories: 150
Protein: 4 grams
Fat: 3 grams
Carbohydrates: 30 grams
Fiber: 4 grams
Sugars: 6 grams

This nutritional information makes these cups an excellent option for anyone looking to enjoy a healthful breakfast or snack throughout the day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking: Keep an eye on the timer to ensure they remain moist and tender rather than dry and crumbly.
Not mashing bananas well enough: This leads to uneven textures. Aim for a mostly smooth consistency.
Skipping the rest time: Allowing the mixture to sit lets the oats absorb the liquid properly leading to a better final product.
Using too little liquid: Make sure to stick to the recommendations for each element of the recipe for optimal moistness.

With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy these Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups. Whether it’s a rushed breakfast or a wholesome afternoon snack, these cups pack all the taste and health benefits you’ll adore. You’ll likely find them a staple in your meal-prep rotation, inspiring you to get creative in the kitchen along the way! Enjoy the cozy flavors that come with this heartwarming treat.