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Home » Recipes » Breakfast & Brunch

Modified: Oct 13, 2022 | Categories: Breakfast & Brunch

Caramelized Banana and Peanut Butter Oatmeal

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Let me tell you about this amazingly delicious caramelized banana and peanut butter oatmeal.

It's so good it could *almost* be dessert!

The oatmeal is loaded with oats, chia seeds, peanut butter and vanilla and the bananas are caramelized with a tiny bit of butter and brown sugar. Finish it all off with nuts and you have the most fabulous bowl of oatmeal, ever.

Overhead shot of completed recipe for caramelized banana and peanut butter oatmeal in a white bowl.
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How to make caramelized banana and peanut butter oatmeal

Featured Ingredients

  • Rolled oats and chia seeds: So much great fiber and a boost of omegas to help you start your day off right.
  • Vanilla extract and maple syrup: Is there a better combination than vanilla and maple?
  • Peanut butter: For that amazingly nutty PB flavor, plus some protein to sustain you for a few hours.
  • Milk: For that creaminess (P.S. my fave is vanilla soy or almond).
  • Walnuts and almonds: For crunch, nuttiness and a bit more nutrition.
  • Caramelized bananas: Bananas with a crispy, sweet exterior with just a hint of buttery goodness.
Overhead process shot of oatmeal cooked in a ceramic pan with peanut butter, cinnamon, chia seeds, vanilla extract, salt, milk and maple syrup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan.
  2. Pour oats and chia seeds into the water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until oats are soft.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, peanut butter, milk and maple syrup until combined.
  4. In a medium skillet, melt butter and brown sugar at medium-high heat.
  5. Add sliced bananas and cook 1-2 minutes per side, until browned, flipping once.
  6. Scoop oatmeal into bowls and top with milk and maple syrup, as desired, and walnuts/almonds and caramelized bananas.
Overhead shot of caramelized bananas in a pan.

Recipe Substitutions and Alterations

  • For the oats: Use old fashioned rolled, steel cut or quick cooking oats.
    • Adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
  • For the chia seeds: You can leave them out, or you can mix in some ground flax seed when before you serve the oatmeal.
    • Both provide a dose of omega 3s and additional fiber.
  • For the maple syrup: You could use honey or brown sugar as a substitute.
  • For the milk: Any milk will work, such as cow's, soy, pea, oat, almond, cashew, rice or coconut.
  • For the nuts: Any nuts will work, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts or macadamia nuts.
Overhead shot of completed recipe in three white bowls and silver vintage spoons.

Nutrition Considerations

  • To make it gluten free: Use certified gluten free oats. Be sure all ingredients you choose are gluten free.
  • To make it dairy free: Use a dairy free milk alternative, such as soy, pea, oat, almond, cashew, rice or coconut.
  • To make it vegan: Use a plant-based milk alternative, such as soy, pea, oat, almond, cashew, rice or coconut.
    • Skip the butter or use a plant-based butter substitute.
  • To make it nut free: Skip the nuts.
    • Be sure all packaged ingredients you choose are nut free.
  • To make it egg free: This recipe does not contain eggs.
Overhead shot of caramelized banana & peanut butter oatmeal in a white bowl.
PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER!

Sweet breakfast recipes to make this week:

  • Dark Chocolate Granola with Coconut
  • Strawberry Banana Cashew Smoothie
  • Cranberry Maple French Toast Cups
  • Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats
  • Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Print

Caramelized Banana & Peanut Butter Oatmeal

Peanut Butter & Caramelized Banana Oatmeal in white bowl.
Print Recipe

This delicious and satisfying oatmeal recipe features chia seeds, peanut butter and maple syrup and served with caramelized banana and nuts. 

  • Author: Julie Andrews
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Total Time: 15 min
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stove-Top
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½-4 cups water
  • 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ½ cup chia seeds
  • ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon coarse salt
  • ½ cup natural peanut butter
  • ½ cup milk of choice + more for serving
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup + more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 3 yellow bananas, peeled and sliced
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts and/or sliced almonds

Instructions

  1. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Pour oats and chia seeds into the water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until oats are soft.  Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, peanut butter, milk and maple syrup until combined.
  2. In a medium skillet, melt butter and brown sugar at medium-high heat.  Add sliced bananas and cook 1-2 minutes per side, until browned, flipping once.
  3. Scoop oatmeal into bowls and top with milk and maple syrup, as desired, and walnuts/almonds and caramelized bananas.

Notes

Storage Tip: Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
  • Calories: 478
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 458mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Fiber: 13g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 12mg

Keywords: best, fiber, healthy, simple, make ahead, do ahead, meal prep

Did you make this recipe?

Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and tag us on Instagram and Facebook @thegourmetRD. We can't wait to see your creation!


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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laura Grovogel says

    January 11, 2018 at 5:15 pm

    Amazing. Peanut butter and bananas should just get married already.

    Reply
    • Julie Andrews says

      January 12, 2018 at 8:23 am

      Best combo ever!

      Reply
  2. Kelly Jones says

    January 12, 2018 at 9:18 am

    I add banana slices to my oats almost every morning but this is SUCH a delish looking upgrade!

    Reply
    • Julie Andrews says

      January 13, 2018 at 5:50 pm

      Yeah! It's perfect for the weekend. Enjoy, Kelly!

      Reply
  3. Becca | Rabbit Food Runner says

    January 12, 2018 at 2:04 pm

    Those bananas on top look divine!

    Reply
    • Julie Andrews says

      January 13, 2018 at 5:50 pm

      That's my favorite part! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Maria says

    January 12, 2018 at 7:37 pm

    This looks A M A Z I N G! I love oatmeal, but need to mix it up a bit. Can’t wait to try this!

    Reply
    • Julie Andrews says

      January 13, 2018 at 5:49 pm

      Thanks, Maria! I won't lie, it's pretty incredible 🙂 Enjoy!!

      Reply
  5. Deborah Brooks says

    January 15, 2018 at 7:52 am

    I need to up my oatmeal game around here! Hard to beat the oatmeal and PnB combo huh? Would love to have you join our meatless Monday link up today

    Reply
    • Julie Andrews says

      January 15, 2018 at 12:57 pm

      PB & B is the bestttt! I'll check out the Meatless Monday link up!

      Reply
  6. Lexi says

    August 03, 2020 at 3:18 pm

    WOW I bet that caramelization really takes the flavor to the next level! Will definitely be adding this to my weekend brunch list!

    Reply
    • Julie Andrews says

      August 03, 2020 at 4:01 pm

      I think this oatmeal will change your life!! Or at least your oatmeal game! Ha 😉 Enjoy!!

      Reply

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hi, i’m julie!

chef, registered dietitian & mom
passionate about simple, healthy cooking

*formerly the gourmet RD*

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