We always have bananas in the kitchen… always. Sometimes, things go perfectly and we eat exactly as many bananas as we have on hand. Other times, for some reason or another, we have way more bananas than we need. This is when I make banana bread, these banana muffins or this banana nut granola.
There are also plenty of quicker ways to use bananas like adding them into smoothies, slicing them over peanut butter toast or quick caramelizing bananas and spooning them over creamy oats… which is ready in 15 minutes, but feels like the most luxurious special treat of a breakfast.
If you love bananas and/or want your breakfast to feel just a little bit extra then you should definitely give this one a try.
Let’s get started…
Place a small saucepan over medium heat and bring 2 1/3 cups of your favorite milk up to a simmer. I am using unsweetened vanilla almond milk today, but whole milk packs a bunch of protein and there are no wrong answers here!
As soon as the milk begins to simmer, stir in a cup of old fashioned oats, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of cloves and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Simmer the oats, stirring occasionally, until they are thickened and tender and then transfer the saucepan off of the heat.
While the oats are simmering, place a skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
As soon as the butter has melted down, add 2 sliced bananas and give everything a good stir so all of the banana slices are coated in butter and sugar. Let them bubble away until they get tender, but take them off of the heat before they start to fall apart.
Note: You can use any bananas here. Fresh, super yellow bananas will need to cook just a little bit longer to soften, but brand new, middle age or way overripe bananas will all work in this recipe!
The only thing left to do is divide the creamy oats between 2 bowls and spoon your beautiful bananas over them.
I like to add a splash of milk and some finely chopped nuts over the bananas before I dig in, but technically all you need are some creamy oats and these tender, sweet caramelized bananas.
Creamy Oats with Caramelized Bananas
Ingredients
Creamy Oats
- 1 cup of old fashioned oats
- 2 1/3 cups of your favorite milk (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Quick Caramelized Bananas
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 bananas, peeled and sliced (fresh or over ripe)
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- a pinch of nutmeg or cloves
Garnishes
- heavy cream or milk
- nuts, finely chopped
Instructions
- Bring 2 1/3 cups of your favorite milk up to a simmer in a saucepan over medium heat
- Add a cup of old fashioned oats, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of cloves and 1/4 teaspoon of salt and whisk to combine
- Simmer until thickened and tender (about 5-7 minutes) and then transfer off of the heat
- While the oats are simmering, place a small skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- As soon as the butter melts, add your sliced bananas and cook until the bananas are tender, but not falling apart
- Dust 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg or cloves (or both!) over the bananas and toss to combine
- Divide the creamy oats between 2 bowls and top with your caramelized bananas
- Garnish with a splash of cream and chopped nuts
