Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal

This easy recipe for Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal combines naturally sweet banana and creamy peanut butter for a filling and satisfying breakfast. Make it in just 10 minutes for a healthy meal that will keep you full for hours! 

When I’m looking for a breakfast or snack that’s going to keep me full and satisfied, I always make one of my oatmeal recipes. Starting the day out right with healthy carbs and fiber always makes me feel like I can tackle anything through the day. 

The best part about oatmeal is that there are so many flavor combinations you can use to make a delicious bowl. This recipe is oatmeal with banana and peanut butter which are two perfect flavor pairings. 

The banana adds a thick texture and a natural sweetness. The peanut butter adds a sweet nutty flavor with healthy fats making it creamy and rich. Everything gets cooked in one saucepan on the stove so there is no need to turn on the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This oatmeal breakfast is packed with healthy fats, protein and fiber which will keep you full for hours. 
• It takes just 10 minutes to cook making it quick and easy.
• You can make a large batch and portion it out for quick breakfasts during the week. 
• Kids and adults love this oatmeal.
• This recipe is naturally gluten free and can be made dairy free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Old Fashioned Oats – Gives this hearty breakfast a nutty oatmeal taste and lots of texture and healthy fiber. Do not use quick oats.
• Water – Used to cook down the oats making them soft and creamy. 
• Creamy Peanut Butter – Adds a rich creamy peanut butter taste and a dose of healthy fats. Natural peanut butter is best. You can substitute with almond butter or another type of nut butter.
• Honey – Adds additional sweetness to the oats. You can also use maple syrup.
• Banana – Ripe bananas helps naturally sweeten and flavor the oatmeal. 
• Cinnamon – Gives a light warming flavor to the oatmeal. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg too, if desired.
• Salt – Balances the sweet flavors and helps bring out the natural flavor in the oats. 
• Milk – Helps the oats cook down while keeping them nice and creamy. Dairy or non dairy milk works great. Almond milk or soy milk are good choices.

Optional: You can add a small splash of vanilla extract for even more flavor.

How To Make Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal

1. Mix the oatmeal ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the water, oats, peanut butter, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Mix to combine then set over medium heat. 
2. Cook the oats: Bring the oatmeal mixture to a rolling boil making sure to stir so it cooks evenly. 
3. Add the banana and milk: Once the mixture is boiling, it’s time to add the mashed banana and milk. Stir in these two ingredients until the mixture is creamy and warmed through and the oats are fully cooked. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat. 
4. Assemble and serve: Once removed from the heat, allow the oatmeal to sit for a few minutes to fully absorb and thicken. You can stir in additional milk to make it extra creamy. Evenly distribute the oatmeal into 2 bowls and top with sliced banana and additional peanut butter. Serve while hot. 

MEAL PREP: Prep this oatmeal in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a splash of milk, mix and reheat before serving. This recipe is the perfection addition to a meal plan.

Expert Tips

1. Use old fashioned rolled oats NOT instant oats. Make sure you are using old-fashioned oats and not instant oats to make this recipe as instant oats may break down too much when cooked too long. 
2. To make it creamy, lots of stirring is needed to develop the starches which make it nice and creamy. 
3. Don’t forget the salt. Salt is an essential ingredient when making oatmeal. It helps bring out the natural nutty toasted flavors of the oatmeal. 
4. For extra toasty flavor, add the dry oats to the pan first over medium heat and toast the oats in the pan before adding the rest of the ingredients. 

Variations

• Gluten-Free Oatmeal: If you’d like to make this peanut butter banana oatmeal gluten-free, make sure you use certified gluten-free oatmeal and check your labels on any seasonings for wheat ingredients. 
• Vegan Oatmeal: To make a vegan version of this oatmeal, be sure to use plant-based milk and swap out the honey for a vegan sweetener such as sugar, maple syrup, or agave. 
• Overnight Oats: To make peanut butter banana overnight oats, mash the banana with the peanut butter in a medium-sized bowl until smooth and creamy, then stir in the rest of the ingredients until fully combined. Store in the fridge overnight and portion out when ready.
• Add spices. For a friendly fall twist on these oats, try using homemade pumpkin pie spice to flavor the oats instead of cinnamon. 
• Add chocolate chips. For a dessert-like oatmeal, add up to 1/4 cup chocolate chips.
• Add chia seeds or flaxseeds. If you’d like to add extra volume, fiber, and healthy fats, try mixing in one tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseed to the oatmeal. 

More Oatmeal Recipes

• Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal
• Baked Apple Oatmeal
• Baked Oatmeal Cups with Blueberries
• Berry Banana Baked Oatmeal
• Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal
• Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Did you make this peanut butter banana oatmeal? Leave a recipe rating and review below!