Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins

Name: Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup yogurt or applesauce; 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped nuts; 1/2 cup chocolate chips; 1/4 cup raisins

Highlighted under: Clean Wellness Meals

I always find myself reaching for a quick breakfast on busy mornings, and these Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins have become my go-to recipe. They are not only easy to make but are also packed with nutritious ingredients like ripe bananas and oats. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness and heartiness, perfect for fueling my day ahead. Plus, I love how I can customize them with nuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat. Whenever I make a batch, they disappear in no time!

Created by

Ariana Brooks

Last updated on 2026-02-10T16:09:36.298Z

When I first developed this recipe, I wanted to create something that was both delicious and healthy. The combination of bananas and oats not only brings a naturally sweet flavor but also adds fiber to keep me full longer. I remember experimenting with different spices until I found that a hint of cinnamon perfectly enhanced the banana's sweetness.

Another tip I learned is to use overripe bananas for this recipe. They add a richer sweetness that makes these muffins incredibly moist. Each time I bake them, I can’t help but enjoy the wonderful aroma that fills my kitchen!

Why You'll Love These Muffins
Soft and moist texture that melts in your mouth
Nutritious ingredients to keep you energized
Versatile recipe for various add-ins like nuts or chocolate

Perfecting Your Banana Oatmeal Muffins

Achieving the perfect texture in your Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins is all about balancing your wet and dry ingredients. The oats provide a hearty base, but it's crucial not to overmix once the wet ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, so stir just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. The goal is a slightly lumpy batter that will bake into soft, fluffy muffins. If you notice the batter appears too runny, add a tablespoon of oats to absorb excess moisture.

To ensure your muffins rise beautifully and have a light texture, it's essential to use fresh baking powder and baking soda. Check the expiration dates on these leavening agents; if they're old, they may not work effectively, leading to flat muffins. When mixing your batter, allow the muffins to rest briefly before baking. This gives the oats time to absorb moisture and swell, enhancing the final texture.

Customizing Your Muffins

One of the best aspects of these muffins is how adaptable they are to personal tastes and dietary needs. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, consider substituting half of the brown sugar with mashed dates or honey for natural sweetness. Likewise, if you're gluten-free, swap the whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper binding. This way, you can still enjoy a delightful muffin without compromising your dietary preferences.

Feel free to experiment with different flavors by incorporating various add-ins. For a standout twist, try adding shredded coconut or a spoonful of peanut butter to the wet mixture. If you love a touch of spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to complement the cinnamon. Mixing in chopped fruits like blueberries or apples can bring another layer of flavor, offering a refreshing contrast to the hearty oats.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your muffins:

Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup yogurt or applesauce
1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup raisins

Prepare these ingredients for a tasty start to your day!

Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect muffins:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, yogurt (or applesauce), milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix! Fold in any optional add-ins if desired.

Fill Muffin Tin

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm!

Once baked, enjoy these muffins for breakfast or as a delicious snack!

Pro Tips

Feel free to freeze any leftover muffins for a quick breakfast option in the future. Just reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds when you're ready to eat!

Storing and Freezing Tips

To keep your Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their life, consider freezing them. Simply allow the muffins to cool completely, then wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, perfect for quick breakfast options in the future. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator or pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat.

When reheating muffins, I recommend placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This softens the muffins and brings back their freshly baked taste. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 20-30 seconds, but be careful not to overheat them, or they might become rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

These Banana Oatmeal Muffins are delightful on their own, but serving them with spreads can elevate your breakfast. A smear of cream cheese or almond butter adds a delicious creaminess that complements the banana flavor. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle a bit of maple syrup over warm muffins right before serving; the contrast between warm and cool condiments creates a lovely breakfast experience.

If you're preparing for guests or meal prepping, consider pairing these muffins with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast. A fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt can provide a refreshing contrast, making for a nutritious start to the day. The addition of a warm beverage like coffee or tea complements their flavor beautifully, making your breakfast even more inviting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check for other gluten-containing ingredients in your add-ins.

→ How do I store the muffins?

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I make these muffins vegan?

Yes, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a dairy-free yogurt and milk.

→ What can I add for flavor?

Consider adding nuts, raisins, or even a scoop of peanut butter to the batter for added flavor and texture!