If you’re searching for a warm, comforting breakfast that’s both wholesome and fuss-free, you have to try this Simple Cinnamon Baked Oats (No Banana) Recipe. It’s a delicious twist on traditional baked oatmeal that skips the banana but still delivers that cozy cinnamon aroma and satisfying texture. Perfectly spiced and subtly sweetened, this dish makes weekday mornings or weekend brunches feel like a special occasion without complicated prep. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl in the center holds a mixture of light brown oats and a darker brown liquid, with visible oats floating on top, showing a rough texture. Surrounding the bowl are cracked white eggshells, a bottle of vanilla extract with a black cap, and three white bowls, one with a small bit of yellow liquid inside and another with a bit of a brownish liquid. To the right, a metal whisk rests on a crumpled light gray and white striped cloth, next to a white baking dish with a light brown interior. The surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are refreshingly simple, yet each plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your baked oats. From the oats that give hearty body to the cinnamon that brings warmth, every component is essential to making this recipe a true favorite.

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty, chewy foundation that gives baked oatmeal its signature texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a gentle lift, keeping the oats light and fluffy without heaviness.
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, comforting spice flavor that defines the dish.
3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances all the flavors beautifully.
1 cup milk of choice: Whether dairy or plant-based, it hydrates the oats and adds creaminess.
1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey): Natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
2 eggs: Bind the oats together to create a custard-like texture when baked.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic depth and subtle sweetness.
2 tablespoons butter (or virgin coconut oil, melted): Adds richness and helps achieve a slightly crisp top layer.

How to Make Simple Cinnamon Baked Oats (No Banana) Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch square baking dish with butter, oil, or a light avocado spray. This step ensures your baked oats won’t stick and will come out perfectly when sliced.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mixture is the base that will absorb all the lovely flavors and moisture coming next.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients (except butter)

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and your choice of sweetener—maple syrup or honey. Whisking ensures a smooth blend that will coat every oat just right.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry oat mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined and the oats are evenly hydrated.

Step 5: Add Melted Butter or Coconut Oil

Finally, stir in the melted butter or coconut oil. Adding it after mixing prevents it from clumping and helps create a luscious, tender crumb in the finished baked oats.

Step 6: Let the Mixture Rest

Allow the oatmeal mixture to rest for about 5 minutes. This is key to give the oats time to soak up the liquid, which leads to a creamy and cohesive texture when baked.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Mix-Ins (Optional)

Spoon the oat mixture into your greased dish, smoothing the top with a spoon or the back of a measuring cup. If you like, now is the perfect moment to fold in your favorite extras—fresh or frozen fruit, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips add fun variety.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The look and feel will depend a little on your baking dish type, but aim for a firm center and nicely browned edges. That golden crust is where the magic happens!

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

Once baked, let your Simple Cinnamon Baked Oats (No Banana) Recipe rest for at least 5 minutes to set fully. This also makes it easier to slice cleanly and serve in bars or squares.

How to Serve Simple Cinnamon Baked Oats (No Banana) Recipe

Nine square oat bars are laid out in three rows on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The oat bars have a rough texture with visible oats and a warm brown color. Three bars have fresh berries and a smooth drizzle of light brown sauce on top: the top left bar is decorated with two raspberries, the middle bar in the second row has two strawberry halves, and the bottom right bar has one strawberry quarter. A white plate with bright red strawberries and raspberries is partially visible in the top left corner. At the bottom left, a glass bowl contains a creamy light brown sauce. The scene looks bright and fresh, emphasizing natural textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your bowl with toppings that complement and elevate the warm cinnamon notes. A drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of almond or peanut butter, or a spoonful of whipped cream are perfect finishing touches. Even a few fresh berries or a sprinkle of toasted nuts add a beautiful crunch and burst of freshness.

Side Dishes

This baked oatmeal is hearty enough to be a standalone meal but pairs beautifully with light sides like yogurt, fresh fruit salad, or a simple green smoothie. These balance the richness and provide a refreshing contrast to your cozy oats.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your baked oats in a rustic casserole dish for a casual family breakfast or slice it into bars for a grab-and-go snack during busy mornings. For something fun, try layering slices with yogurt and fruit in a parfait glass, highlighting the cinnamon flavor in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store any leftover baked oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it an ideal meal prep option for busy weeks.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this Simple Cinnamon Baked Oats (No Banana) Recipe by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen baked oats keep well for up to 2 months, so you always have a quick breakfast ready to go.

Reheating

Reheat baked oats gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps restore moisture and keeps the texture soft and comforting.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Steel-cut oats are much firmer and take longer to cook, so they are not ideal for this recipe. Rolled oats absorb the liquid better and create the perfect texture for baked oatmeal.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a delicious vegan version.

Can I add fruit to this Simple Cinnamon Baked Oats (No Banana) Recipe?

Yes! Adding 1/2 to 1 cup of your favorite fresh or frozen fruit, such as berries, apples, or peaches, is a great way to customize the dish without changing the core flavors.

How sweet is this recipe? Can I adjust the sweetness?

The maple syrup or honey delivers a moderate sweetness that balances nicely with the cinnamon. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference; you can reduce it for a less sweet option or add a bit more if you love it sweeter.

What’s the best type of dish to bake this in?

A 9-inch square ceramic, glass, or metal baking dish works perfectly. Each material may adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the edges for that perfect golden brown.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Cinnamon Baked Oats (No Banana) Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a cozy, wholesome breakfast without fuss or gimmicks. Its comforting cinnamon flavor and satisfying texture make it a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen, perfect for fueling both quiet mornings and busy days.