Introducing healthy banana bread in baked oatmeal form!

Plus the addition of tender apples.

Clearly I’m slightly obsessed with oats.

If you need a refresher, in the past I’ve rambled on about granola, overnight oats x 2, crisps, no-bake oat bars, and savory oatmeal.

Obviously it’s time to bring some baked oatmeal action to the forefront.

Because hot breakfasts are so satisfying on brisk, winter mornings.

As much as I adore smoothies, those chilly beverages definitely bring the goose bumps out and I’m not always down for that.

Now, baked oatmeal can tend to contain a shi* ton of sugar as well as a boatload of butter.

Since my sugar intake maxes out on a regular basis, I really wanted to reduce the sweetness but still keep the sweet tooth satisfied.

Most of the sweetness in this recipe comes from an apple and very ripe banana. (The banana must be ripe!)

Fruit is the hero once again.

The only added sugar here is one tablespoon of pure maple syrup.

Unless you want to dump some maple syrup on top before digging in.

That’s totally your call.

And I’m not stopping you.

Banana also keeps the oatmeal nice and moist without any added fat! (Cough, butter, cough.)

So, in order to bake up some tasty oatmeal, all you have to do is mix rolled oats with crisp diced apple, nutty toasted almonds, creamy mashed banana, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, unsweetened original almond milk, a beaten egg and a pinch of salt before popping it in the oven. Once the top is all nice and golden brown, spoon on a dollop of nonfat plain Greek yogurt, a sprinkling of toasted almonds and a drizzle of warm maple syrup, if you wish.

P.S. You can use chopped, toasted walnuts instead of almonds. I just happened to have almonds on hand.

P.P.S. If (for some odd reason) there are any leftovers, reheat them in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until hot and slightly crispy on top. Because the crispy bits are the best.

P.P.P.S. I was able to have some self-control and leave off the extra drizzle of maple syrup, but if your sweet tooth runs your life, go for it! (I actually ran out of syrup and that’s why that sugar drizzle never happened.)