Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups

Name: Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice); 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Classic Food

Whenever I think about a delightful start to the day, I find myself reaching for these Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups. They're an easy, satisfying treat that's not only flavorful but also incredibly simple to whip up. I love how the warm cinnamon mingles with the sweet bananas, creating a delightful aroma that fills the kitchen. Plus, these cups are perfect for meal prep—you can make them in advance and enjoy a quick breakfast throughout the week!

Created by

Yasmin Thornton

Last updated on 2026-01-15T17:21:35.651Z

When I first discovered the joy of making breakfast cups, it felt like a revelation. These Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups are not only scrumptious but also customisable! I experimented with different toppings and found that a sprinkle of nuts or a drizzle of honey elevates the flavor profile beautifully. The combination of oats and mashed bananas creates a perfect foundation that holds together just right.

One tip I love to share is to ensure your bananas are perfectly ripe—this boosts their natural sweetness and makes your cups taste incredible! Baking them in a muffin tin gives them the delightful shape that’s not just visually pleasing but also cook evenly. Trust me, you won’t want to skip this step!

        Why You'll Love These Breakfast Cups
        Warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and bananas
Perfectly portioned for an on-the-go breakfast
Nutritious and satisfying without the guilt

      

The Benefits of Using Ripe Bananas

Ripe bananas are essential for achieving the perfect sweetness and texture in your Cinnamon Banana Breakfast Cups. The natural sugars in ripe bananas develop as their skins turn from yellow to brown, providing a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances the overall taste. This sweetness allows you to use less honey or maple syrup if desired, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

In addition to sweetness, ripe bananas contribute a creamy consistency to the mixture. This is important for binding the oats together while baking. If you happen to have overly ripe bananas with brown spots, don’t throw them away! They’re perfect for this recipe and can help ensure your breakfast cups are moist and delectable.

Why Cooking Time Matters

Baking time is crucial for achieving the right texture in your breakfast cups. If you bake them for too long, they can become dry and lose their delightful bite. I recommend checking the cups around the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center—once it emerges clean, your cups are ready!

Conversely, if the tops are golden but the toothpick still shows wet batter, give them a few more minutes. It’s better to err on the side of caution, and allow them to cool in the tin as they will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat. This ensures every bite is moist and fluffy.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your breakfast cups:

For the cups

3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt

Make sure to measure accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious breakfast cups:

Preheat the oven

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

Mix ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rolled oats, almond milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, honey or maple syrup, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed.

Fill the muffin tin

Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and serve

Allow the breakfast cups to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin. Enjoy warm, or store them in the fridge for a quick breakfast!

Enjoy your homemade breakfast cups!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick of flavor, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture before baking. You can also substitute the honey/maple syrup with a sugar-free alternative if preferred.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best features of these breakfast cups is their make-ahead potential. You can prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This means you can bake these cups in the morning with minimal effort, making your breakfast routine quicker and easier. Just give the mixture a good stir before filling the muffin tin, as some ingredients may settle overnight.

For storage, the baked breakfast cups can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Once completely cooled, place the cups in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They can be reheated in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, making for a convenient breakfast option any day of the week.

Customization and Variations

Feel free to customize these breakfast cups to suit your tastes or dietary needs! For example, you can swap rolled oats for gluten-free oats for a gluten-free option. Adding mix-ins such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit can bring new flavors to your breakfast cups, keeping the recipe exciting. A handful of blueberries or walnuts can add a delightful twist without overwhelming the original flavor.

If you're looking for a lower-calorie option, consider using unsweetened applesauce in place of honey or maple syrup. This substitution maintains moisture while reducing sugar content. You can experiment with spices as well; a dash of nutmeg or a pinch of vanilla extract can create a warm, aromatic profile that perfectly complements the cinnamon and banana.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture might be a bit different—more mushy.

→ How long can I store these breakfast cups?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these breakfast cups?

Absolutely! Just ensure they are completely cooled before freezing. They can be stored for up to three months.

→ What can I serve with these breakfast cups?

They pair well with yogurt, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of nut butter for extra nutrition.