Dark Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal (with Sneaky Spinach)
This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. Please read our disclosure policy.
You caught us. Yes, it’s slightly ridiculous how much we eat oatmeal around here, whether it’s Oatmeal Pancake Mix, Simple Homemade Granola, or another baked oatmeal recipe. We love them all!
But, I know, I know. You’re thinking, “Rachel’s gone off the deep end on this one. Spinach in your oatmeal?” Look, my baked oatmeal philosophy is similar to my smoothie philosophy: what they don’t see, they won’t taste. It’s true. You really cannot see or taste the spinach after using the blender to puree the wet ingredients. This warm bowl of comfort is just pure dark chocolaty goodness… filled with lots of fiber, vitamins, and minerals!
How to Freeze Baked Oatmeal
To Freeze: Make the batter and pour into baking pan, but do not bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and/or foil and freeze for up to 3 months in back of freezer.
To Prepare: Let baked oatmeal thaw in refrigerator for 24 hours or defrost in the microwave using the defrost setting. Bake according to directions. Cook time will increase if baked oatmeal is still cold or partially frozen. Cover with foil if top begins to brown too much.
Chalk this recipe up to just one more genius way to sneak more fruits and vegetables into a kid-favorite (check out 50 more ways here)!
Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!
Dark Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal (with Sneaky Spinach)
This warm bowl of comfort is just pure dark chocolaty oatmeal goodness…filled with lots of fiber, vitamins, and minerals!
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup dark cocoa powder (or regular cocoa powder)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla
- 1 large or 2 small bananas
- 2 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 baking pan with coconut oil or baking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients (from oats through salt).
- In a blender, layer the wet ingredients in order (from milk to spinach). Blend until very smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into bowl with dry ingredients and stir until combined. Pour batter into a baking pan and bake for 20 minutes or until set in the middle.
- Serve warm with milk and fresh sliced fruit on top.
Notes/Tips
Freezer Meal Instructions:
To Freeze:
Make the batter and pour into baking pan, but do not bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and/or foil and freeze for up to 3 months in back of freezer.
To Prepare:
Let baked oatmeal thaw in refrigerator for 24 hours or defrost in the microwave using the defrost setting. Bake according to directions. Cook time will increase if baked oatmeal is still cold or partially frozen. Cover with foil if top begins to brown too much.
If you liked this recipe, you might like these 10 other recipes that use up ripe bananas. You’ll never throw away brown bananas again!
I love making this and freezing in single servings for quick, delicious breakfasts. I often add some peanut butter once it’s warmed up with milk. Yum!
★★★★★
Does this recipe have a soft consistency or is it more like a crunchy oat bar? I’m asking because my one year old only has 6 teeth and is only into softer foods at the moment.
It’s softer, especially when you add milk to it. That’s how we serve it in our house.
If you were out of honey? Would brown sugar work?
Yep, it should work just fine!
Just made this today. It was great! I love all of your baked oatmeal recipes. I did add a few things….I used 1tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 cup ground flax, 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (this helped sell it to my kids)
Thanks for always having wonderful recipes!!