Easy Banana Oatmeal Muffins So Good

Banana Oatmeal Muffins

Almost every week, I make a batch of healthy muffins for kids to have on hand for easy breakfasts, snacks, and lunches. I love that they can sit in the fridge and still taste great a few days later—and that they’re packed with enough nutrition that they’re a good quick meal option. My kids (like many, I’m sure!) enjoy muffins, but just putting a few chocolate chips on top transforms them into something they’re SUPER excited to eat. They are an easy breakfast recipe for kids that also works as a toddler snack or even a Cold Lunch Idea for Kids. To make these muffins we blend up whole grain oats with Greek yogurt or milk, eggs, bananas, and a few pantry staples. You pour the batter from the blender right into the muffin pan so the method is seriously doable…even if you have only one free hand! The combination delivers protein, fiber, and potassium—as well as some of the fats toddlers need to grow—in an easy to eat format. (My Protein Banana Muffins are great for that, too.) We like to eat these muffins cold right out of the fridge, but you can also serve them slightly warm. You can dice them up as needed for younger kids.

Ingredients You Need

To make this banana oatmeal muffin recipe you’ll need the following ingredients on hand. Most of them are pantry staples, so you might have some already. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.

Rolled oats: I use oats here since they blend into a flour and add fiber and complex carbohydrates to make a satisfying muffin. Super ripe bananas: These muffins will have the best flavor if you use ripe bananas with some brown spots, as the brown spots indicate natural sweetness. Plain Greek yogurt (or milk): You can use either option and have similar results. The muffins will have slightly more protein with Greek yogurt. Eggs: Eggs add structure to the banana muffins and help the batter hold together nicely. Maple syrup: You can add maple syrup or honey to sweeten these muffins. To make without added sugars, omit this and add 2 tablespoons milk to make up the liquid amount. Vanilla extract: A little vanilla adds nice flavor to these oatmeal muffins. Cinnamon: This pairs so nicely with the flavor of the ripe bananas. Baking soda: This is key to the muffins baking through and rising, so be sure yours is fresh.

TIP: You can use either Greek yogurt or milk in these muffins. Yogurt will make for slightly flatter muffins, but they will taste the same.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at the process of how to make these banana oatmeal muffins. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full information. TIP: Use bananas with a lot of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and flavor. You know, those ones that have been sitting on the counter ignored all week and need to be used up!

Mini Banana Muffins

To make these Banana Oatmeal Muffins as mini muffins, grease a mini muffin tin and pour the batter about ¾ of the way full in each muffin cup. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Follow the rest of the instructions in the recipe below. (You can also try my Banana Yogurt Muffins and my Sugar-Free Banana Muffins.)

How to Store

These muffins can store in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days. Or, freeze the muffins in the freezer in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

Best Tips for Success

For mini muffins, bake for 12-14 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the centers comes out clean. Dairy-free: Use plain nondairy milk. For the best flavor and natural sweetness, use very ripe bananas with a lot of brown spots. To make these without a blender, use store-bought oat flour, mash the banana very smooth, and mix together in a mixing bowl. You can use either Greek yogurt or milk in these muffins. Yogurt will make for slightly flatter muffins, but they will taste the same. Add a few chocolate chips to the tops of each muffin if desired. Try a pumpkin version in my Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it so please comment below!