Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups

Name: Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas); 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy); 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries

Highlighted under: Basic Kitchen

I love breakfast, and these Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups have become my go-to morning delight. Packed with the flavors of ripe bananas and fresh strawberries, they are not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Preparing these cups is a breeze, and they make for a perfect meal prep option. You can grab them on the way out the door, and the best part is, they are as nutritious as they are tasty. Let me show you how to whip up this delightful treat in no time!

Created by

Gemma Hollis

Last updated on 2026-02-15T07:21:36.572Z

When I first decided to make these Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups, I was looking for a way to combine my love for oats with the fresh flavors of fruit. I experimented with different combinations, and this one quickly became a family favorite. The sweetness from the ripe bananas perfectly balances the tartness of the strawberries.

One tip I found essential during my process was to mix the wet ingredients separately before combining them with the dry. This ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed, and every bite is as delicious as the last. Trust me, you won’t want to skip this step!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bursting with natural sweetness from fresh fruit
A great make-ahead option for busy mornings
Nutritious and filling, perfect for any meal

Understanding Your Ingredients

The star ingredients of these Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups are undoubtedly the bananas and strawberries. Ripe bananas are essential; they not only provide natural sweetness but also moisture, which helps bind the oatmeal mixture together. If your bananas are overripe, that's perfectly fine—they will blend easily into the mixture and enhance the flavor. For the strawberries, fresh fruit is recommended for maximum flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen strawberries can also work. Just remember to thaw and drain them before adding to avoid excess moisture.

Selecting the right oats is critical for achieving the perfect texture. Rolled oats are ideal because they absorb moisture well and yield a hearty, chewy muffin. Avoid instant oats, as they'll become mushy and won’t hold their structure. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute rolled oats with certified gluten-free oats. If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding a scoop of protein powder or using a dairy alternative such as almond milk for a nutty twist.

Baking Tips for Success

When mixing the ingredients, be careful not to overmix after combining the wet and dry mixtures. Overmixing can lead to a denser cup, which detracts from the desirable light and fluffy texture. Just stir until the ingredients are barely blended to maintain a good balance of moisture. Additionally, folding in the strawberries gently at the end helps ensure even distribution without smashing them, preserving their beautiful shape and bursts of flavor in each bite.

To ensure even baking, use a standard 12-cup muffin tin filled to about 3/4 full, which allows the oatmeal cups to rise properly without overflowing. Keep an eye on them as they bake, and look for golden brown tops and a firm texture, which indicates they are done. If they seem undercooked after 20 minutes, give them an additional 5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overbaking.

Ingredients

For the Oatmeal Cups

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped fresh strawberries

Mix the ingredients well and prepare for baking!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease them lightly.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas and then add milk, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well mixed.

Combine Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.

Fill Muffin Tin and Bake

Spoon the oatmeal mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store in the fridge for later!

These oatmeal cups are not only tasty but also versatile. Feel free to mix in your favorite fruits or nuts!

Pro Tips

For added texture, consider adding nuts or seeds to the mixture before baking. They also store well in the fridge for up to a week.

Storing and Freezing

These oatmeal cups are a fantastic make-ahead breakfast option. Once they cool, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They reheat beautifully in the microwave, just warm them for about 30-45 seconds, or until heated through. If you plan to make a larger batch or want to keep some for later, consider freezing them. Wrap each cup individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they'll keep for up to 3 months.

To defrost, simply transfer the oat cups from the freezer to the fridge overnight. You can also reheat directly from frozen; just increase the microwave time to about 1-2 minutes. This flexibility makes it super easy to enjoy a nutritious breakfast with minimal effort any day of the week.

Serving Suggestions

These baked oatmeal cups are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them further with a few toppings. Consider a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of nut butter to add extra creaminess and protein. Fresh fruits like sliced bananas or strawberries on top also brighten the presentation and add flavor. A sprinkle of granola could add a nice crunch, providing a contrast in texture that makes each bite more exciting.

Another fun twist is to experiment with mix-ins. Consider adding chocolate chips for a sweet indulgence or nuts and seeds for added crunch and nutritional benefits. You can also switch up the fruit based on what's in season, such as blueberries or peaches, to keep things fresh and exciting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before adding.

→ How do I store leftover oatmeal cups?

Store the oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just ensure that you are using certified gluten-free oats.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

You can use maple syrup or agave syrup as a substitute for honey.