Delicious & Healthy Baked Blueberry Banana Steel Cut Oatmeal: Your Perfect Morning Fuel
Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm blueberries, ripe bananas, and hearty steel cut oats baking gently in your oven. This Baked Blueberry Banana Steel Cut Oatmeal isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting and incredibly healthy start to your day, loved by the entire family. Infused with a hint of cinnamon and a boost of vanilla protein, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying, dessert-like breakfast that fuels you for hours. It’s the perfect blend of taste, nutrition, and convenience, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or a relaxing weekend brunch.
Why Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal is a Game Changer
In our household, oatmeal is a weekly staple, often appearing on our breakfast table at least three times a week. It’s a breakfast that truly satisfies, offering sustained energy without the sugar crash. My children, like many kids, adore it, especially when it comes to customizing their bowls with an array of delicious toppings, from fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey to a sprinkle of shredded coconut. This keeps oatmeal exciting and ensures they’re getting a nutritious start to their day.
For a long time, I focused on stovetop oatmeal, but discovering the magic of baked steel cut oatmeal has been a revelation. After trying this Baked Blueberry Banana Steel Cut Oatmeal recipe, I couldn’t help but wonder why I hadn’t made the switch sooner! The ease of preparation, the incredible flavor, and the convenience of having leftovers for quick breakfasts throughout the week quickly made this a family favorite. There’s something uniquely comforting about warm, tender oats baked with sweet, bursting blueberries and caramelized bananas – it truly feels like a wholesome dessert masquerading as a healthy breakfast.
Baked oatmeal takes the guesswork out of busy mornings. Instead of standing over the stove, stirring, you can simply assemble your ingredients, pop the dish in the oven, and let it bake to perfection. This hands-off approach allows you to tend to other morning tasks or simply enjoy a slower pace before the day truly begins. The result is a uniformly cooked, satisfyingly chewy oatmeal bake that holds its shape beautifully and is ideal for serving a crowd or prepping for the week ahead.
The Nutritional Power of a Healthy Breakfast
Providing my kids with a hearty, healthy, and satisfying breakfast is, in my experience, fundamental to their day. It provides them with the essential energy needed to focus at school and play, and it significantly cuts down on the constant requests for snacks before lunch. But it’s not just children who benefit from a wholesome start; we all do! For adults, oatmeal is an excellent breakfast choice, renowned for being rich in soluble fiber and protein, which contribute to satiety and overall digestive health. A nutritious breakfast sets the tone for healthy eating throughout the day and helps maintain stable energy levels.
And with recipes like today’s Baked Blueberry Banana Steel Cut Oatmeal, healthy doesn’t mean boring! Oats are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into incredibly flavorful dishes. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of fruit with the comforting warmth of cinnamon, proving that nutritious meals can also be utterly delicious. Say goodbye to monotonous breakfast routines and embrace a world of flavor and goodness.
Highlighting Steel Cut Oats: A Superior Choice
Today’s recipe proudly features Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats, a brand known for its commitment to quality. If you haven’t yet experienced steel cut oats, you’re in for a treat! Unlike rolled or instant oats, steel cut oats (also known as Irish oats) are whole oat groats that have been cut into two or three pieces, rather than being rolled flat. Bob’s Red Mill specifically uses high-protein, whole-grain oats that are lightly toasted before cutting, which enhances their robust, nutty flavor and creates a wonderfully chewy, full-bodied hot cereal.
The unique processing of steel cut oats means they retain more of their natural fiber and nutrients, offering a slower release of energy that keeps you feeling fuller for longer. This makes them an excellent choice for sustained energy throughout your morning, preventing those mid-morning energy slumps. Their distinctive texture adds a delightful chewiness to this baked oatmeal, distinguishing it from recipes made with rolled oats and elevating the entire dish.
Tips for Perfect Baked Oatmeal: Soaking & Protein Boost
Through several trials, I’ve discovered a crucial step for achieving the perfect texture in this baked steel cut oatmeal: soaking the oats overnight. While I appreciate a good chew, I certainly don’t want my baked oatmeal to be overly tough or dry. Soaking the steel cut oats in hot water overnight allows them to absorb moisture and soften significantly, resulting in a tender yet satisfyingly chewy consistency after baking. This simple overnight prep makes a huge difference in the final product. I highly recommend performing this step the night before you plan to bake, and then in the morning, you can quickly combine the remaining ingredients, pour into your baking dish, and bake for about an hour.
Given the one-hour baking time, this Baked Blueberry Banana Steel Cut Oatmeal is ideal for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a special brunch. However, its meal-prep friendly nature means you can bake a batch on Sunday and enjoy nourishing breakfasts all week long. Simply portion out and reheat individual servings for a quick and wholesome start to your busy weekdays.
Another fantastic addition to this recipe is Bob’s Red Mill Vanilla Protein Powder Nutritional Booster. This versatile ingredient is not just for smoothies! It seamlessly blends into the oatmeal, providing a significant nutritional upgrade. Just one serving delivers 20 grams of plant-based protein and 12 grams of dietary fiber, making your breakfast even more satisfying and beneficial. This unique blend is crafted from pea protein powder, chicory root fiber, chia seeds, beneficial probiotics, and a touch of monk fruit extract for natural sweetness. It’s also gluten-free, vegan, and an excellent source of iron, catering to a variety of dietary needs.
Customizing Your Baked Oatmeal & Natural Sweetness
If the vanilla protein powder isn’t something you wish to include, or if you prefer a simpler version, you can easily omit it. Simply substitute with 1 to 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to ensure your oatmeal retains a delightful depth of flavor. This flexibility allows you to tailor the recipe to your preferences and pantry staples.
One of the best aspects of this Baked Blueberry Banana Steel Cut Oatmeal is its natural sweetness. The ripe bananas and juicy blueberries provide a wholesome, fruity sweetness that is complemented by a touch of honey and the monk fruit extract in the protein powder. This balance of natural sugars means you can enjoy a delightfully sweet breakfast without the need for excessive added sugars. The subtle warmth of cinnamon perfectly enhances these natural flavors, creating a harmonious and comforting taste profile that makes this dish truly special.
This recipe is not only a fantastic option for a healthy breakfast but also serves wonderfully as a nutritious afternoon snack, especially when you need a boost of sustained energy. Its versatility, combined with its delicious flavor and impressive nutritional profile, makes it a valuable addition to any meal rotation. It’s a satisfying, guilt-free treat that you and your family will undoubtedly look forward to.
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Baked Blueberry Banana Steel Cut Oatmeal
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup Steel Cut Oats
- 6 cups hot water
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups skim milk, {or milk of your choice}
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 bananas, sliced
- 2 cups blueberries, divided
Instructions
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In a large glass bowl place the steel cut oats and the 6 cups of hot water. Cover and let it sit out overnight on the counter to help soften the steel cut oats. If the oats didn’t soak up all of the water drain the excess water.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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When ready to make your oatmeal whisk the egg, milk, honey, vanilla protein powder, cinnamon, salt and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
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Spray a 9×13 in pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a single layer place half of the bananas on the bottom of the dish. Mix the remaining bananas, half of the blueberries and the steel cut oats in with the milk mixture until combined.
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Pour the oatmeal slowly on top of the bananas, using a spatula to spread the oatmeal evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining blueberries on top of the oatmeal.
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Place the oatmeal in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, until the oatmeal is set and the oats are tender but a bit chewy. Remove from the oven and drizzle with honey. Serve warm.
Notes
If you do not want to use the Vanilla Protein Powder you can leave it out and use 1 to 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Today’s post is sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill.