Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bake

Name: Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy); 2 large bananas, mashed; 1 cup strawberries, hulled and chopped; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love starting my day with a warm bowl of Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bake. It’s a delightful blend of juicy strawberries and ripe bananas that makes breakfast feel like a treat. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is not only wholesome but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying it solo, this baked oatmeal is both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, it fills the house with an irresistible aroma that makes mornings so much sweeter!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-04T18:58:27.771Z

During one particularly busy week, I found myself craving something wholesome for breakfast that could be prepped in advance. I decided to experiment with a mix of my favorite fruits and healthy oats. The result was a delicious, moist bake that pairs perfectly with morning coffee. Every bite offers a sweet burst of strawberries, complemented by the natural creaminess of bananas.

What surprised me the most was how well the flavors meld together after baking. Baking the oats allowed them to absorb all that fruity goodness, creating just the right balance of sweetness and texture. I recommend letting it cool slightly before diving in; this allows for easier slicing and enhances the overall flavor!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The combination of strawberries and bananas creates a refreshing flavor burst.
Baking oats makes for a cozy, comforting breakfast that’s easy to serve.
Perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy a delicious start to your day all week long.

Understanding Oats

Rolled oats are the star of this recipe, providing a hearty texture and a good amount of fiber. When baked, they create a chewy consistency that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of bananas and strawberries. It’s essential to use rolled oats rather than instant oats; instant oats will lead to a mushy result. If you're gluten-sensitive, ensure you're using certified gluten-free oats for a wholesome breakfast without side effects.

Incorporating oats into your diet can be beneficial for digestion and heart health. The soluble fiber in oats is known to help lower cholesterol levels. By baking them with fruits, you're not only enhancing their nutritional profile but also adding natural sweetness, which minimizes the need for additional sugars.

Fruit Variations

While strawberries and bananas offer a classic combination, feel free to mix it up! Blueberries or raspberries can be delicious alternatives that still maintain a light texture. If you're using frozen fruits, keep in mind they retain moisture, so you might want to reduce the milk slightly to avoid a soggy bake.

For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding nuts or seeds; walnuts or chia seeds, for instance, can enhance the nutritional value, adding omega-3 fatty acids. Just remember to adjust your baking time if you're adding additional ingredients, as the moisture content can change the cooking dynamics.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bake is not only great fresh from the oven but also perfect for meal prepping. Once cooled, you can cut it into squares and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, I recommend warming them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until heated through; a splash of milk can help revive moisture if needed.

If you’d like to freeze portions for longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.

Ingredients

For the Oatmeal Bake

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
2 large bananas, mashed
1 cup strawberries, hulled and chopped
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Steps

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, mashed bananas, honey or maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.

Add Fruit

Fold in the chopped strawberries while ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.

Cool and Serve

Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added texture, try topping the bake with some chopped nuts or seeds before baking. You can also swap strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or mix in some chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your oatmeal bake comes out too dry, it’s likely a result of baking too long or using too many oats. Adjust future batches by checking for doneness a few minutes early or adding a little more milk. Conversely, if it’s too wet in the center, try baking a bit longer, checking in five-minute increments until it sets appropriately.

Another common issue is uneven baking, which can happen if your mixture is not spread out evenly in the pan. Be sure to smooth the mixture out before baking, ensuring that it bakes uniformly for consistent texture and doneness.

Serving Suggestions

This oatmeal bake can be enjoyed in various ways. For an indulgent breakfast, serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of yogurt on top. Fresh mint or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a lovely finishing touch as well!

You can also turn this breakfast into a snack by adding a side of nut butter or fruit preserves. A scoop of ice cream could transform a square into a delightful dessert, perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs and use a non-dairy milk alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I freeze this baked oatmeal?

Yes, you can freeze the baked oatmeal. Just let it cool completely, slice it into portions, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Absolutely! Just use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.