Gluten-free, Dairy-free, and Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal that is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy morning in! Caramelized bananas, toasted walnuts, and cinnamon come together to bring you all the way back to that childhood memory of mama’s Banana Bread!
I just love this recipe. I very well may make it everyday for breakfast for the next week. I want to turn it into cookies, a breakfast bake, a smoothie – just all the things! But a creamy, dreamy bowl of oats will do the trick for now. Let’s make it!
What ingredients are necessary for preparing this Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Recipe?
- oats – I prefer old fashioned rolled oats for this recipe. I use Bob Mill’s Old Fashioned Gluten-Free Rolled Oats for this recipe.
- dairy free milk – I use coconut milk in this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite dairy free milk. You can also use water, but you will lose a bit of the creaminess that milk provides.
- cinnamon and nutmeg – quintessential spices for banana bread.
- vanilla extract – brings that cozy factor.
- sea salt – helps bring all of the flavors together and season the oats.
- banana – divide this and use half in the oats directly and half as a garnish.
- toasted walnuts – banana bread needs walnuts! We’re going to toast these with a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg for that extra zing.
- coconut oil – for cooking the bananas and adhering the spices to the walnuts.
- maple syrup – for that extra layer of sweetness!
Is there any equipment necessary for preparing Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Recipe?
A medium sauce pot for preparing the oats and a small skillet for cooking the bananas and walnuts.
How to Prepare Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Recipe:
Prepare the Oats First – Combine the oats, dairy free milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla sea salt in the pot. Heat for 5 – 8 minutes, stir in half of the banana (mashed) and cook until the liquid is almost completely dissolved and the banana is one with the oats.
Toast the Walnuts and Caramelize the Bananas – Heat a small sauce pan over medium-high heat, drop in the walnuts and toast until aromatic. Remove and reduce the heat to medium. Add a tbsp of coconut oil and a tsp of maple syrup and then the banana slices. Cook for about 30 seconds on each side, or until a golden crust forms.
Go the extra mile – Place the oats and caramelized bananas into a bowl and add the toasted walnuts back to the saucepan you cooked the bananas in. Drizzle with 1/2 a tsp (a very tiny amount!) of maple syrup and lightly sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. Give the pan a gentle toss to coat the walnuts in the spice and pour into the bowl of prepared oats and bananas.
Serve – If desired, drizzle with 1 more tsp of maple syrup upon serving for that extra sweetness!
Ways to Customize this Gluten-Free Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal Recipe:
Make it high-protein – Add protein powder, greek yogurt, or cottage cheese to meet your macro goals and make this meal more filling.
Toppings – Customize the toppings even further by adding shredded coconut or chia seeds. This recipe is also delicious with a bit of nut butter mixed in!
Storage and Reheating:
This recipe is written for 1 serving, so I recommend preparing it at the time of eating. If you have left over oats, store them in the refrigerator for 1 – 2 days and add 1 tbsp of dairy free milk or water ahead of reheating in the microwave. Reheat in 30 second intervals until warmed through.
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(Please note, the recommended recipes may not be gluten or dairy-free.)