Perfect Steel Cut Oatmeal with Caramelized Bananas

Nov 27, 2016 (Last updated Dec 4, 2023) by Hannah Sunderani

Perfect Steel Cut Oatmeal with Caramelized Bananas

Today I’m teaching you how to make the PERFECT steel cut oatmeal that’s rich, creamy, and made with just 3 ingredients: steel cut oats, almond milk and maple syrup. Plus, we’re putting a modern twist on the old-time favourite and turning this classic steel cut oatmeal into a decadent oatmeal with the addition of homemade caramelized bananas for topping. After the first bite, you’ll never call oatmeal boring again! 

If you didn’t know already, I’m a HUGE oats lover. In fact, my award-winning and best-selling cookbook, The Two Spoons Cookbook, is filled with tons of ways to use them for any meal of the day. Here on the blog you can find some of my favourite oat-based recipes, including Classic Oatmeal, Oatmeal Muffins, Baked Oatmeal Recipes, Savoury Oatmeal, Overnight Oats, and more! I’ve even snuck them into unsuspecting vegan breakfast recipes like Banana Pancakes and Waffles!

But, if you’re completely new to cooking oatmeal from scratch then starting with this easy steel cut oatmeal recipe is the perfect introduction. This steel cut oatmeal recipe is fool-proof, and once topped with caramelized bananas, crunchy almonds, and a drizzle of almond butter, you’ll be in love with it’s decadence and nutty flavour! It’s truly a restaurant-worthy breakfast worth sharing and repeating!

Steel-Cut Oats vs Rolled Oats. What’s the Difference?

Figuring out the different Types of Oats and what they’re used for can be confusing, but knowing their differences is actually quite simple! I’ve even put together a complete guide showcasing the different types of oats and how to use them, but here’s the basics: 

Steel-cut oats are a type of oat made from whole oat groats (oat kernels) that have been chopped into small pieces using steel blades. They’re nuttier tasting, have a chewier texture, and typically take longer to cook as they are oats in one of their least process forms. 

Rolled oats, or old-fashioned oats, on the other hand are flat looking oats that are made by rolling a whole oat groat flat between steel rollers. They’re softer and chewier in texture, and have a wonderful creamy consistency once cooked or soaked overnight. 

Both types of oats are staples for me in my home kitchen as they’re so versatile, easy to meal prep, and so much better textured than instant oats! So without further ado, let me tell you exactly how to prepare a big batch of cozy steel cut oats at home! 

This Steel Cut Oatmeal is….

• Ready in 30 minutes! 
• Vegan 
• Gluten-Free
• Beginner friendly
• Pantry friendly
• Cozy and comforting
• Restaurant-worthy
• Easy to customize

Ingredient Notes

As promised, making steel cut oatmeal at home requires just 3 basic ingredients: 

• Steel cut oats: I always use Bob’s Red Mill Organic Whole Grain Quick Cooking Steel Cut Oats to slightly reduce the cook time, but you can always use regular steel cut oats as well. Depending on your region, you might find them sold as “pinhead” oats, “Scottish oats,” or “Irish oats”. 
• Almond milk: Cooking oats in plant-based milk is so much more rich and creamy tasting than water! It’s definitely my preference. I like to use homemade almond milk that I either make in my Almond Cow or blender, but you can also use oat milk (for an extra oat-y breakfast), coconut milk, soy milk, or any plain milk of choice. If you prefer store-bought milks over homemade for ease, check out my Store-Bought Almond Milk Review!
• Maple syrup: Adding sweetener to your bowl of steel cut oatmeal is entirely optional, but I love the natural sweetness it adds to balance the nutty, earthy flavour in the oats. If preferred you can use agave, or another sweetener of choice such as brown sugar or coconut sugar. 
• Pinch of salt: A pinch of salt may seem counterintuitive because oatmeal is typically sweet, but a bit of sea salt actually helps to amplify the other flavours in the oats and makes them even more delicious! (I promise the pinch is worth it!).

How to Make Perfect Steel Cut Oatmeal

There are really only 3 steps to making the perfect steel cut oatmeal on the stovetop. 

First, toast a 1/2 cup of steel cut oats by adding them to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the oats are lightly toasted and they create a nutty aroma, about 5 minutes. 

Next, pour in the almond milk, maple syrup, and add a pinch of salt, and stir to combine. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the oats to a boil. 

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the oats simmer, stirring occasionally, until soft, thickened, and has a pleasantly chewy texture, about 25 to 30 minutes. 

If desired, add an additional splash of milk to thin to your desired consistency, then divide into individual servings and enjoy immediately while warm and creamy! 

Can I Make Steel Cut Oatmeal in the Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Making steel cut oatmeal in a pressure cooker is one of the best ways to enjoy a hearty bowl of oats with a fraction of the cook time thanks to the high pressure. For my favourite Instant Pot cook method, and to know the exact rations you need, check out my recipe: 4-Minute Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe. 

Can I Use Steel Cut Oats to Make Overnight Oats?

This recipe is for a warm stovetop oatmeal, but if you prefer chilled overnight oats or don’t have time to cook on busy mornings, try my Overnight Steel Cut Oats recipe! 

How to Make Caramelized Bananas

There are many ways to top your morning oats (we will get to that below!), but if you’ve never tried your oats topped with caramelized bananas, you’re seriously missing out! It’s like banana oatmeal, but with an added sweet, gooey, and caramelized texture that’s completely euphoric. 

To make, simply heat coconut oil in a medium skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Once the coconut oil is warm and melted, sprinkle the pan with coconut sugar and cinnamon in an even layer. Add the halved banana slices to the skillet and fry until golden brown and caramelized. Flip each banana slice, and cook the other side until equally caramelized and golden, about 1-2 minutes. 

Serve immediately over the steel cut oatmeal and drizzle with almond butter, toasted almonds, and additional pure maple syrup to taste. 

Other Topping Ideas and Flavour Variations

Out of ripe bananas? No problem! This healthy breakfast option can be topped with virtually any topping of choice. Don’t be afraid to load it up! 

• Fresh fruit like fresh blueberries, fresh banana slices, strawberry slices, frozen raspberries, sautéed apples, pears, or peaches! 
• Dried fruits like raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates. 
• Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped peanuts. 
• Nut butters like almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower butter. 
• Sweeteners like maple syrup, agave syrup, or a sprinkle of coconut sugar or brown sugar. 
• Coconut yogurt (Try my Homemade Coconut Yogurt!).
• Warming spices such as ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or cardamom. 
• Additional toppings like toasted coconut flakes, cacao nibs, vegan chocolate chips, or crunchy granola like this Detox Granola or Healthy Hazelnut Granola.

More Easy Oatmeal Recipes You Might Like:

• Maple Apple Butter Oatmeal 
• Vegan Chocolate Oatmeal
• Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal
• Fried Apple and Almond Butter Oatmeal
• Baked Apple Oatmeal Cups

I hope you love this hearty breakfast recipe as much as I do! If you do make this steel cut oatmeal, please let me know in the comments below what you think and check out The Two Spoons App for more wholesome vegan recipes like this! I truly love hearing from you, and I’m always here to answer any questions you might have. 

And of course, tag me on Instagram with your pictures using the hashtag #twospoons. Nothing makes me happier than to see your recreations. 

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