Moist Banana Oatmeal Muffins with Cinnamon and Walnuts

These Banana Oatmeal Muffins are simple to make and full of flavor and texture—ideal for breakfast or a snack.

With millions of page views, hundreds of five-star reviews, and countless shares, this is a favorite muffin recipe readers return to time and again.

A single oatmeal banana muffin topped with a crumbly topping on a plate.

Excellent muffin recipe! I made them a few weeks ago and I’m making them again right now. My three and a half year old granddaughter loves them! This recipe is a keeper for sure! Thank you!

Oatmeal banana muffins

These muffins showcase banana flavor and a pleasant chew from old-fashioned oats. A crunchy oat crumb topping elevates them further.

No special tools are required—just a bowl, a sturdy spoon, and a muffin tin. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these banana oat muffins are reliable and crowd-pleasing.

Top tips for best results:

  • Use very ripe bananas: Bananas with brown spots or fully brown skins give the best natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Choose old-fashioned oats: Rolled oats provide the chewy texture that complements the banana. Quick oats change the texture and may not absorb liquid the same way.
  • Make a proper crumb topping: Mix the topping until it forms coarse crumbs for a sweet, crunchy finish.
  • Portion evenly: Use an ice cream scoop to fill muffin cups for consistent results.

Banana Oat Muffin Ingredients

Small bowls filled with ingredients for making banana oatmeal muffins.
  • Oats – Old-fashioned or rolled oats for texture.
  • Flour – All-purpose flour measured properly for consistent results.
  • Bananas – Very ripe bananas; you’ll need about 1½ cups mashed (roughly 3 bananas).
  • Sugar – Granulated sugar in the batter and brown sugar for the topping.
  • Oil – A light-flavored oil (canola or vegetable) keeps the muffins moist.
  • Spices – Ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg add warmth.
  • Vanilla – Use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
  • Leavening – One egg plus baking powder and baking soda help the muffins rise.

How to make Banana Oatmeal Muffins

Mixing flour, oats, sugar and spices together in a glass bowl.
  1. Combine the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
Mixing eggs, oil, and vanilla together in a glass measuring cup with a small whisk.
  1. Whisk the egg, oil, and vanilla in a smaller bowl, then add to the dry ingredients and stir. The mixture will be dry at this point.
Mashed bananas being stirred into muffin batter.
  1. Fold in the mashed bananas, mixing until just combined.
Oat banana batter in a glass bowl with a red spatula.
  1. Gently fold until the batter is evenly combined—avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
Scooping muffin batter into a muffin tin.
  1. Divide the batter evenly among 12 lightly sprayed or lined muffin cups.
Oat topping mixed with butter and sugar in a white bowl.
  1. Combine the topping ingredients—oats, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon—until coarse crumbs form.
Unbaked oat muffins in a muffin tin.
  1. Sprinkle the oat topping over the unbaked muffins.
Baked oatmeal muffins in a baking tin.
  1. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 18–20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

How to store Banana Oat Muffins

When cool, store muffins in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.

To freeze, cool completely and place in a freezer-safe bag or container in a single layer. Freeze up to 1–2 months for best quality.

Tips for making Banana Oatmeal Muffins

  • Use fresh baking powder so your muffins rise properly.
  • Fully preheat your oven; an oven thermometer helps ensure correct temperature.
  • Do not overmix the batter—stir only until ingredients are combined to avoid tough muffins.
  • An ice cream scoop yields even muffin sizes and makes filling the cups easier.
Banana Oatmeal Muffin on a small white plate.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment and snap a picture—tag @beyondthechickencoop on Instagram.

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A single muffin topped with a crumbly topping on a plate.

Oatmeal Banana Muffins Recipe

Kathy Berget

Banana bread in a compact muffin made with old fashioned oats and a crumb topping.
4.92 from 806 votes
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Course Breakfast
Cuisine American

Servings 12 Muffins
Calories 206 kcal

Equipment

  • Muffin Tin
  • Cooling Rack
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups oats (old fashioned or rolled oats)
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch ground nutmeg
  • 1 whole egg
  • ¼ cup oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 ½ cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 3–4 bananas)

Topping

  • ½ cup oats (old fashioned)
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sugar.
  3. In a smaller bowl, whisk the egg, oil, and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and stir.
  4. Fold in the mashed bananas until the batter is just combined.
  5. Portion the batter into 12 prepared muffin cups. In another bowl, combine the topping ingredients and sprinkle over each muffin.
  6. Bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a rack before serving.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness and moisture.
  • When measuring flour, fluff and spoon it into the cup, then level to avoid packing too much flour.
  • If the batter seems dry because bananas aren’t quite ripe, add 1–2 tablespoons milk.
  • Old-fashioned or rolled oats work best; steel-cut oats are not suitable.
  • Oats add pleasing texture to the muffins.

Nutritional Disclaimer:

Nutritional information is an estimate and should be used as a guide. For precise nutrition facts, calculate using the exact ingredients and amounts you use.

Nutrition

Serving: 1MuffinCalories: 206kcal
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Recipe adapted from Mad about Muffins