Single-Serve Banana Bread Baked Oats

Serves 2 · 8 min prep · 25 min cook

Ingredients

• 1 large ripe banana, mashed
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup milk of choice
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 2 Tbsp dark chocolate chips
• 1 tsp butter or oil for ramekins
• 1/2 banana extra banana slices for topping

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two 8–oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes with butter.
2. 2In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana until mostly smooth with only small lumps. Whisk in the egg, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla until fully combined.
3. 3Stir in the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Fold in half of the chopped nuts and most of the chocolate chips, reserving a few for the tops.
4. 4Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared ramekins. Arrange a few banana slices on each surface and sprinkle with remaining nuts and chocolate chips.
5. 5Place the ramekins on a small baking sheet for easy handling. Bake 22–26 minutes until the centers are set, the tops are golden, and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
6. 6Remove from the oven and let cool 5 minutes—the oats will firm up slightly and smell exactly like banana bread.
7. 7Optionally drizzle with a little extra maple syrup or a spoonful of yogurt. Eat straight from the ramekin with a spoon while still warm.
8. 8These reheat beautifully: microwave 45–60 seconds or warm at 300°F for 8 minutes the next morning.