For as long as I can remember, my family has loved this baked banana and apple oatmeal that is gluten-free and vegan! In fact, it’s such a hit that a fresh batch often disappears within 24 hours. To make sure my kids get their share in their lunchboxes, I’ve even resorted to labeling the oatmeal container with a ‘no’. 😅
Do you ever find yourself taking extreme measures to safeguard those cherished leftovers for the next day’s lunches? Or is it just me? 😄
A nourishing and convenient gluten-free vegan breakfast bake
This gluten-free and vegan baked oatmeal combines the natural sweetness of bananas, apples and raisins with the nutritional benefits of oats. It provides a wholesome breakfast or snack option rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. It’s not just delicious, but also convenient and nourishing.
I wholeheartedly recommend giving this brain-boosting breakfast a try. And don’t forget to pair it with your favorite fruits for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.
What’s your go-to breakfast for busy mornings, and does baked oatmeal play a part in it?
Good To Know
Banana and Apple Oatmeal Benefits For The Brain
Oats provide a steady supply of oxygen to the brain. Plus, they’re packed with antioxidants, B vitamins and some omega-3s to help shield brain cells from the stress of daily life.
Flax seeds are brain superheroes, thanks to their alpha-linolenic acid content. They’re on a mission to keep the brain sharp, the memory intact and the mood sunny. They fight off inflammation and arm neurons with antioxidants, offering protection from age-related brain problems.
Bananas are a great source of natural sugars. These sugars provide a quick and easily accessible source of energy for the brain. The brain relies on glucose as its primary fuel, and eating bananas helps maintain a steady supply of energy for optimal brain function.
Apples offer a double dose of soluble and insoluble goodness. This fiber-fueled fruit isn’t only about digestive health; it’s about brain health too. Studies reveal an intriguing link between a happy gut and a sharp mind. A well-nurtured gut microbiome might just be the key to boosting cognitive function and warding off brain-related problems.
Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that play a crucial role in brain function and development. They have been associated with improved cognitive performance, memory and overall brain health.
Substitutions
Consider applesauce or mashed sweet potatoes as great alternatives to mashed bananas.
You can also swap out the apple for pears, berries or any of your favorite fruits.
In place of walnuts, feel free to use almonds, pecans or your preferred nuts.
Make it
Gluten free – use GF oats to make it gluten free.
Dairy free – the recipe has no dairy.
Vegetarian – the baked oatmeal is vegetarian.
Vegan – this baked breakfast recipe is vegan.
Extra health points
When you’re ready to enjoy it, serve the apple banana oatmeal with fresh berries (for fiber, antioxidants and probiotics), a dollop of Greek yogurt (for added protein, healthy fats and probiotics) or a swirl of your favourite nut butter (for protein and healthy fats).
Storing, freezing and reheating tips for the gluten-free vegan baked banana and apple oatmeal
Store
Store in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze
Freeze the baked banana and apple oatmeal for up to 3 months. Allow the baked oatmeal to cool to room temperature, cut it into individual servings, wrap each serving in plastic wrap or tin foil and place everything in a freezer-safe bag (ziploc for example), squeezing as much air as possible before sealing.
When you are ready to enjoy it, remove a piece from the freezer and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheat
Reheat it in the oven or in the microwave.
Watch how to make it step-by-step!
Baked Banana and Apple Oatmeal | Gluten-free and Vegan
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Total Time: 65 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Baked banana apple oatmeal that’s gluten-free and vegan! This is a wholesome and flavorful breakfast option that combines ripe bananas and apples for natural sweetness. It’s enhanced with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and features plump raisins and a drizzle of maple syrup for added richness, creating a nutritious and indulgent morning treat that’s perfect for fueling your day.
Ingredients
- Oil to grease the oven-proof dish
Dry ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free oats
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Wet ingredients
- 2 tbsp ground flax seeds mixed with 6 tbsp water
- 4 big and ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 apple, cored and diced (peel on)
- 1 cup walnut pieces
- 1 cup raisins
Optional
- grapes (see note 1)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13” oven-proof dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats with the cinnamon.
- Prepare ‘flax eggs’ by mixing the ground flax seeds with the water until they form a paste.
- Peel and mash the bananas until smooth.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the hydrated flax seeds, mashed bananas, maple syrup and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl.
- Gently mix in the apple.
- Add the walnuts and the raisins, incorporating them evenly.
- Transfer the batter to the greased dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the oatmeal in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve the baked oatmeal either warm or cold
Enjoy!
Notes
I chose grapes today, but you can choose your favourite fruit.
I like this oven-safe, dishwasher-safe and freezer-safe dish that has a convenient lid. Its side handles make it easy to transport. I wish all my oven-safe dishes had lids and handles like this dish.
What To Cook Next
Made with love and using fresh, high-quality ingredients, this blueberry lemon dream cake is a true game changer. It’s bursting with flavour and it’s refreshing. I hope you get a chance to make it!
I hope you enjoy this lovely, easy to make gluten-free and vegan baked banana and apple oatmeal.
