Y'all- I do not know what is happening. I am finally enjoying banana in all kinds of baked goods!

It started with banana cinnamon mini pound cakes. I could not get enough! Then, there was banana pudding while visiting the South. Love, love, LOVE! I still don't enjoy when other foods taste like banana, but mixing banana with other ingredients and wanting it to actually taste like banana- that is a thing I want now!

I like fresh bananas in a smoothie or slathered with peanut butter. Once bananas begin to develop brown spots, they are past their prime for my liking. Time to use them in another way or lose 'em. This is the part where I used to bake some banana bread to give away or slice and freeze for smoothies.

Now, a whole new world of possibilities is opening. In addition to banana bread, I can make cake, pancakes, muffins, or this baked oatmeal!

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What can I serve with baked oatmeal?

• Greek Yogurt
• Eggs
• Fresh Fruit

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Ingredients in Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal

• Butter
• Bananas
• Maple Syrup
• Vanilla
• Eggs
• Baking Powder
• Salt
• Flour
• Milk
• Old-Fashioned or Rolled Oats
• Chocolate Chips

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Storing Baked Oatmeal

Unless there is cream cheese in the frosting, you can store at room temperature. Baked oatmeal should always be kept in an airtight container. Personally, I prefer to store in the fridge. If you're busy in the mornings, place individual servings in Ziploc bags or small containers to grab and go!

Bananas in Baked Goods

Besides flavor, bananas can be used in baked foods for other reasons!

• Substitute for butter or oil
• Replace an egg
• Naturally sweet- when used for one of the above reasons, the sugar can also be reduced.

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