Save I used to skip breakfast until I discovered this bowl on a frantic Tuesday morning. The banana had gone spotty, the oats were about to expire, and I had exactly three minutes before a video call. What came out of the microwave was so warm and comforting that I've made it at least twice a week ever since. It's become my reset button when mornings feel too fast.
The first time I made this for my partner, they looked skeptical about microwave oatmeal. Then they took a bite and went quiet. Now they ask for it on cold mornings, and I've started keeping extra bananas on the counter just in case. It's funny how something so simple can become a small ritual you both look forward to.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: The thick-cut kind works best because they hold their texture and don't turn mushy, even in the microwave.
- Milk: I switch between almond and oat milk depending on what's open, and both make the oats creamy without feeling heavy.
- Ripe banana: The browner the peel, the sweeter it gets, and it practically melts into the oats as it cooks.
- Honey or maple syrup: Just enough to round out the flavor without making it taste like dessert.
- Cinnamon: A quarter teaspoon is all you need to make the whole bowl smell like a bakery.
- Chopped nuts: I love the crunch of walnuts on top, especially when everything else is soft and warm.
- Chia seeds or flaxseed: These turn the oats a little thicker and make me feel like I'm doing something good for myself.
Instructions
- Mix the base:
- Stir the oats and milk together in a microwave-safe bowl until they're evenly combined. This helps them cook through without clumping.
- Add the flavor:
- Drop in half the banana slices, drizzle the honey or syrup, and sprinkle the cinnamon. Give it a gentle stir so everything gets coated.
- Microwave in stages:
- Heat on high for one minute, stir, then go another 30 to 60 seconds until the oats puff up and absorb most of the liquid. Watch it closely so it doesn't bubble over.
- Finish and top:
- Stir once more, then arrange the remaining banana slices on top with any nuts or seeds you like. Eat it while it's still steaming.
Save There was one morning when I forgot to stir halfway through and the oats erupted all over the microwave. I stood there laughing at the mess, scraping sticky oats off the turntable, and made it again right after. Even my mistakes with this recipe have been forgiving. That's when I knew it was a keeper.
Make It Your Own
I've swapped the banana for frozen berries when I'm craving something tart, and it works beautifully. A spoonful of peanut butter stirred in at the end turns it into something that feels more like a treat than breakfast. You can also skip the sweetener entirely if your banana is ripe enough, and it still tastes complete.
Storage and Timing
This is truly a make-and-eat situation because oats stiffen as they cool. If you need to reheat, add a splash of milk and microwave for 20 seconds to bring back the creaminess. I've never had leftovers, though. It disappears too fast.
What to Serve Alongside
I usually eat this on its own, but sometimes I'll pour a second cup of coffee and call it a full breakfast. If I'm extra hungry, I'll toast a slice of bread with butter and have it on the side.
- A handful of fresh berries adds color and a little tartness.
- A drizzle of almond butter makes it richer and more filling.
- A sprinkle of coconut flakes gives it a tropical twist without any extra effort.
Save This bowl has saved more mornings than I can count. I hope it becomes your easy answer too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk?
Yes, plant-based milks like almond, soy, or oat milk work well and add subtle flavors while keeping the texture creamy.
- → How can I make the oats creamier?
Mashing half the banana into the oats before microwaving increases creaminess and natural sweetness.
- → What toppings complement this oats bowl?
Chopped nuts, chia seeds, flaxseed, or extra banana slices provide texture and additional nutrients.
- → Is it possible to prepare this without a microwave?
Yes, cooking oats with milk on the stovetop and stirring in banana and sweetener afterward will yield similar results.
- → Can I adjust sweetness or omit it?
Honey or maple syrup add gentle sweetness, but you can reduce or exclude them to suit your preference.