Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups

Name: Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice); 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Fresh Favorites

I love starting my day with something delicious, and these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups have quickly become my favorite morning treat. The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet bananas creates a comforting flavor that sets the perfect tone for my day. They are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making mornings stress-free. Plus, the delightful aroma that fills my kitchen while they bake is truly irresistible and elevates breakfast to a whole new level.

Created by

Ione Rutherford

Last updated on 2026-01-15T15:23:35.785Z

When I first experimented with these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups, I wanted to create a dish that was both satisfying and healthy. My family has always loved bananas, and adding cinnamon gave it that extra special touch. As I took my first bite, I was thrilled with how the flavors melded together. Each cup is a little bite of heaven that provides just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak it by adding nuts for crunch or swapping out the bananas for apples if you’re in the mood. I’ve even replaced some of the flour with whole wheat for added nutrients! This recipe is a wonderful way to start the day, and I hope you love it as much as I do!

Why You'll Love These Cups
Warm cinnamon and sweet banana create a cozy flavor explosion
Perfectly portable for busy mornings or a hearty snack
Customizable with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips

Ingredient Insights

The foundation of these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups lies in the ripe bananas. Opt for bananas that are well-spotted for the best sweetness and moisture content. Their natural sugars reduce the need for additional sweeteners, keeping these breakfast cups healthy yet indulgent. If you find your bananas are not as ripe, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or another ripe banana—a trick that increases ethylene gas and promotes ripening.

Rolled oats serve as a primary structure in these cups, offering fiber and sustaining energy throughout your morning. It’s advisable to use certified gluten-free oats if you're preparing this recipe for someone with gluten intolerance. Avoid instant oats, as they might create a mushier texture; you want the hearty chewiness that rolled oats provide for an optimal breakfast experience.

Baking Tips

Preheating the oven to 350°F allows for even cooking, which is crucial for achieving that golden top crust. Keep an eye on your breakfast cups as they bake, and consider rotating the muffin tin halfway through for uniform browning. Bake time may vary slightly based on your oven's calibration; I recommend checking for doneness at around 18 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cup. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Once removed from the oven, let the cups cool in the muffin tin to set their shape and prevent crumbling. If you plan to store some for later, allow them to cool at room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. These breakfast cups will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days, making them an excellent batch-cooking option.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to make these delightful breakfast cups!

Main Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips

Mix everything well and get ready to bake!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to whip up your breakfast cups!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line with paper liners.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, almond milk, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients

Add the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined.

Fold in Optional Ingredients

If you're using nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the mixture for added texture and flavor.

Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cups to cool slightly in the tin before removing. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container!

Now that you’ve made them, enjoy your breakfast cups any time of day!

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with toppings like yogurt or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast experience.

Serving Suggestions

These breakfast cups are versatile and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For a delightful twist, serve them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of almond butter for added creaminess and protein. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top just before serving can elevate the flavors even further, offering a beautiful and aromatic presentation.

If you’re entertaining guests, consider offering a muffin tin filled with various toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips. This way, everyone can customize their own, turning a simple breakfast into a fun and interactive experience. Pair them with a side of fresh fruit or a smoothie for a well-rounded start to the day.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with different flavors! You can introduce spices like nutmeg or ginger for a spiced take that amplifies the autumnal warmth. For a tropical twist, adding dried coconut or incorporating pineapple can transform the breakfast cups into a refreshing treat that’s ideal for summer mornings.

If you're looking to reduce sugar, you can substitute the honey or maple syrup with mashed dates or unsweetened apple sauce. This can change the texture slightly, making it denser, but it’s a fantastic way to maintain sweetness while cutting down on added sugars. Just ensure to adjust the liquid content a bit if necessary.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these breakfast cups in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ What can I substitute for bananas?

You can use applesauce, pumpkin puree, or any mashed fruit you like for a different flavor!

→ Can I freeze these?

Yes! These breakfast cups freeze well. Just make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

→ How can I make these gluten-free?

Simply use certified gluten-free oats to make these breakfast cups gluten-free.