Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Cups

I'm on a baking-everything-in-a-muffin-tin roll. Not only does it make everything portable, but it makes portion control so much easier! If you missed my last post, I made pancakes and sausage in muffin form. So much better than grabbing a pop-tart or skipping breakfast due to running late....and we're always running late!

However, one can not live on pancakes alone. You may want something with more whole grains, and packed with nutrition, while still being able to eat it on the run (and it needs to taste good!) This Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal, made in a muffin tin, fits the bill. 

And hello, it has chocolate! Definitely the breakfast of champions.

Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Cups

3 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup dark brown sugar (or a 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup sugar substitute - I used xylitol)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2 eggs

1 1/4 cups milk (I used Unsweetened Almond Coconut Milk)

3/4 cup ripe bananas, mashed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

• Preheat the oven to 350. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray. (Makes 18 regular size muffins)
• Combine the oats, sugar(s), baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. 
• In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, bananas and vanilla. 
• Add the banana mixture to the oat mixture and stir until blended. 
• Add the chocolate chips. (or any other mix ins you would like...nuts, dried fruit, etc.)
• Fill muffin cups, you can fill them 3/4 full since they won't be rising much.
• Bake approximately 15-20 minutes or until oatmeal is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
• Allow oatmeal cups to cool. Store in airtight container in fridge or freezer. (I wrap mine in a paper towel and microwave on 50% power if frozen.)

Recipe adapted from Emily Bites

Remember, these are baked oatmeal cups, not muffins, so they will not have a light fluffy texture. They are dense and hearty, like any other baked oatmeal. Speaking of other baked oatmeal...you might also like my Meyer Lemon Blueberry Baked Oatmeal or Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal! I think adding chocolate to the baked pumpkin is next on my list :-)

Be sure to check out the giveaway I have going on for 5 free product coupons from Krusteaz too!

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