This three-ingredient baked oatmeal is the simplest healthy breakfast you’ll find. Made with oats, ripe banana and nut butter, it delivers great flavor, convenience and nutrition in one dish. Sugar-free, gluten-free (if using certified oats) and vegan.
5 reasons to love this simple baked oatmeal
I love this three-ingredient oatmeal recipe, and I think you will too. Here are five reasons it’s such a winner.
- Extremely simple: With just three ingredients, this may be the easiest baked breakfast you can make.
- Nutritious: Oats are a whole grain rich in fiber, plant protein, vitamins and minerals. The recipe is vegan and can be made without added sugar or gluten.
- Diet-friendly: Eggless and dairy-free by default. Make it gluten-free by using certified oats and boost protein with an optional protein powder.
- Customizable: The base is minimal, so you can add mix-ins and flavors to suit your taste.
- Meal prep friendly: Make a batch ahead for quick breakfasts, snacks or desserts during the week.
The ingredients
This recipe calls for three pantry staples. No eggs, no dairy, no oil and no added sugar are required.
- Ripe banana: Use two large ripe bananas for natural sweetness and easy mashing. Unsweetened applesauce (about 1 cup) can be used as a substitute.
- Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for better texture. Quick oats tend to get soggy. Choose certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Nut butter: A creamy, unsweetened nut butter works best—peanut, almond or cashew. For a nut-free option use sunflower seed butter or tahini.
Additional ingredients
The simple base leaves plenty of room for extras. Here are ideas to customize the bake—mix and match to create your favorite version.
- Chocolate chips: Dark, semi-sweet, milk or sugar-free chips.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews or hazelnuts.
- Seeds: Pumpkin, sunflower, flax or poppy seeds.
- Dried fruit: Raisins, dried cranberries or dried berries.
- Fresh fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, chopped apple or mango pieces.
- Spices and flavorings: Ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg or cocoa powder.
- Protein powder: Replace 30 grams (about 1/3 cup) of the oats with protein powder to increase protein content—see notes below.
High protein baked oatmeal
To make this bake higher in protein, swap 30 grams (1/3 cup) of the oats for your preferred protein powder. Different powders behave differently when baked, so you may need to adjust the batter:
- Vegan protein powders and casein: Tend to absorb more liquid; add a splash of milk if the dough is too thick.
- Whey protein powder: Mixes easily and can make the mixture drier; add a little extra oat if needed.
Stick with simple flavors like vanilla or chocolate for best results.
High Protein Oatmeal Bars (3 Ways!)
Try variations like peanut butter, chocolate chip or brownie-style bars to diversify your meal prep. These variations remain gluten-free and egg-free when adapted accordingly.
How to make easy baked oatmeal with 3 ingredients
This recipe comes together in three simple steps.
Prepare for baking. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 15 x 15 cm (7 x 7 inch) brownie pan with parchment paper.
Make the oat dough. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the nut butter and mix until combined. Stir in the rolled oats until evenly mixed. If desired, add a pinch of salt, a little maple syrup or chocolate chips.
Bake. Press the mixture into the prepared pan, top with extra chocolate chips if you like, and bake for 15–20 minutes. Let cool to room temperature before slicing.
Serving ideas
This baked oatmeal works as breakfast, snack or dessert. Enjoy it plain or paired with yogurt and fruit. Some serving suggestions:
- Breakfast bowl: Serve with Greek yogurt, fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey.
- Snack bar: Slice into portable bars for school, work or travel snacks.
- Pre- and post-workout: Pair with fruit and yogurt for a quick energy boost.
- Dessert: Top with nut butter, honey or a spoonful of yogurt for a healthier treat.
How to store baked oatmeal
Allow the bake to cool completely, slice and store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days—wrap well to prevent drying. For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight container or zipper bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes or briefly in the microwave.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
Yes. The basic recipe uses only oats, banana and a nut butter, making it vegan.
Replace bananas with about 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce or pear sauce for a banana-free version.
Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to ensure the recipe is gluten-free.
Ripe bananas usually provide enough sweetness. If you prefer it sweeter, add a tablespoon or two of maple syrup or honey.
Yes. Replace 30 grams (about 1/3 cup) of oats with protein powder and adjust liquid or oats as needed depending on the powder’s texture.
This recipe is intended for the oven for the best texture. Microwaving will change the result.
More healthy oat breakfasts and desserts
- 2 ingredient banana oatmeal cookies
- Oat flour pancakes
- Protein baked oats
- Stovetop granola
- Low calorie pancakes
- Blueberry oatmeal cookies
- Strawberry oatmeal bars
- Sheet-pan baked pancakes
3 Ingredient Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 large bananas, ripe
- 80 grams (⅓ cup) peanut butter, or preferred nut butter
- 150 grams (1 ½ cup) rolled oats
Optional Ingredients
- ⅙ tsp salt
- maple syrup or honey, for sweeter baked oatmeal
- chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 15 x 15 cm (7 x 7 inch) pan with parchment paper.
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Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl, then stir in the peanut or nut butter until smooth.
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Add rolled oats and stir until combined. Mix in optional salt, maple syrup or chocolate chips if desired.
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Press the mixture into the prepared pan and top with extra chocolate chips if you like.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes. Cool to room temperature before slicing into bars.
Nutrition
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