Baked oatmeal cups are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack for busy mornings. These little cups pack a wholesome punch, combining the heartiness of oats with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, all while providing a dose of healthy fats from almond butter or peanut butter. Whether you’re running out the door or looking for a post-workout snack, these oatmeal cups are an excellent choice for a quick, filling bite.

They’re also incredibly versatile. You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste—add chocolate chips for a sweeter treat, or toss in dried fruit or fresh berries for extra flavor and nutrition. The best part? You can prepare a batch in advance, store them in the fridge or freezer, and have breakfast or a snack ready whenever you need it.

With their soft, cake-like texture and naturally sweet flavor, these baked oatmeal cups are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. They are a great way to fuel your day and are much healthier than many store-bought alternatives, offering a more natural sweetness and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these oatmeal cups are sure to please!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple, Wholesome Ingredients

Made with natural sweeteners and healthy fats, this recipe is packed with nourishing ingredients like ripe bananas, almond butter, and oats.

2. Great for Meal Prep

Baked oatmeal cups can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them perfect for meal prepping for busy weeks ahead.

3. Versatile and Customizable

From chocolate chips to fresh berries, you can customize the mix-ins to your preferences, ensuring each batch is a unique treat.

4. Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats, and you can easily make it dairy-free by using plant-based milk.

5. Quick and Easy

These oatmeal cups come together in a matter of minutes, making them an ideal option for busy mornings or as a nutritious snack.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

Overripe bananas (mashed)
Almond butter or peanut butter
Pure maple syrup (or honey)
Eggs
Milk (dairy or plant-based)
Vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

Old fashioned oats
Baking powder
Salt

Mix-ins (Optional):

Chocolate chips
Chopped nuts
Dried fruit
Fresh berries

Variations

Nuts: Swap in your favorite nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or cashews, for a satisfying crunch.
Fruit: Add dried cranberries, raisins, or even chopped apples to the oatmeal cups for additional sweetness and texture.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile, especially if you’re using berries or dried fruit.
Vegan: To make these oatmeal cups vegan, use flax eggs in place of the regular eggs and choose a plant-based milk.
Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or coconut butter instead of almond or peanut butter for a nut-free version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy removal of the oatmeal cups.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the almond butter (or peanut butter), maple syrup (or honey), eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add Mix-ins

Fold in your choice of mix-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or fresh berries.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin

Divide the oatmeal mixture evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup nearly to the top. Use a spoon to smooth the tops if necessary.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the oatmeal cups are golden brown and firm to the touch. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the oatmeal cups cool in the tin for a few minutes, then remove and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Overripe Bananas: Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture to the oatmeal cups, so be sure to use bananas that are soft and spotted.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can result in dense oatmeal cups.
Check for Doneness: If the top of the oatmeal cups looks golden and a toothpick comes out clean, they’re done. If they need more time, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Make It Vegan: To replace the eggs, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) to keep the recipe vegan.
Customize the Mix-ins: Play around with different combinations of chocolate chips, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or fresh berries for endless flavor variations.

How to Serve

These baked oatmeal cups are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of nut butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt for added protein. For a fun twist, serve with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or bananas on the side. They also pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or smoothie for a wholesome breakfast or snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover oatmeal cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

These oatmeal cups freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for 30-60 seconds, or place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the oatmeal cups in the microwave for 30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. They’ll taste just as fresh as when you baked them.

FAQs

1. Can I make these oatmeal cups without bananas?

Yes, you can substitute the bananas with unsweetened applesauce or mashed sweet potato for a different flavor.

2. How do I make these oatmeal cups gluten-free?

Ensure that you are using certified gluten-free oats to make the oatmeal cups gluten-free.

3. Can I use a different nut butter?

Absolutely! You can use peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter depending on your preferences.

4. How long do these oatmeal cups stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, these oatmeal cups will stay fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator.

5. Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, honey or agave syrup can be used in place of maple syrup. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.

6. Are these oatmeal cups suitable for meal prep?

Yes, these oatmeal cups are great for meal prep! Bake a batch on the weekend, store them in the fridge or freezer, and have a quick, healthy breakfast ready throughout the week.

7. Can I add protein powder to these oatmeal cups?

Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to increase the protein content. Just make sure to adjust the liquid to compensate for the added powder.

8. Can I make these oatmeal cups vegan?

Yes, simply replace the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs and choose a plant-based milk.

9. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned oats are best for the texture of these oatmeal cups, but you can use quick oats if necessary. The texture may be slightly softer.

10. Can I bake these in a different pan?

Yes, you can bake this recipe in a 9×9-inch baking dish if you don’t have a muffin tin. Just adjust the baking time, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick.

Conclusion

These baked oatmeal cups are an easy, nutritious, and customizable breakfast or snack that fits into any busy schedule. With their simple ingredients, they offer the perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you fueled throughout the day. Whether you enjoy them on-the-go or with your favorite toppings, these oatmeal cups are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Make a batch today and enjoy a delicious and satisfying bite every morning!