Jamaican-inspired Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal

This Jamaican-inspired Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal is the ultimate healthy + hearty breakfast recipe, regardless of the season. It comes drenched in island-y flavors from the lime, coconut, banana, and optional rum extract; topped with warm banana slices, coconut flakes, and toasted pecans. A fully vegan and gluten-free recipe for the entire family.

This is one of my few attempts to making baked oatmeal because we usually love cooking our oatmeal over the stovetop in our house or a quick overnight oats. However, baked oatmeal is definitely a great contender with our favorites and this Jamaican-inspired Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal is one that'll be on rotation in your house!

When it comes to using bananas, I truly love to tap into my Jamaican side of things because it's such a staple in the culture. The very popular banana bread is made differently from our Americanized version in that there isn't much of a topping, but instead----a simple design of banana sliced tucked away. That's why I chose this baked oatmeal recipe which I feel would be fun for you to create and enjoy.

Oatmeal is an incredibly nutritious food, packed with essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, phosphorous, folate, and zinc. Not to mention dietary fiber and antioxidants! And once you love this baked oatmeal, then you'll enjoy this Creamy Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge which is the perfect way to start your start!

How to Make Jamaican-inspired Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal

There are a few key ingredients in this warm baked oatmeal recipe that you may not usually use in your morning oatmeal. These make this recipe better for you and even tastier.

Ingredients

Here’s the list of ingredients to make banana bread for breakfast today:

• Thick Cut Rolled Oats. Choose gluten-free if necessary.
• Almond Milk. You can use any kind of plant-based milk you like. Coconut, oat or cashew will all be great.
• Spices. We’re talking cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.
• Flaxseed meal. This add tons of healthy fats and fiber, plus they make your oatmeal extra creamy.
• Bananas. The use of banana adds a great binder and volume
• Maple Syrup. For that ultra-caramelized flavor. You could also use honey if you’re not vegan.
• Nuts. Use walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts or your favorite kind!
• Brown Sugar. I like to use organic sugar to make sure it’s fully vegan.

Health Benefits of Oats

Oats are another superfood that’s great to start your day with. Rolled oats like the ones used in this recipe, are a healthy source of complex carbs, fiber (the soluble kind!), protein, and fat. In addition, they are loaded with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Other great benefits of oats, according to studies:

• They can help lower cholesterol.
• Helps regulate blood sugar levels to avoid crashes and spikes
• May help with losing weight.
• Helps to relieve constipation.

MORE HEALTHY OATMEAL RECIPES

• Breakfast Peanut Butter Banana Chia Seeds Oats have added protein from peanut butter, but you can use any nut butter you like!
• Dairy-Free Caramel Oat Milk Mocktails are packed with bold flavor and nutrients. This oatmeal is a sure way to get your tastebuds dancing and your tummy full for a few hours before needing another bite to eat.
•  Flourless Vegan Banana Oats Waffles are made right in a blender. These Gluten-Free waffles are naturally sweetened, fluffy, thick, airy, and full of flavor. The perfect breakfast or brunch dish with the perfect taste for your mornings!
• Fluffy Vegan Oatmeal Whole Wheat Pancakes are completely fluffy and oil-free and are truly irresistible.

Is this Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal Gluten-Free?

Yes! This recipe is totally gluten-free for my celiac friends out there. Be sure to buy oats that state “gluten-free” on the package. Some oats are GF and some are not, so pay attention when shopping! If you are not sensitive to gluten, you can use any variety of oats.

You can make this breakfast for a bunch of people (it is a real crowd-pleaser!) or for one. If you are cooking for people, it’s nice to offer a GF option every now and then.

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you make this Jamaican-inspired Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal or any other recipe from us, be sure to tag us on Instagram at #Orchidsandsweettea so that we can share the love!

Jamaican-inspired Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal

March 22, 2022 •

By Shanika

4.34 from 3 votes

Delicious Jamaican-inspired Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal packed with healthy fats from coconut and pecans while adding a comforting, creamy element to breakfast.

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 35 minutes mins

Total Time: 50 minutes mins

Serves: 4 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

BAKED OATMEAL:

• 2 very ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups organic rolled oats (Use GF-certified if desired)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
• ¼ cup almond butter
• 1 ½ cups Almond milk
• 2 Tbsps pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon rum extract, optional
• ½ teaspoon lime zest
• ½ cup coconut flakes
• ¼ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped

TOPPINGS:

• Banana slices
• Coconut flakes
• Toasted pecans
• Pure maple syrup

Instructions

• Lightly grease a baking pan (9 x 9″) OR 10-inch oven-safe skillet with butter or oil and pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a large bowl, add the mashed bananas, milk, maple syrup, flaxseed meal, vanilla, rum extract, and almond butter, whisking until combined. Add in the dry ingredients: rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lime zest, and salt, stirring (using a wooden spoon or spatula) until combined.
• Fold in the coconut flakes and toasted pecans.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared pan or skillet, evenly spreading until even. Top mixture with sliced bananas and sprinkle additional coconut flakes and pecans atop as well.
• Bake oatmeal for 35-40 minutes or until fully cooked through (less 'jiggly') and edges and tops are golden brown.
• Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes or so. To serve, cut into desired sized squared pieces and drizzle with maple syrup, if desired.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To serve, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• TO FREEZE: To keep any leftovers for a longer period, simply allow baked oatmeal to fully cool before cutting it into squares and individually wrap each square in foil paper and then adding them to a freezer-safe ziplock bag. 
• TOASTED NUTS: Add chopped walnuts/pecans to a baking sheet and toasting them in the oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5-10 minutes, tossing them halfway to avoid browning on one side.
• SWEETENER: Instead of maple syrup, you can simply use Agave to oatmeal as a sweetener.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 471kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 383mg | Potassium: 602mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 281mg | Iron: 3mg

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