A creamy, chocolatey oatmeal made with ripe banana, peanut butter, and cocoa. It’s an easy, comforting breakfast that tastes like a healthy chocolate-peanut butter treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 ½ cups milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, optional
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips, optional
- 1–2 tablespoons chopped peanuts, optional
- Banana slices, for topping
- Extra peanut butter, for drizzling
Instructions
- Mash the banana in a medium saucepan until mostly smooth.
- Add the rolled oats, milk, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the oats become soft and creamy and the mixture reaches your preferred thickness.
- Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. Continue cooking for about 30–60 seconds until the peanut butter melts completely into the oatmeal.
- Taste and add maple syrup or honey if additional sweetness is needed.
- Remove from the heat and let the oatmeal rest for 1–2 minutes. It will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Spoon into a bowl and top with banana slices, a drizzle of peanut butter, chopped peanuts, and chocolate chips if desired.
Q/S (Quantity & Serving)
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 5–7 minutes
- Total time: 10–12 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Serving size: About 1 bowl
- Cuisine: American-inspired
- Course: Breakfast
- Calories: Approximately 390–430 per serving, depending on milk, peanut butter, and toppings
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving without optional chocolate chips and extra toppings:
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the type of milk, peanut butter, and sweetener used.
Nut & Allergen Information
- Contains peanuts and is not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.
- If using chopped peanuts as a topping, this adds additional peanut content.
- Oats are naturally gluten-free, but choose certified gluten-free oats if strict gluten avoidance is required because cross-contact can occur during processing.
- Dairy-free: Yes, when made with plant-based milk.
- Egg-free: Yes.
- Soy-free: Usually, but check the labels of chocolate chips and plant-based milk.
- Gluten-free: Can be made gluten-free with certified gluten-free oats.
- Tree nuts: No tree nuts are required in the recipe.
Helpful Tips
- Use a very ripe banana for natural sweetness and a stronger banana flavor.
- For thicker oatmeal, use 1 ¼ cups milk instead of 1 ½ cups.
- For thinner oatmeal, add a splash of warm milk before serving.
- Natural creamy peanut butter works especially well, but regular peanut butter can also be used.
- Add a little espresso powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- For extra protein, stir in Greek yogurt after cooking or add a scoop of your preferred protein powder.
- For overnight oats, combine all ingredients except toppings in a jar and refrigerate overnight. Add a little extra milk before serving if needed.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this oatmeal without peanut butter?
A: Yes. You can replace peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or another nut/seed butter.
Q: Can I use quick oats?
A: Yes. Quick oats cook faster, so reduce the cooking time to about 3–4 minutes and adjust the milk if necessary.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes. Store cooled oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
Q: Can I make it without added sugar?
A: Yes. A ripe banana provides natural sweetness, so you can simply leave out the maple syrup or honey.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Yes. Use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.
Q: How can I make it higher in protein?
A: Add Greek yogurt, protein powder, chia seeds, hemp hearts, or extra peanut butter.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes. Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with milk.
Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Yes. Prepare several portions at once, refrigerate them, and reheat each serving with a splash of milk when ready to eat.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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