In just two sleeps I'll be sitting on a beach, sipping some overly boozy beverage, (probably way too early in the morning to be drinking), hopefully with a paper umbrella in it, and I CAN NOT WAIT!!! I am going on a trip with 15(!!) family and friends to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Man oh man do I need a vacay. After turning my hobby into a full-time career, writing, photographing, and editing (5 times!) my cookbook, and working basically all day, every day these past 2 years, a vacation is just what my doctor ordered.
...ok well my doctor didn't order it, but maybe he would if I asked him too... please doc, tell me to go on vacay!
This is my last post while I'm here, at home, until I return. But fear not friends, you will still get two more posts while I am away. Yep, I didn't want to leave you guys hanging without any vegan deliciousness for a whole week!
That said, I hope to not check social media/comments/all things blog too much while gone, so if there are questions or typos (😬) be patient! I will get back to you on my return.
If you want to follow along on my vacay, make sure to follow my Instagram account @itdoesnttastelikechicken. I will also be sharing an epic post about my trip and how it was to eat vegan in Jamaica when I get back (as per your requests on Facebook). Woot!
On to deliciously delicious Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal deliciousness! (See my super clever adjectives there... yeah, this writer's brain is tired).
I sometimes hate to admit it, but I LOVE oatmeal. I eat it for breakfast most mornings. It sounds so very vegan, I know, but it's just so satisfying and easy, and I'm always inventing new flavour combos. The possibilities are endless!!
This vegan banana bread oatmeal is my new favourite thing ever. The oatmeal is sweetened with mashed banana and dates, spiced with a bit of cinnamon and vanilla, then topped with more banana, walnuts, and chocolate chips (because, chocolate). Sweet, banana-y perfection + walnut crunch= YES!
Seriously so so so good. It tastes just like the best slice of still-warm banana bread that you've ever had. No baking required!

(click stars to vote)
Vegan Banana Bread Oatmeal
Servings:
PRINT
PIN
COMMENT
Ingredients
- 2 very ripe bananas,, one mashed and one sliced
- 1 cup water
- â…” cup large flake rolled oats
- 2 tablespoon dates,, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons vegan chocolate chips, (optional, but yum!)
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- non-dairy milk for serving
Instructions
- Add the mashed banana, water, oats, dates, vanilla, and cinnamon to a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, giving a stir every now and then until the oats are tender and most of the water is absorbed.
- Divide among 2 bowls and top with the banana slices, chocolate chips, walnuts, and a drizzle of non-dairy milk.
Nutrition
Bon Appetegan!
Sam.
If you liked this recipe you might also like:
Laurie F. says
I make this all the time! We love it! I don't always have fresh bananas, but I always keep some in the freezer--so I don't always have the sliced fresh ones on top--and use raisins instead of the dates--but that's okay. It's still great. I then serve with a sprinkling of brown sugar (leaving out the chocolate) for the sweetness. Did I mention: I make this a lot! 🙂 Thanks for the great recipe.
Lynz says
Any way to do this a little quicker? Instant pot? Microwave? Busy kid/school/work mornings...??? Thanks!
Yvonne says
Maybe you can try to microwave it 2-3 mins but substitute with instant/quick cooking oat? I think you should be able to keep the rest of the recipe the same. I usually half it because it’s only for me
Michele says
Been making same banana oatmeal for years, minus the chocolate. Hate sugary oats—ripe bananas & dates enough!! Also recommend grated apple & dried cherries...
For faster oatmeal, use quick oats and microwave—only 2 minutes!!
Liza says
Great satisfying delicious breakfast! I always double the recipe to eat for a couple of days.
Hatie Bender says
I made it once at it was amazing! Could I make it in a bowl with boiling water instead of cooking over heat in a pot?
Claire says
I just had it for breakfast, it was so yummy!
Definitely the best oatmeal I've had!
A perfect start to my weekend! Thanks Sam!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay!!! SO thrilled you loved it so much, Claire 🙂
K'aren says
Wow, this is so close to the breakfast I've had every day this winter. The only differences: 1, I add the banana in pieces on the top right into the pot and cook for 5 min. then I stir it , cut off the heat and rest covered for another 5 min. The banana softens into warm lumps of sweetness; 2. I used to add cinnamon and candied ginger for the spice and sweetness, but switched to Pumpkin Pie Spice and either Agave or Stevia; 3. although it sounds delish, I don't add the chocolate - too easy for me to become addicted to that stuff. I'm amazed at the energy I feel throughout the morning starting my day off with this incredible meal.
Sam Turnbull says
Glad it's making you feel so great 🙂
Melanie says
Does this freeze and reheat well?
Sam Turnbull says
I haven't tried it myself, but I don't think so.
Chris says
I made this for breakfast and it was great! I loved knowing all the sweetness came from fruit. And my apartment really did smell like banana bread when it was all done. I used mini chocolate chips so it melted completely in and gave everything just a hint of chocolate. Perfect! Thanks for the recipe and have a great trip!
Sam Turnbull says
Yay! So happy you loved it as much as I loved creating it. 🙂 Thank you so much! Packing right now 😀
Betty Hatfield says
TAKE ME WITH YOU, SAM!
This looks amazing and I can't wait to try it!
Betty
Sam Turnbull says
Hahaha! Wouldn't that be fun, a vegan field trip to Jamaica?
I hope you like the oatmeal!
Betty Hatfield says
Yeah! That would be fantastic!
Betty
Stephanie says
Hi there, this looks yummy. I'm wondering what brand oats you use? I don't think I've ever seen "large flake" oats.
Thanks
Sam Turnbull says
They are also called rolled oats, old fashioned oats, or whole oats depending on where you live! I'm just referring to the whole kind, and not instant oats, although any kind would work. Enjoy!
Gloria says
I am curious: Has anyone tried making this by just mixing it together and divided into two mason jars, and refrigerated it overnight? I usually make my overnight oats using rolled oats, and this recipe looks like it would turn out great that way also.