Save I used to skip breakfast constantly until I discovered this bowl on a particularly frantic Tuesday morning. The microwave beeped, I stirred in some banana, and suddenly I had something warm and filling in my hands before my coffee even finished brewing. It became my weekday rescue, the kind of meal that doesn't ask much but gives back everything you need to start moving.
One morning my neighbor knocked just as I pulled this out of the microwave, and I ended up making a second bowl while we talked through her day. She texted me later asking for the recipe, and I realized I didn't really have one, it was just oats, milk, and whatever banana was browning on the counter. Sometimes the simplest things become the ones people remember.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: The backbone of this bowl, they soften fast in the microwave and turn creamy without any stovetop fuss.
- Milk: I've used almond, oat, and regular dairy milk, they all work beautifully and each one shifts the flavor just slightly.
- Banana: A ripe one with brown spots will sweeten the oats naturally and almost melt into the mixture as it heats.
- Honey or maple syrup: Just enough to add warmth without making it taste like dessert, though you can skip it entirely if your banana is sweet enough.
- Cinnamon: A small shake transforms the whole bowl, making it smell like something baked even though it only took two minutes.
- Nuts, seeds, extra banana: I toss these on top for texture and a bit of crunch, but they're completely optional depending on what's in the pantry.
Instructions
- Combine the base:
- Stir the oats and milk together in a microwave-safe bowl until everything is evenly mixed. This prevents dry pockets from forming later.
- Add the flavor:
- Drop in half the banana slices, the honey or syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, then stir it all together so the sweetness distributes evenly.
- Microwave in stages:
- Heat on high for one minute, pull it out and stir, then microwave for another 30 to 60 seconds until the oats are soft and creamy. Watch it closely near the end so it doesn't bubble over.
- Finish and serve:
- Give it one last stir, top with the remaining banana and any nuts or seeds you like, and eat it while it's still warm.
Save I made this for my sister once when she stayed over after a late shift, and she sat at the counter in her scrubs, stirring slowly and barely talking. She finished the whole bowl and said it was exactly what she needed, nothing fancy, just warm and easy. That's when I realized this recipe wasn't really about the oats at all.
How to Adjust the Texture
If you like thicker oatmeal, use a little less milk or let it sit for a minute after microwaving so it absorbs more liquid. For a looser, creamier consistency, add an extra splash of milk and stir it in while the oats are still hot.
Flavor Variations That Work
I've stirred in a spoonful of peanut butter right after microwaving and it melted into ribbons through the oats. You can also swap the banana for frozen berries, or add a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon for a warmer, spicier note.
Make It Your Own
This bowl is forgiving and flexible, so feel free to adjust based on what you have or what sounds good that morning. A drizzle of tahini, a handful of raisins, or even a few dark chocolate chips can completely shift the mood without complicating the process.
- Use whatever milk you have on hand, even water works in a pinch.
- Top with fresh fruit, granola, or a dollop of yogurt for extra substance.
- Double the recipe if you're feeding two people, just add 30 seconds to the microwave time.
Save This is the kind of breakfast that doesn't demand anything from you except two minutes and a bowl. It's there when you need it, warm and ready, no matter how the morning started.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use plant-based milk instead of dairy?
Yes, any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk works well and adds a subtle flavor.
- → How do I make the oats creamier?
Mashing half of the banana into the oats before microwaving increases creaminess and natural sweetness.
- → What toppings pair best with this dish?
Chopped nuts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds add crunch and nutrition, enhancing texture and flavor.
- → Is this suitable for a quick breakfast?
Definitely. The bowl is ready in about two minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
- → Can I adjust sweetness to taste?
Yes, swap honey or maple syrup for agave or omit entirely for less sweetness.