Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake

About Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake

Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake is a delicious, wholesome treat that perfectly embodies the comforting taste of ripe bananas combined with hearty oats. The cake is soft, moist, and has a delightful flavor profile that marries the sweetness of bananas with the earthiness of oats. This recipe is culturally rooted in the tradition of using leftover overripe bananas, turning a potential waste into a scrumptious breakfast option.

this recipe

What You’ll Need for Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake

Complete Ingredients List

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option)
• 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans (optional, chopped and toasted)

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

If you’re looking for different options to accommodate dietary preferences or allergies, here are some suggestions:

• Gluten-Free: Swap regular rolled oats with certified gluten-free oats.
• Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
• Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes until gelatinous).
• Sweetener Alternatives: Coconut sugar, agave nectar, or a sugar-free sweetener can be used instead of brown sugar and honey.

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Baking Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures that your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly intact.

Step 2: Blend Your Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until they are evenly distributed, removing any lumps from the sugar. This ensures that your cake has an even rise and flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this task. Then, add in the Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix until everything is well blended. The mixture should be creamy and slightly chunky from the banana.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the components together using a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in at this point, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-browning.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before cutting it into squares. Enjoy your Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions for Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake

How to Serve Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake

This cake is versatile when it comes to serving temperatures. It’s delightful when served warm, making it a cozy breakfast option, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature. For an elegant touch, consider cutting the cake into neat squares or bars and placing them on a platter.

For an extra dash of flair, you can dust the cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or serve it alongside a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings and accompaniments:

• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness
• Fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas
• A dollop of Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative for creaminess
• A sprinkle of nuts or seeds for added crunch
• A dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder for an aromatic finish

Storing & Preserving Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake

Best Storage Methods

After allowing your Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake to cool completely, it can be stored in a few ways:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer freshness, store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

To reheat, simply place the individual squares in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds until warmed through. If frozen, allow the cake to thaw overnight in the refrigerator or defrost it in the microwave. This helps maintain its delightful texture without drying it out.

Tips for Perfect Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Using Overripe Bananas: While ripe bananas are essential for sweetness and moisture, overly fermenting bananas can lead to an overpowering flavor.
• Mixing Too Much: Overmixing the batter can create a tough texture; mix until just combined.
• Not Measuring Accurately: Baking is a science; be sure to measure your ingredients precisely with measuring cups and spoons.

Helpful Tricks for Success

• Use Softened Ingredients: Ensure that eggs and yogurt are at room temperature for better incorporation.
• Add Extra Flavor: Boost the flavor profile by adding vanilla or almond extracts or incorporating spices like nutmeg or cardamom.
• Cook with Love: Mixing and folding ingredients with care can significantly impact the final outcome.

Fun Variations of Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

• Chocolate Chip Variation: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Fruit Fusion: Incorporate other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or apples for an exciting twist.
• Nutty Delight: Experiment with different nuts such as almonds or pistachios to alter the flavor and texture.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

• Vegan Version: As previously mentioned, use flax eggs and dairy-free yogurt to create a vegan-friendly alternative.
• Sugar-Free: Substitute sweeteners for unsweetened applesauce, ripe bananas, or stevia for a sugar-free option.
• Keto-Friendly: Swap oats for almond flour or coconut flour, adjusting the liquid as necessary to maintain moisture without carbs.

FAQs

What If My Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If you find your cake is too dry, it could have been overbaked or too many dry ingredients were used. To fix this, make sure to check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.

If the cake is too dense, it may be that the ingredients were overmixed. For future attempts, mix gently and ensure the rising agents are fresh.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Yes, Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake can be made in advance as it stores well. You can bake it up to two days before serving. Just be sure to store it properly and allow it to cool completely before wrapping.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, there are many swaps you can make to still enjoy Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cake. For instance, if you’re out of Greek yogurt, use applesauce or any dairy-free yogurt. Brown sugar can easily be replaced with white sugar or coconut sugar, depending on your preference.

Print