Soft Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins

Name: Soft Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 muffins
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups rolled oats; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp salt; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; ½ cup honey or maple syrup; 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy); 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter; Optional: nuts or dried fruits

Highlighted under: Mindful Eating

I absolutely love starting my day with these Soft Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins! They are not only soft and delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Each bite offers a delightful combination of oats, bananas, and a hint of cinnamon that gets my mornings off to a fantastic start. Whether I'm rushing out the door or enjoying a cozy morning at home, these muffins keep me satisfied and energized. Plus, they are easy to make and perfect for meal prep, so I can enjoy them throughout the week!

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-24T08:34:14.908Z

When I first experimented with oat-based muffins, I was amazed by how soft and moist they turned out. Using ripe bananas not only sweetens the batter but also enhances the texture, making them incredibly tender. I usually let the muffin mixture sit for a few minutes to let the oats absorb the moisture, which is a little trick that helps them rise beautifully!

One of my favorite aspects of these muffins is their versatility. You can toss in your favorite nuts or dried fruits to customize them to your taste. I once added a handful of walnuts and cranberries, and it took the flavor profile to a whole new level. Experimenting with different add-ins has become a fun part of the process for me!

Why You'll Love These Muffins
Soft, fluffy texture that's easy to enjoy any time of day
Nutritious oats and bananas for a healthy start
Versatile recipe that allows for endless flavor combinations

The Role of Oats and Bananas

Oats are not only the star ingredient in these Soft Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins but also contribute to their texture and nutritional profile. They provide a hearty, chewy bite while being high in fiber, which keeps you feeling full longer. Rolled oats help create moisture in the muffins, avoiding that dry bite that can sometimes occur with baked goods. You can consider using steel-cut oats for a slightly different texture, but ensure you adjust your baking time accordingly since they'll require more moisture to soften during baking.

Bananas lend natural sweetness to the muffins, allowing you to reduce added sugars like honey or maple syrup. When using ripe bananas, aim for ones with brown spots for maximum flavor. The moisture in bananas also helps keep the muffins tender, so be sure to mash them thoroughly until smooth for even distribution. If you're out of bananas or want to try a different flavor, applesauce can be a great substitute, providing similar moisture without the banana taste.

Baking Tips for Perfect Muffins

To ensure your muffins rise beautifully and maintain a fluffy texture, avoid overmixing the batter after combining wet and dry ingredients. Stir just until no dry spots remain—this will prevent the gluten in the flour from developing too much, leading to tough muffins instead of tender ones. If you're new to baking, a rubber spatula can help you gently fold ingredients together without overworking the mixture.

Pay attention to your baking time! Each oven is different; bake the muffins for about 20 minutes, but start checking around 15 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. If the muffins are browning too quickly, you can tent them with aluminum foil to stop further color development without affecting the baking inside.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These Soft Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins are excellent for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the muffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag—this way, you can conveniently grab one whenever you need a quick breakfast or snack. When ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or let them thaw at room temperature.

While the base recipe is delightful on its own, feel free to experiment with flavor variations! Add-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts can elevate the muffin experience. You might also consider spices: a touch of nutmeg or vanilla can bring another layer of warmth and flavor, making each batch uniquely satisfying. Don't hesitate to adjust ingredients based on seasonal fruits, like swapping bananas for shredded zucchini or mashed pumpkin in the fall.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Muffin Ingredients

1 ½ cups rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
2 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup honey or maple syrup
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter
Optional: nuts or dried fruits

Once you have all ingredients ready, we can start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your muffins:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), milk, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins soft.

Add Optional Ingredients

If desired, fold in nuts or dried fruits at this stage.

Bake

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later!

Now enjoy these delicious muffins!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or a handful of chocolate chips to the batter.

Nutritional Benefits

Each muffin is packed with wholesome ingredients, making them a great energy source to kick-start your day. Oats, one of the primary ingredients, are known for their heart-healthy properties. They contain soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels while keeping your digestive system healthy. Meanwhile, bananas are rich in potassium, which is essential for heart and muscle health, providing quick energy, especially when you're heading out in the morning.

Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour brings additional fiber and nutrients to your muffins. Whole grains are linked to various health benefits, including better heart health and weight management. By incorporating these ingredients, you ensure your breakfast is not only delicious but also nourishing and beneficial for maintaining energy levels throughout the day.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your muffins are coming out too dense, it could be a result of overmixing or too much flour. To prevent this, carefully measure your flour using the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly from the bag. If your muffins dome too high or crack on top, consider checking your oven temperature with an oven thermometer; sometimes, ovens run hot, causing rapid rising.

For those who notice their muffins browning too quickly, either lower the baking temperature by 25°F or place a baking sheet on a lower rack to diffuse heat. On the flip side, if your muffins are still wet in the middle after the outside is golden, it might be worthwhile to bake a little longer—always use the toothpick test to ensure doneness.

Flavor Customizations

One of the wonderful aspects of this muffin recipe is its adaptability. Consider adding spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor profile. If you'd rather keep it simple, a sprinkle of chocolate chips or a handful of blueberries can add bursts of sweetness and make each muffin feel a bit special. Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can provide a satisfying crunch and pair perfectly with the soft, moist texture of the muffins.

If themed muffins sound appealing, try incorporating a tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolate oatmeal muffins or even pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist. Just remember to balance the wet ingredients accordingly to maintain the muffin's moisture and structure. This flexibility allows you to create something new each time, keeping breakfast exciting!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different.

→ How can I store the muffins?

Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these muffins?

Absolutely! Just freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey.