It ALLLL started with my banana bread baked oatmeal. When you have a bunch of ripe bananas lying around, and you want to make something a little heartier/healthier than banana bread, perhaps to feed a crowd (or to feed YOU for the week), this guy is what you need!
NOW I’m excited to introduce the Zucchini Bread version! Since we don’t have the added sweetness from the banana, I increased the sweetener in this recipe AND threw in some unsweetened apple sauce! I really love the chocolate chips on top, but if you’re not feeling chocolate, leave them out and go for a sprinkle of cinnamon, or maybe some walnuts!?
Watch the step by step video:
This recipe is so easy that the instructions are literally “Mix everything in a bowl, then pour into a pan and bake.” Okay, okay, I’ll give a bit more detail below, but you get the idea!
You must make this. Make a giant pan and eat it all week for breakfast. Freeze it for later. Eat it hot. Eat it cold. Put a scoop of ice cream on top. LIVE YOUR LIFE.
A few things before we dive in:
If you’re trying to hide the zucchini from any zucchini-haters, just peel them before grating! Then the little green specks won’t give you away!
This recipe is super flexible! Use whatever milk you like. Sub maple syrup for honey. Use yellow squash instead of zucchini. Use mashed banana instead of the apple sauce. GET CRAZY.
This recipe makes a big pan, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd, as breakfast/snacks for the week, or to freeze servings for later.
Zucchini Bread Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients:
4 cups oats
2 cups grated zucchini
1 cup unsweetened apple sauce (or 2 of the little cups)
1.5 cups milk of your choice
1/2 cup honey (more if you like it sweeter)
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
2 eggs
1 Tbsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp salt
Optional Toppings:
chocolate chips (but really not optional)
chopped walnuts
cinnamon
Instructions:
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9x13 pan with cooking spray or coconut oil.
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients well with a wooden spoon or a whisk.
Pour oatmeal mixture into your cake pan, and sprinkle with toppings if desired. Chocolate chips are the BEST on this.
Bake for 30-40 minutes or until edges are slightly browned and the middle is set/kind of firm.
Allow to cool for a few minutes, and serve it up! Or cut into squares and store in the refrigerator. It also freezes well!