Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups

Name: Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup rolled oats; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional toppings: chopped nuts, dried fruits, or yogurt

Highlighted under: Balanced Inspiration

I absolutely adore starting my day with these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups. They are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. As a busy person, I appreciate recipes that allow me to enjoy a wholesome breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of warm cinnamon and ripe bananas creates a comforting flavor that sets a positive tone for the day. I love knowing that I can whip these up in just a few minutes and savor each bite while feeling great about my choices.

Created by

Jacqueline Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-15T12:49:36.284Z

When I first experimented with these breakfast cups, I was pleasantly surprised by how easily they came together. I mashed the bananas and combined them with oats and spices, baking them until they were golden. The aroma that filled my kitchen was so inviting! I learned that using ripe bananas adds natural sweetness and moisture, which ensures that the cups don’t dry out in the oven.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. I’ve added chopped nuts and dried fruits for extra texture and flavor, and each variation has been delightful. I recommend enjoying these cups warm from the oven, perhaps with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Warm, comforting spice of cinnamon with naturally sweet banana flavor.
Perfectly portable for busy mornings or as an afternoon snack.
High in fiber and nutrients, making them a wholesome choice.

      

The Benefits of Oats

Oats form the backbone of these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups, contributing both texture and health benefits. They are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. Using rolled oats specifically allows for a pleasant chewiness that balances the softness of the bananas. This combination ensures that each bite is satisfying and heart-healthy, making it an ideal morning fuel for busy days.

Additionally, oats are versatile and can be customized based on personal dietary preferences. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, ensure you choose certified gluten-free oats. You can also modify the ratio of oats to bananas according to your desired consistency—adding a little more oats will create a denser texture, perfect if you prefer a more substantial muffin.

Perfecting Your Baking Technique

When baking these breakfast cups, it’s crucial to accurately gauge your oven temperature. An oven thermometer can be beneficial to ensure you're baking at the right heat, as ovens can sometimes be off by up to 25°F. Bake until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean; this visual cue indicates that the cups have set properly, ensuring a delightful texture without being undercooked.

For an even bake, rotate your muffin tin halfway through the cooking time. This small adjustment can help if your oven has hot spots, resulting in a beautifully baked batch. If you notice the tops browning too quickly, feel free to tent the tin with aluminum foil for the second half of the baking time. This will prevent over-browning while ensuring the centers cook through.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional toppings: chopped nuts, dried fruits, or yogurt

Mix the ingredients well for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your breakfast cups:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, oats, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, honey, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the cups cool for a few minutes in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Serve with your favorite toppings if desired.

Pro Tips

For added variety, try mixing in your favorite nuts or flavored yogurt when serving. You can also freeze any leftovers for a quick breakfast option later on!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups store well, making them a prime candidate for meal prep. After baking, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them even longer, consider freezing them! Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag, separating each cup with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they will last for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen cup, simply transfer it to the refrigerator the night before or microwave it for about 30 seconds to one minute for a quick warm-up. This flexibility makes it easy to grab a wholesome breakfast on the way out the door or during a busy week.

Variations and Customization

Feel free to get creative with your Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups! While the recipe calls for basic ingredients, you can enhance the flavor profile by adding spices such as nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon for an extra kick. If you have any leftover nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips, consider throwing them into the mix for additional texture and flavor. Just be mindful not to overload the cups, as they should fill about three-quarters full for optimal rising.

If you want to make the recipe vegan, swap the honey for maple syrup to maintain the natural sweetness. For a lower-calorie option, you can reduce the amount of added sweetener, as the ripe bananas provide a natural sweetness that many will love. This adaptability allows you to tailor the recipe to your specific dietary needs or preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different; they will absorb moisture faster.

→ How should I store the breakfast cups?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I make these in advance?

Absolutely! You can make these cups a day ahead and just reheat them in the microwave when ready to eat.

→ Are these breakfast cups suitable for freezing?

Yes, these cups freeze well! Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.