Chocolate and Banana Baked Oatmeal

When I saw this yummy baked oatmeal posted on Budget Bites yesterday, I knew I had to make it immediately.  So glad I did because it does not disappoint!  I wish you could have experienced the heavenly aroma of chocolate and bananas when I pulled this glorious treat out of the oven.  Crazy good!

We like to let our baked oatmeal cool to room temperature so we can cut slices to snack on throughout the day.  That gave me the perfect opportunity to dress it up with a little whipped cream and chocolate curls.   

Chocolate and Banana Baked Oatmeal

makes 6-8 servings

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

Oatmeal:

• 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted

• 1/3 cup brown sugar, light or dark

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 2 cups milk

• 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats

• Optional Garnish - sliced banana, chocolate curls, heavy cream, vanilla sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F and spray baking pan with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, mash 1 1/2 cups of bananas (3-4). 

2. Add all the remaining oatmeal ingredients except the oats; whisk to combine (make sure there are no cocoa powder lumps).

3. Stir in the oats and pour into prepared pan (or equivalent 2-quart baking dish); place on sheet pan and place in oven for 45 minutes. 

4. Eat warm or cool to room temperature and garnish with sweetened whipped cream, banana slices, and chocolate curls. 

adapted from Budget Bites

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Oatmeal and Almond Raisin Cookies

Have you ever met an Oatmeal Raisin Cookie you didn't like?  I love, love, love them... and couldn't wait to try this version when I got my Secret Recipe Club assignment.  The recipe is unique in the fact that it includes a touch of almond extract - something I don't think I've ever seen in an oatmeal raisin cookie before, but I was eager to try it out.  I have one word for these cookies - YUM!  Thanks to Heather and Madeline (Her adorable daughter/sous chef) from Join Us, Pull Up a Chair for sharing this wonderful recipe.

Oatmeal and Almond Raisin Cookies

makes about 30 cookies

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 3 cups old fashioned oats

• 1 1/2 cup raisin

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375F. 

2. In a medium sized bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined; set aside.

3. Beat the butter, sugars, eggs, almond, and vanilla until well blended in a large mixer bowl. Gradually add the flour. 

4. Stir in the oats and raisins until well combined.  Drop by rounded tablespoons onto an ungreased baking sheet.

5. Bake for 7-8 minutes for chewy cookies or 9-10 minutes for crisp cookies.

6. Cool on a baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely. 

7. Store in an airtight container.