Banana Split Oatmeal

January is National Oatmeal Month and I think that calls for a little celebration so we are celebrating with Banana Split Oatmeal! Don’t forget though, that if you have an oatmeal allergy, then you it would probably be best to avoid these recipes (even though they look amazing to eat!). It’s no surprise we like to have dessert for breakfast so it was only fitting, besides it is just oatmeal, fruit, and a little chocolate drizzle so completely acceptable. Of course we couldn’t help but put a little, ok big, scoop of Coco Whip on top because well today is Friday too and it’s the weekend. Not that we ever need an excuse to have Coco Whip or dessert for breakfast. Purely Elizabeth is also hosting an Oatmeal Recipe Challenge/Contest and well we love her Ancient Grain Oatmeal and I decided to take that challenge in hopes of winning a years supply of Purely Elizabeth and a Whole Foods gift card. Oh I dream of all the yumminess I could make with that! Ok back to the Banana Split Oatmeal, so good it is a must try it. If you need a healthier version, like I said not that the other one is unhealthy because it really isn’t, but I also like to make a version with vanilla protein in my oats, I use Vega, and top it with fresh bananas, strawberries, pineapple, and sweet cacao nibs! Hits the spot and packs a protein punch!

If you could have any dessert for breakfast what would you have?

Banana Split Oatmeal
Makes 1 serving
1/3c oats, used Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grains, Organic Original Oatmeal
2/3c water or almond milk, or per package instructions
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 small ripe banana
3-4 strawberries, chopped
4 chunks of pineapple chopped, or 1/4c crushed pineapple
2TBSP chocolate sauce, for quick clean chocolate sauce combine equal parts melted coconut oil, agave (or honey, maple syrup), and cacao/cocoa powder
spoonful coconut whip cream, optional (used So Delicious Coco Whip)

In a saucepan combine oats and water/milk, cook oatmeal per package instructions and stir in vanilla. Slice banana in half length-wise and place on sides of a bowl. Spoon oatmeal between banana halves. Top with strawberries, pineapple, chocolate sauce, and optional whip cream. Grab a spoon and dig in, breakfast never tasted so good!

Banana Split Protein Oats
Makes 1 serving
1/3c oats, used Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grains, Organic Original Oatmeal
2/3c water or almond milk, or per package instructions plus additional 1/4-1/2 depending on protein used (used So Delicious Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use Vega)
1/2-1 banana, sliced
3-4 strawberries, sliced
4 chunks of pineapple chopped, or 1/4c crushed pineapple
1 TBSP sweet cacao nibs, or chocolate chips (used Navitas Sweet Cacao Nibs)

In a saucepan combine oats and water/milk, cook oatmeal per package instructions. Remove from heat and stir in protein powder and additional milk/water to desired consistency. Pour oatmeal into a bowl and top with bananas, strawberries, pineapple, and cacao nibs/chocolate chips. Enjoy!