Banana Berry Oatmeal Cups

Heart-Healthy Recipe: Banana Berry Oatmeal Cups

February 18, 2026 Recipes
Cups Banana Berry Oatmeal Cups

February is all about showing your heart some love! One tasty way to do that is by eating foods that help your heart stay strong, like these Banana Berry Oatmeal Cups.

These soft, lightly sweet oatmeal cups are perfect for busy mornings or as a wholesome snack. They’re also easy for little hands to hold (and help make!).

You can make these oatmeal cups ahead of time, freeze them in a sealed and dated storage bag, then reheat them whenever you’d like.

Banana Berry Oatmeal Cups
Heart Healthy What Makes This Recipe Heart-Healthy

Heart-healthy eating doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. Simple foods like oats, fruit, and milk can help support heart health, one meal at a time.

THIS RECIPE USES SIMPLE FOODS THAT HELP YOUR
HEART STAY STRONG AND SUPPORT GROWING KIDS:

dietary fiber

Oats are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps support heart health and keeps you feeling full longer

calcium and protein

Milk adds calcium and protein for strong bones and muscles

Natural Bananas

Bananas give natural sweetness and potassium, which helps the heart

Berries positioned in a white bowl

Berries (fresh or frozen) are full of fiber and antioxidants that help protect the heart

Egg placed in a simple white bowl

Eggs provide protein to help kids grow and stay satisfied

Kid-Friendly Tips
Heart Healthy Kid-Friendly Tips
  • ✓ If offering to younger children (under 24 months), mash berries before mixing and baking to help prevent choking.
  • ✓ Serve with a spoonful of yogurt or a splash of milk on top.
  • ✓ Let kids help mash the banana or stir the bowl – they love helping!
Ingredients Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1½ cups milk
1 ripe banana, mashed
1 cup berries (fresh or frozen, chop or mash if large)
1 egg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

Healthy Ingredients
Instructions Instructions
muffin tin
1.

Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a muffin tin, or line one with paper baking cups.

large mixbowl
2.

In a large bowl, mix the oats, cinnamon, and berries (mash berries if offering to young children).

mash banana
3.

In another bowl, mash the banana. Stir in milk, egg, and vanilla.

dry mixture
4.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir well.

muffin cups
5.

Spoon evenly into muffin cups.

muffin lightly golden
6.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until set and lightly golden.

slightlymuffin
7.

Cool slightly before serving.

Storage Tips

They’ll stay good:

  • ✓ 3-4 months in the freezer
  • ✓ 4-5 days in the refrigerator
Reheating Tips
You can warm them back up:
  • ✓ In the microwave for 20-30 seconds
  • ✓ In an oven or toaster oven at 350O F for about 10 minutes

REFERENCES:

American Heart Association. (2024, June 25). Get to Know Grains: Why You Need Them, and What to Look For.
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/whole-grains-refined-grains-and-dietary-fiber

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Preventing Heart Disease.
https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/prevention/

United States Department of Agriculture. (2026). MyPlate: Dairy.
https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/dairy

United States Department of Agriculture. (2026). MyPlate: Fruits.
https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/fruits

Author: Amanda Hojnacki, BS

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position