Chunky Monkey Banana Baked Oatmeal

Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of sweet bananas, rich chocolate, and toasted walnuts wafting through your kitchen. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this irresistible Chunky Monkey Banana Baked Oatmeal – a breakfast that tastes like dessert but nourishes like a wholesome morning meal. This crowd-pleasing dish transforms basic oatmeal into something truly special, combining the classic “chunky monkey” flavor trio that everyone loves. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy mornings or hosting a weekend brunch, this baked oatmeal delivers both convenience and indulgence. You’ll learn how to create the perfect texture balance – tender inside with slightly crisp edges – and customize this versatile dish to suit your dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chunky Monkey Banana Baked Oatmeal isn’t just another breakfast option – it’s a game-changer for your morning routine. Unlike traditional stovetop oatmeal, this baked version offers delightful textural contrasts with its custard-like center and lightly golden top. The marriage of naturally sweet bananas, decadent chocolate chunks, and crunchy walnuts creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures in every bite.

What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible versatility and convenience. Prep it the night before and simply pop it in the oven while you get ready for the day. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a nutritious breakfast that keeps you satisfied until lunch. The oats provide sustained energy while the bananas add natural sweetness and potassium.

Parents will appreciate that this banana chocolate chip baked oatmeal is kid-approved while still being nutritious enough to feel good about serving. It’s also impressive enough for guests but requires minimal hands-on effort – the perfect balance of special and simple.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Chunky Monkey Banana Baked Oatmeal, gather these ingredients:

• 2 cups (180g) old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 medium ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed + 1 sliced for topping)
• 2 large eggs
• 1¾ cups (420ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
• ¼ cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (28g) melted coconut oil or butter, slightly cooled
• ⅔ cup (75g) chopped walnuts, divided
• ½ cup (85g) dark chocolate chunks or chips, divided
• Optional: 2 tablespoons brown sugar for topping

Pro Tips

Achieving perfect Chunky Monkey Banana Baked Oatmeal every time comes down to mastering a few key techniques:

Use properly ripened bananas: Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor. They should be soft but not mushy. These overripe bananas provide natural sweetness and stronger banana flavor, reducing the need for additional sweeteners. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, try placing them in a paper bag with an apple overnight to speed up the process.

Don’t overmix the batter: Stir the ingredients just until combined to maintain the integrity of the oats. Overmixing can result in a gummy texture rather than the desired light, cake-like consistency. Use a gentle folding motion when incorporating the chocolate and nuts to keep them evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Master the baking time: The key to perfect texture is knowing exactly when to remove your oatmeal from the oven. It should be set around the edges but maintain a slight jiggle in the center (similar to custard). This ensures your baked banana oatmeal stays moist rather than dry. Remember that it will continue cooking slightly as it cools, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake this dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of coconut oil. This preparation ensures your Chunky Monkey Banana Baked Oatmeal won’t stick and makes cleanup much easier. If you’re planning to serve directly from the dish, consider using a decorative ceramic baking dish that can go from oven to table.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. Breaking up any clumps now will ensure even texture throughout your baked oatmeal. The cinnamon adds warmth that complements the banana perfectly, but make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, mash two of the bananas until mostly smooth but still with some small chunks for texture. Add the eggs and whisk until well combined. Pour in the milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil or butter, then whisk until smooth. The vanilla enhances the banana flavor while the maple syrup adds depth that regular sugar simply can’t match.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – you want the oats to maintain their integrity. Fold in ¾ of the chocolate chunks and ½ of the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Slice the remaining banana and arrange the slices decoratively on top. Sprinkle with the remaining chocolate chunks and walnuts. If desired, sprinkle brown sugar over the top for a delicious caramelized finish. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges are golden and set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma of Chunky Monkey Banana Baked Oatmeal – the perfect way to start any day!

Variations

This versatile Chunky Monkey Banana Baked Oatmeal recipe can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs or taste preferences:

Peanut Butter Chunky Monkey: Swirl 3-4 tablespoons of natural peanut butter into the oatmeal mixture before baking for an extra protein boost and classic flavor combination. The peanut butter adds creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the banana and chocolate, creating a more filling breakfast option.

Vegan Chunky Monkey Oatmeal: Replace the eggs with 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons of water (let sit for 5 minutes before using). Use plant-based milk and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. This modification maintains the delicious flavor while making the recipe completely plant-based without sacrificing texture.

Tropical Chunky Monkey: Add ⅓ cup of shredded coconut and substitute macadamia nuts for the walnuts for a tropical twist. You can also add ½ cup of diced pineapple to the mixture for extra sweetness and a vacation-inspired breakfast treat that brings sunshine to even the dreariest mornings.

Storage and Serving

Your Chunky Monkey Banana Baked Oatmeal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Individual portions can also be frozen for up to 3 months – simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. To reheat, microwave a refrigerated portion for 60-90 seconds or a frozen portion for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

For an everyday breakfast, serve warm squares of this banana walnut baked oatmeal with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein and a drizzle of maple syrup. The contrast of the cold yogurt with the warm oatmeal creates a delightful temperature variation.

For a more indulgent brunch presentation, serve the oatmeal with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream and a drizzle of warm peanut butter. This transforms your breakfast into a dessert-like treat that’s still nutritionally superior to most traditional desserts.

For a lighter option, pair with fresh berries and a sprinkle of hemp seeds, which adds beautiful color contrast and an extra nutrition boost to your Chunky Monkey Banana Baked Oatmeal.

FAQs

Can I make this Chunky Monkey Banana Baked Oatmeal ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture the night before and refrigerate it overnight (without baking). In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
I don’t recommend using quick oats as they’ll create a mushier texture. Old-fashioned rolled oats maintain their structure better during baking, giving you that perfect chewy texture that makes Chunky Monkey Banana Baked Oatmeal so satisfying.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats, as some oats may have cross-contamination with wheat during processing.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, the maple syrup can be reduced to 2-3 tablespoons, especially if your bananas are very ripe and sweet. You can also omit the brown sugar topping completely.

How can I tell when my baked oatmeal is done?
The edges should be set and slightly golden, while the center should still have a slight jiggle, similar to a custard. It will continue to set as it cools. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out mostly clean but with a few moist crumbs.

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