Caramelized Banana Porridge Recipe
If you’re ready for a breakfast that feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl, Caramelized Banana Porridge is about to win your heart. Creamy oats simmered to perfection, crowned with maple-kissed banana slices that glisten and melt into every bite—this is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re fueling a busy morning or treating yourself to a slow start, this delightful porridge promises both nourishing goodness and a hint of indulgence in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish is there for a reason, adding its own unique magic to the final bowl. Simple pantry staples turn into something truly extraordinary when you combine flavors and textures just right!
- Rolled oats: Classic and creamy, these form the hearty base of your Caramelized Banana Porridge and deliver lasting energy.
- Milk (or dairy-free alternative): Makes the oats irresistibly smooth and adds a subtle richness—use almond or oat milk for a vegan twist.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Maple syrup (divided): Infuses the oats and bananas with gentle caramel notes—pure breakfast luxury!
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice, making the porridge taste like a cozy autumn morning year-round.
- Ripe bananas (sliced): Star of the show—when caramelized, they become wonderfully soft, sweet, and fragrant.
- Butter (or coconut oil): Helps caramelize the bananas, creating a golden, luscious topping.
- Vanilla extract: Just a dash rounds out the flavors and gives everything a bakery-fresh aroma.
- Chopped nuts or chia seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for extra crunch, nuttiness, or a power-packed nutrition boost.
How to Make Caramelized Banana Porridge
Step 1: Cook the Oats
In a medium saucepan, combine your rolled oats, milk, salt, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and cinnamon. Bring everything up to a gentle boil over medium heat, then drop the heat to a simmer. Give it a good stir every so often—this is where the magic starts! In 5 to 7 minutes, you’ll have dreamy, creamy oats ready to become a canvas for those decadent bananas.
Step 2: Caramelize the Bananas
While the oats are cooking, it’s time for the star treatment! Heat your butter in a skillet set over medium heat. Once it’s melted and sizzling just a bit, add the banana slices in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes so they get soft and start developing a golden color. Drizzle over the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup, and let them bubble away for another 1 to 2 minutes until each slice glistens with sticky, caramelized goodness. Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from the heat—the aroma at this point is irresistible.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Spoon your porridge into bowls, swirl on top the glossy caramelized bananas, and pour over any of that glorious syrup from the pan. If you’re feeling extra, scatter a few chopped nuts or a sprinkle of chia seeds on top for a little crunch and a boost of nutrition. Dive in while it’s piping hot and let every bite remind you why Caramelized Banana Porridge is true breakfast bliss!
How to Serve Caramelized Banana Porridge

Garnishes
For a finishing touch, get playful with your toppings. A handful of toasted pecans or walnuts adds the perfect crunch, while a sprinkle of chia seeds gives the bowl a nutritional upgrade. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of almond butter can make it even more luxurious if you’re feeling fancy—no rules, just joy!
Side Dishes
This porridge is plenty hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your breakfast, try serving it with a hot mug of coffee or an energizing green smoothie. Some fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad on the side will add a bright, refreshing contrast to the comforting warmth of the porridge.
Creative Ways to Present
Adorn each bowl with a few extra banana slices arranged in a fan, drizzle a little extra maple syrup in pretty ribbons, or layer everything parfait-style in clear jars for an Instagram-worthy touch. If you’re meal prepping, portion the porridge and caramelized bananas in jars for grab-and-go mornings that still feel special—Caramelized Banana Porridge travels surprisingly well!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with an extra serving or two, simply scoop the cooled porridge into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Store the caramelized bananas separately to keep them from getting too soft; just combine before reheating for the best experience.
Freezing
Good news: you can freeze Caramelized Banana Porridge for future breakfast emergencies. Place cooled porridge in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently—though the bananas may soften a bit more, the flavor will still shine through!
Reheating
To bring your porridge back to its warm, creamy glory, transfer a portion to a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of milk or water, then reheat gently, stirring occasionally until heated through. Warm the caramelized bananas separately or stir them in together—either way, breakfast will be as fabulous as day one.
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Absolutely! Steel-cut oats give a chewier texture and a nutty bite, but they do require a longer cooking time. Just adjust the liquid and simmer patiently, and you’ll be rewarded with a hearty twist on Caramelized Banana Porridge.
What nondairy milk works best for this recipe?
Any nondairy milk you love will work—almond, oat, or soy milk are all great options. They make the porridge beautifully creamy without any dairy, so it’s easy to keep this recipe vegan if desired.
Can I prep this the night before?
Yes, you can cook the oats ahead and even caramelize the bananas in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then bring everything together and reheat in the morning. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy days.
What other toppings pair well with this porridge?
Feel free to get creative! Sliced strawberries, blueberries, shredded coconut, or a spoonful of nut butter all add their own delicious twist to Caramelized Banana Porridge. You can even sprinkle on a pinch of flaky salt for a sweet-savory combo.
Is there a way to reduce the sugar?
If you’re watching sugar, try using just one tablespoon of maple syrup or omit it from the oats and rely on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. You can also swap maple syrup for a drizzle of honey or leave it off entirely if your bananas are extra sweet.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to dig into a bowl of Caramelized Banana Porridge as I am to share it. It’s comfort, nutrition, and a little bit of decadence all in one easy recipe—definitely worth trying soon. Give it a go and let every bite brighten your morning!
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Caramelized Banana Porridge Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Start your day right with this comforting and delicious Caramelized Banana Porridge. Creamy oats topped with sweet, caramelized bananas make for a satisfying breakfast that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Porridge:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Caramelized Bananas:
- 2 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon butter (or coconut oil)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings:
- Chopped nuts or chia seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Main Porridge: In a medium saucepan, combine oats, milk, salt, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and cinnamon. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until creamy.
- Caramelized Bananas: While the oats cook, heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add banana slices and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden and caramelized. Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat.
- Assembly: Spoon the porridge into bowls and top with caramelized bananas. Garnish with chopped nuts or chia seeds if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use steel-cut oats for a chewier texture (increase cooking time accordingly).
- Add a dollop of nut butter for extra richness and protein.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg