This creamy banana oatmeal is a morning favorite. It's made with rolled oats, mashed bananas, chia seeds, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a touch of pure maple syrup. It's the perfect make-ahead breakfast for the week!

During the cooler months it's hard to find a comforting breakfast that's not only easy but also healthy and not boring. Because as much as I'd like to eat pancakes and french toast everyday... I can't.

Ah, to dream.

I grew up not liking oatmeal. Weird? Probably. But I was more of cream of wheat girl. The texture of oatmeal really got to me. The weird mushy-ness that had a little bite to it. I couldn't handle it.

It wasn't until a few years ago that I started to love oatmeal. Like, really love it. (Conveniently it's the #1 food to eat while breastfeeding too!) I think the turning point for me liking oatmeal was making it "from scratch." I say it like that because I mean not from a packet.

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Banana Oatmeal Ingredients

This banana oatmeal combines simple and healthy ingredients and can be adapted for any allergies or preferences. That why I love it so much! You need:

• Oats: I recommend using old-fashioned whole oats for a hearty texture. If you eat gluten free, use certified GF oats.
• Milk: Use the variety of milk that you drink. This oatmeal works with whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, skim milk, and any other milk out there.
• Bananas: Adds flavor, natural sweetness and binds.
• Chia Seeds: I add these for a little something extra, but you can omit if you want.
• Maple Syrup: I recommend pure maple syrup for the best flavor, but other unrefined sugars such as coconut sugar or honey work too. (If you're giving this to a child under 1 year old, do not use honey.)
• Vanilla & Cinnamon: Each add a satisfying flavor.

This oatmeal combination has been on repeat lately— my daughter Elle LOVES it! I knew I had to share it with you.

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How To Make Creamy Banana Oatmeal

What I love most about oatmeal is how easy it is to make. Sure, it requires a pot but it's worth it when it only takes 5-7 minutes and is THIS IS GOOD.

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: Into a mixing bowl stir together the oats, cinnamon and chia seeds.
2. Heat the Milk Mixture: Over medium-high heat, bring the milk, vanilla and maple syrup to a boil.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the oat mixture to the milk. Reduce the heat to medium and allow the oats to simmer, stirring constantly.
4. Stir in the Mashed Bananas: Remove from the heat and stir in the mashed bananas.

What I love most about this recipe is that I can make it at the beginning of the week and have breakfast ready all week! With minimal time in the morning, this prep helps tremendously.