Save I started making this oatmeal during a week when I overslept every single morning. No time for the stove, no patience for waiting, just me and a microwave and whatever was left in the fruit bowl. The banana was almost too ripe, the kind with brown spots I usually toss into smoothies, but I sliced it anyway and stirred it into oats with milk. Two minutes later, I had something warm and sweet that tasted like I'd actually tried.
My neighbor once knocked on my door right as I pulled this out of the microwave. She smelled the cinnamon from the hallway and asked if I was baking. I laughed and showed her the bowl, still steaming, and she couldn't believe it took less time than toasting bread. Now she texts me on rushed mornings asking for the timing again, even though I've told her a dozen times.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: The backbone of this bowl, they soften fast in the microwave and hold onto all the banana sweetness without turning mushy.
- Milk: Dairy or plant-based both work beautifully, I switch between oat milk and regular depending on what I have, and the creaminess stays the same.
- Ripe banana: The riper the better, those brown spots mean natural sugar that melts into every bite and makes honey almost optional.
- Honey or maple syrup: Just half a tablespoon is enough to round out the flavor, but I've skipped it entirely when the banana is sweet enough.
- Cinnamon: A quarter teaspoon feels like nothing until you smell it warming up, then it turns the whole bowl into something cozy.
- Chopped nuts: Optional but worth it for crunch, I keep a jar of toasted walnuts just for mornings like this.
Instructions
- Mix the base:
- Combine oats and milk in a microwave-safe bowl and stir them together until everything looks evenly coated. This step takes ten seconds but it keeps the oats from clumping in weird patches.
- Add the flavor:
- Drop in half the banana slices, drizzle the honey or syrup, and sprinkle the cinnamon over the top. Stir it all together so the banana starts breaking down a little and the cinnamon doesn't sit in one spot.
- Microwave the first round:
- Heat on high for one minute, then pull it out and give it a quick stir. This evens out the heat and keeps the oats from bubbling over the edge of the bowl.
- Finish cooking:
- Microwave for another 30 to 60 seconds, watching through the door until the oats puff up and most of the milk disappears. The exact time depends on your microwave, mine takes 45 seconds but my mom's takes a full minute.
- Top and serve:
- Stir one more time, then pile on the rest of the banana slices and whatever toppings you're feeling. Eat it right away while it's still steaming.
Save There was a morning last winter when the heat in my apartment wasn't working yet and I made this just to hold something warm. I sat by the window with the bowl in my hands, watching the steam curl up, and realized I didn't need a fancy breakfast to feel taken care of. Sometimes the simplest thing is exactly enough.
Swaps That Actually Work
I've used almond milk, oat milk, and even coconut milk when I ran out of everything else, and they all turned out creamy. If you want more protein, stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter right after microwaving, it melts into the oats and makes the whole bowl richer. Agave works in place of honey if that's what you have, or you can leave sweetener out entirely if your banana is spotty enough.
Texture Notes
The oats should be soft but not soupy when you pull them out, with just a little bit of liquid left that thickens as they sit. If they come out too thick, splash in a tablespoon of milk and stir. If they're too runny, microwave for another 15 seconds. Every microwave runs a little different, so the second or third time you make this, you'll know your exact timing.
What to Add If You Have Extra Time
On slower mornings, I toast the nuts in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them, it brings out this warm, buttery flavor that makes the bowl feel fancier than it is. A handful of fresh berries on top adds brightness, especially in summer when bananas feel too heavy.
- Drizzle a little extra maple syrup in a spiral on top for a cafe look that takes two seconds.
- Sprinkle chia seeds or flaxseed over everything for a bit of crunch and a nutrition boost you can't taste.
- Slice an extra banana and fan it out on top if you're taking a picture or just want to feel fancy.
Save This bowl has saved me on more mornings than I can count, the kind where I almost skipped breakfast entirely. It's proof that two minutes and a few good ingredients can turn a rushed start into something warm and real.
Kitchen Help
- → Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, dairy or plant-based milk both work well to create a creamy texture in this oatmeal bowl.
- → How do I make the oats creamier?
Mashing half the banana into the oats before microwaving increases creaminess and natural sweetness.
- → What toppings complement this dish?
Chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or extra banana slices add texture and flavor.
- → Can the sweetener be adjusted?
Honey or maple syrup can be swapped with agave or omitted for a less sweet option.
- → Is this suitable for a quick breakfast?
Yes, it takes only about two minutes to prepare and cook, making it perfect for busy mornings.