This Creamiest Steel Cut Oats with Caramelized Bananas recipe is the ultimate breakfast bowl! Made with creamy steel-cut oats simmered in almond milk and topped with caramelized bananas and crunchy pecans, this dish is both comforting and nutritious. It’s high in fiber, naturally sweetened, and packed with flavor—perfect for a wholesome and satisfying start to your day.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Oats:

• ¾ cup Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats
• 3 cups almond milk
• 1 tbsp vegan butter or coconut oil
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp peanut butter (optional)

For the Caramelized Bananas:

• 2 large bananas, cut into chunks
• 1 – 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar

For Topping:

• ¼ cup chopped pecans (or nut/seed of choice)
• Additional almond milk for drizzling (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the oats – In a small saucepan, combine steel-cut oats and almond milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Make it creamy – Stir in vegan butter (or coconut oil), 2 tbsp coconut sugar, cinnamon, salt, and peanut butter (if using). Simmer for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Caramelize the bananas – Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 tbsp coconut sugar and stir until melted. Place banana chunks flat-side down and cook for 3 minutes until caramelized. Flip and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Assemble the bowl – Divide the oats into serving bowls, top with caramelized bananas, sprinkle with chopped pecans, and drizzle with almond milk if desired. Enjoy warm!

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 344 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 14g
• Calcium: 247mg
• Iron: 1.6mg

Why Choose Steel Cut Oats?

Steel-cut oats are an ideal choice for breakfast because they are a whole grain and packed with nutrients. Unlike instant oats, steel-cut oats are minimally processed, meaning they retain more of their natural fiber and nutrients. They are made by chopping whole oat groats into smaller pieces, which gives them a chewier texture and longer cooking time compared to rolled oats. Steel-cut oats are known for their ability to keep you feeling full longer, making them a great option for breakfast.

In addition to being rich in fiber, steel-cut oats are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including iron and magnesium. These nutrients play an essential role in maintaining energy levels, supporting bone health, and promoting heart health. Plus, their high fiber content can aid in digestion, making them an excellent choice for promoting gut health.

The Creamy Texture: Almond Milk and Vegan Butter

One of the key components of this recipe is the creamy texture achieved by simmering steel-cut oats in almond milk and adding vegan butter or coconut oil. Almond milk, with its mild flavor and creamy consistency, is the perfect base for making the oats soft and smooth without the need for dairy. It also adds a subtle nuttiness to the dish, complementing the flavors of the other ingredients.

Vegan butter or coconut oil further enhances the creaminess of the oats, creating a rich, velvety consistency. Coconut oil, in particular, adds a touch of tropical flavor and healthy fats, making this dish even more indulgent. The addition of coconut sugar and cinnamon infuses the oats with natural sweetness and warmth, giving it a comforting, dessert-like feel without the added sugars often found in traditional breakfast cereals.

Caramelized Bananas: A Sweet and Flavorful Topping

The real star of this dish is the caramelized bananas. Bananas are naturally sweet, and when caramelized, they take on a rich, golden-brown hue and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. To achieve this caramelization, coconut oil and coconut sugar are used to cook the banana chunks until they are beautifully golden and slightly crispy on the edges. The result is a topping that’s both sweet and savory, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy oats.

Caramelized bananas are also a source of potassium, which is essential for heart health and muscle function. This topping not only adds a burst of flavor but also enhances the overall nutritional profile of the dish, providing essential vitamins and minerals to support your body throughout the day.

Pecans: Adding Crunch and Nutritional Benefits

To complete this breakfast bowl, chopped pecans are sprinkled on top. Pecans are not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are an excellent source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. The addition of pecans provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smooth oats and soft caramelized bananas.

Nutritionally, pecans are a good source of monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to support heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels. They also contain vitamin E, which plays a crucial role in immune function and skin health. By adding pecans to your breakfast bowl, you’re not only enhancing the flavor but also boosting its health benefits.

A Wholesome Breakfast: The Perfect Balance of Nutrients

This Creamiest Steel Cut Oats with Caramelized Bananas recipe is a well-rounded meal that combines carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The steel-cut oats provide a solid carbohydrate base, while the bananas offer natural sweetness and essential vitamins. The pecans add healthy fats and protein, making this breakfast bowl satisfying and filling.

With approximately 344 calories per serving, this dish is a great option for those looking for a balanced meal that will keep them energized throughout the morning. The high fiber content (6g per serving) ensures that you’ll feel full for longer, reducing the need for snacking between meals. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, making this dish ideal for those who want to maintain energy levels without experiencing spikes and crashes.

Versatility: Customizing Your Oats

One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. While the combination of steel-cut oats, caramelized bananas, and pecans is already delicious, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you prefer a different type of milk, you can substitute almond milk with coconut milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk of your choice. Each milk option will bring its unique flavor and texture to the dish.

If you’re looking for an extra protein boost, you can add a spoonful of nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter, to the oats while cooking. This will give the dish a rich, nutty flavor and further increase the protein content. Additionally, if you prefer a sweeter breakfast, you can drizzle a little maple syrup or agave nectar over the top of the caramelized bananas for an added touch of sweetness.

Meal Prep: A Convenient Option for Busy Mornings

While this recipe is quick and easy to make, it can also be prepared in advance for those busy mornings when you don’t have time to cook. To meal prep, simply cook a large batch of the steel-cut oats and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the oats in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of almond milk to bring back the creamy texture. Caramelize the bananas fresh each morning to ensure they maintain their rich, caramelized flavor.

This recipe is a great option for those looking to simplify their mornings without sacrificing a nutritious and satisfying meal. It can easily be doubled or tripled to make enough servings for the entire week, saving you time and effort during your busy schedule.

Conclusion

Creamiest Steel Cut Oats with Caramelized Bananas is a nourishing and delicious breakfast that is sure to become a staple in your morning routine. With its combination of creamy oats, sweet caramelized bananas, and crunchy pecans, this dish is both comforting and packed with essential nutrients. The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your specific tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a make-ahead meal, this dish provides a wholesome and satisfying way to start your day off right. The balance of fiber, healthy fats, and protein ensures that you’ll feel full and energized throughout the morning. Try this recipe today and enjoy a breakfast that’s as delicious as it is nutritious!