Save
After loads of mornings wanting donuts, I finally figured it out: oats that bake up with a donut vibe and a gooey jam surprise in the center. They're cozy, cakey, and actually fill you up. The layering part—tucking warm strawberry jam in the middle—makes it feel like magic.
I tried this last week for my kid's sleepover, and the girls were totally shocked it wasn't cake. The trick? Really spotty bananas and a certain way of blending stuff together.
Irresistible Components:
- Ripe bananas for natural sweetness
- Rolled oats (skip steel cut)
- Chia seeds for a protein kick
- Almond or other nut butter
- Strawberries—fresh or frozen works
Save
Best Baking Method:
Master the Blend:
* Start by blitzing oats into powder
* Gently add liquids and blend low
* Mix just until combined—no need to keep going
Layer Like a Pro:
- 1.
- Add 1/3 of your mix to a greased mug
- 2.
- Drop some warm strawberry jam in the center
- 3.
- Top it off with the last of the batter
- 4.
- Give a dusting of cinnamon sugar
Speedy Strawberry Jam:
* Bubble berries for about 5 minutes
* Smash them up as they cook
* Mix in chia so it gets thick
* Let cool a bit before you fill
Oven Know-How:
* Set oven at 350°F beforehand
* Bake for 22 to 25 minutes
* A gentle press should feel firm up top
* Pull out before it dries out—the middle stays soft
Simple Measurements:
Main Blend:
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1 very ripe banana
* 1/3 cup almond milk
* 1 big egg (or try a flax egg)
* 1 tablespoon maple syrup
* 2 tablespoons almond butter
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Fast Jam:
* 1 cup strawberries
* 1 tablespoon chia
* 1 teaspoon maple syrup
* Squeeze of lemon juice
Toppings:
* 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Heat Levels Matter:
* Let stuff sit out so it's not too cold
* Make sure your oven is all the way hot
* Give your mug or ramekin a good grease
Extra Notes:
* Go for super ripe bananas
* Use any natural nut butter you like
* Both fresh or frozen berries get the job done
* Wait 5 minutes before you dive in
Save
Help With Common Mishaps:
Trouble With Texture:
* If it's too heavy—swap in fresh baking powder
* For soggy results—cut milk by a tablespoon
* Not fluffy? Blend oats smoother
* Not baking evenly? Give it a spin halfway through
Jam Tweaks:
* Runny jam? More chia does the trick
* Jam too thick? Add a dash of lemon juice
* Not sweet enough? Stir in some honey
* Super tart? Pour in a bit more maple syrup
Variations to Try:
* Swap for mixed berry jam in the center
* Swirl chocolate and hazelnut for a treat
* Apple-cinnamon filling is awesome too
* Peanut butter cup vibes if you want
Get Ahead Ideas:
* Mix dry stuff before bed
* Whip up jam a few days in advance
* Blend wet stuff in the morning
* Wait to put it together till bake time
Little Extras:
* Go for a wide mug for thorough baking
* Check with a toothpick at 20 minutes in
* Give it 3-5 minutes to cool off before digging in
* Doubling up? Use something deeper
How To Serve & Store:
Tastes Best:
* Warm but not too hot—let it chill 5 minutes
* Extra berries on top are great
* Drip some maple syrup over it
* Spoon on some yogurt if you want
Storing Tips:
* Fresh is best
* Can go in the fridge for one day
* Warm up in the microwave for half a minute
* Freezing doesn't work well
Tasty Combos:
* Greek yogurt is a nice side
* Fresh fruit cuts the sweetness
* Sip with coffee or tea
* Almond milk goes nicely
Top Tips For Nailing It:
* Everything blends smoother at room temp
* Don't skip the cinnamon sugar finish
* Give it a look at 20 minutes, just to be sure
* Hold off a bit before eating to let it set
Smart Weekend Move:
Bag up all your dry mix at once and store it. You can make breakfast in a snap all week this way.
Insider Hint:
Pop brown bananas in your freezer. Take one out the night before—it's perfect in the morning.