Description

A cheap, single-serving baked oatmeal recipe designed for meal prep. It uses simple staples like oats, banana, and egg to create a comforting, cookie-like breakfast that costs less than $0.75 per serving.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (90g) Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
1 medium ripe banana (~118g)
1 large egg (~50g)
1/2 cup (120ml) Milk of choice (water, dairy, or unsweetened almond milk)
1/4 cup (45g) Chocolate chips
1 tbsp (16g) Peanut butter
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until completely smooth with no lumps.
Add the egg, milk, peanut butter, and vanilla extract to the mashed banana. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is uniform and creamy.
Stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, and baking powder until the oats are fully coated.
Fold in the chocolate chips gently. Reserve a small handful for topping if desired.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to about 1 inch thick.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and edges pull away from the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs.
Let the oatmeal cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes to allow it to set and firm up.
Slice into squares and serve warm or cold.

Notes

Do not use instant or steel-cut oats; old-fashioned rolled oats are required for the correct texture. Ensure the banana is very ripe for natural sweetness. Letting the oatmeal cool completely is crucial for it to set properly. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8th of the batch
Calories: 180
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 50
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 2
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 3
Protein: 6

Keywords: baked oatmeal, meal prep, budget friendly, single serving, chocolate chip, healthy breakfast, cheap meals, oatmeal bars