One Bowl Chocolate Chip Banana Baked Oatmeal -- GF, DF, V

Hearty, banana-infused baked oatmeal that’s naturally sweetened, satisfying, and requires just one bowl to prepare. The perfect cozy, comforting breakfast.

Serves 9 squares

• 2 Tbsp flaxseed meal (or 2 eggs, beaten)
• 5 Tbsp water (omit if using eggs)
• 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (the riper the better // plus more sliced banana for topping)
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup (or sub coconut nectar or agave nectar)
• 2 Tbsp melted coconut oil or avocado oil (if avoiding oil, sub applesauce or omit)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 cups dairy-free milk (we used 1/2 almond milk, 1/2 light coconut milk)
• 2 ½ cups gluten-free rolled oats
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or sub other nut or seed of choice)
• 1/3 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate // use naturally-sweetened to keep recipe refined sugar–free, Hu Chocolates or Enjoy Life are great choices)
• 1 scoop collagen powder (optional)
• 1-2 Tbsp coconut sugar (optional)
• 2-3 Tbsp nut butter (optional)
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 2-quart (or similar size) baking dish with oil (or vegan butter), or line with parchment paper.

Prepare flax eggs by combining flaxseed meal and water in a large mixing bowl. Then add ripe banana, maple syrup, oil, salt, and cinnamon and whisk to combine.

Add dairy-free milk and whisk once more. Then add oats, nuts, and half of the chocolate chips and stir to combine. 

Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with additional banana slices, nuts (optional), and remaining chocolate chips. Sprinkle with coconut sugar for a “swirl” effect (optional). You can also drizzle with a little nut butter — such as almond or peanut — for even more flavor (optional).

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown, the edges are slightly caramelized, and it has some springiness in the center. Remove from oven and let cool a few minutes. (I bake mine almost 45 minutes because I like it more like a breakfast bar consistency.)

Serve warm with desired toppings, such as warmed coconut milk or almond milk and a drizzle of maple syrup or additional nut butter.

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator 3-4 days (or in the freezer up to 1 month), though best when fresh. Reheat in a 350-degree F oven or in the microwave until hot, adding more dairy-free milk as needed to moisten.​