Banana Blueberry Oatmeal (Stovetop Recipe with Old-Fashioned Oats)

Banana blueberry oatmeal is one of those quick, filling, and healthy breakfasts you can make on repeat. Ready in just 10 minutes, this stovetop oatmeal recipe made with old-fashioned oats, ripe bananas, and blueberries is comforting, meal-prep friendly, and easy to customize.

We love this stovetop banana blueberry oatmeal recipe made with old-fashioned oats. It comes together in one pot in about 10 minutes, is naturally sweetened with bananas, and is packed with blueberries.

It's a healthy, filling breakfast that works well for busy mornings, family breakfasts, and meal prep, and it's a forgiving recipe that thickens as it cools and can easily be adjusted with a splash of milk or water to get the right texture.

I prefer using old-fashioned oats for this banana oatmeal because they cook evenly on the stovetop, creating a creamy yet hearty texture without turning mushy, which makes them ideal for meal prep. Quick oats can be used if you're short on time, though they soften faster, while steel-cut oats give a chewier texture but take much longer to cook.

Like most oatmeal recipes, this one is easy to customize. You can make it dairy-free, gluten-free, or more protein-rich using simple ingredient swaps you likely already have at home.

If you love oatmeal, try this Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal with Quick Oats.

Recipe Ingredients

Old-Fashioned Oats: I've used old-fashioned oats (also called rolled oats) for this recipe, which gives this oatmeal a creamy yet hearty texture. They're more filling than quick oats and hold up well for meal prep. You can also use protein oats to make this oatmeal more protein-rich without changing the method.

Milk or Water: I use equal parts water and milk (whole milk) for a creamier texture. You can use water, regular dairy milk, or plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. If you want a more filling, protein-rich breakfast, higher-protein milk options work especially well here.

Banana: Adding a banana while cooking the oats helps sweeten the oatmeal and adds a soft, comforting texture. Slice it and save a few pieces for topping at the end.

Sweetener: I use maple syrup or brown sugar to lightly sweeten the oatmeal. You can skip it or use honey, coconut sugar, or agave syrup, adjusting to taste.

Blueberries: Use fresh or frozen blueberries; both work well. They add juicy bursts of flavor to the oatmeal.

Vanilla Extract: I use vanilla to flavor this oatmeal recipe.  You can also use cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg for a slightly different flavor profile.

Salt: Just a small pinch goes a long way. It balances the sweetness and really brings all the flavors together.

Nuts: Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch, healthy fats, and a bit of protein. Feel free to substitute them with almonds or pecans, or skip them if you prefer a nut-free bowl.

Optional add-ins: You can also add pumpkin seeds, raisins, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or any other toppings you like.

Please refer to the recipe card for exact ingredient measurements. 

How to Make Banana Blueberry Oatmeal on the Stovetop (Stepwise Photos)

1. Step 1: In a saucepan, bring water and milk to a gentle boil.

2. Step 2: Stir in oats and ½ of the sliced banana.

3. Step 3: Mix well. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir occasionally. Mash the banana while stirring so the banana slices melt into the oats.

4. Step 4: Cook until the banana softens and the oatmeal turns creamy (about 5-7 minutes) 

5. Step 5: Turn off the heat and then stir in the vanilla, salt, and brown sugar.

6. Step 6: Mix well. Adjust consistency if needed. Creamy Oatmeal is ready to serve.

Microwave Option

To make this banana blueberry oatmeal in the microwave, combine the oats, liquid, and banana in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the oats are cooked and creamy. Stir in blueberries at the end and adjust consistency with more milk if needed.

Serving Suggestions 

Serve this banana-blueberry oatmeal warm, straight from the stovetop, with a splash of milk to loosen it if needed. Top with extra banana slices and blueberries for freshness, shredded coconut, or add chopped nuts for a little crunch.

A drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter makes it extra comforting and satisfying. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and comfort on colder mornings.

For a more filling, protein-rich bowl, finish with chia seeds, nut butter, or higher-protein milk.

If you're serving kids, mini chocolate chips or a few extra berries are always a hit. You can also skip the nuts for a school-friendly version. This oatmeal is easy to dress up or keep simple, depending on the day.

Storage Instructions 

Let the blueberry banana oatmeal cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The oatmeal will thicken as it sits, which is completely normal.

When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to loosen the texture. Stir well and heat until warmed through. This makes it a great option for meal prep and busy weekday mornings.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Breakfast Recipes with Oats

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Recipe Card

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Banana Blueberry Oatmeal

Shweta Arora

Creamy Banana Blueberry Oatmeal made on the stovetop with old-fashioned oats, ripe bananas, and blueberries. Ready in about 10 minutes, this healthy breakfast is filling, meal-prep friendly, and easy to customize for busy mornings.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 404 kcal

Equipment

• 2 Quart Saucepan

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 cup old fashioned oats 110 grams
• ▢ 1 to 1.5 cups water see notes
• ▢ 1 to 1.5 cup milk of choice see notes
• ▢ 1 banana sliced
• ▢ 1 pinch sea salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ▢ 1 tablespoons brown sugar or pure maple syrup
• ▢ ½ cup blueberries
• ▢ 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts almonds or nuts of choice.
• ▢ 1 teaspoon chia seeds optional
• ▢ Optional toppings for serving: mini chocolate chips, additional berries, almond or peanut butter, shredded coconut, granola, a sprinkle of cinnamon

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Instructions

 

• Bring water and milk to a gentle boil in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Stir in oats, ½ of the sliced banana and reduce heat to simmer, stirring occasionally. Mash the banana while stirring so the banana slices melt into the oats.
• Cook until oats are tender and oatmeal thickens ( about 5-7 minutes)
• Turn off the heat and stir in vanilla, salt, and brown sugar or maple syrup.
• Banana blueberry Oatmeal is ready!
• To serve : Portion creamy oats into two bowls and serve warm topped with remaining half sliced banana, fresh blueberries, chia seeds, walnuts and drizzle of peanut butter (optional). If needed, add a splash of milk or cream and maple syrup and serve immediately! Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Oats-to-liquid ratio: A good rule of thumb is 1:2, for every 1 cup of oats, use 2 cups of liquid (water, milk, or a mix of both). If you prefer a looser, creamier oatmeal, increase the liquid to a 1:3 ratio.

Use ripe bananas for the best results: Ripe or slightly spotty bananas add natural sweetness and creaminess. If your banana isn't very ripe, you may need a little extra sweetener at the end.

Keep the heat gentle: Cooking on high heat can cause the liquid to evaporate too quickly, leaving the oats undercooked. A gentle simmer gives you creamier, evenly cooked oatmeal.

Add blueberries at the right time: If you prefer adding them to the oatmeal, stir them in toward the end for juicy berries that hold their shape. Adding them too early can thin the oatmeal and turn it purple (still tasty, just different).

Taste before sweetening: Banana sweetness varies. Always taste at the end and adjust with brown sugar or maple syrup only if needed.

For vegan oatmeal: use water or plant-based milk (like almond, soy, oat, or coconut), and sweeten with maple syrup instead of brown sugar if needed.

For gluten-free oatmeal: Use certified gluten-free oats. The taste and texture remain the same.

Nutrition

Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 77mg | Potassium: 633mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 258IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 207mg | Iron: 2mg

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Update Notes: This post was originally published on January 29, 2014, but it was republished in January 2026 with step-by-step instructions, new photos, tips, and a video.