Cinnamon Porridge with Baked Banana

If there’s one thing I truly believe in when it comes to healthy eating, it’s this: breakfast sets the tone for your entire day. And while there are plenty of ways to fuel up in the morning, there’s just something about a warm, comforting bowl of porridge that feels like a hug in a bowl.

This Cinnamon Porridge with Baked Banana is one of my favourite ways to ease into the day, especially when life feels a little busy or the mornings are a little cooler. It’s simple, nourishing, naturally sweetened, and packed with flavour—exactly what you need to feel grounded and energised.

Let’s dive in.

WHY THIS BREAKFAST WORKS.

We all know that breakfast is important, but what really makes a great breakfast?

For me, it’s all about balance. You want something that satisfies your hunger, supports your energy, and tastes really good. This cinnamon porridge ticks all the boxes:

• Slow-release carbs from oats give you sustained energy

• Healthy fats and protein from Greek yoghurt and seeds help keep you fuller for longer

• Natural sweetness from baked banana and orange means no added sugars

• Gut-loving fibre from oats, banana, and seeds to support digestion

Plus, it’s endlessly customisable (we’ll talk about that in a minute) and comes together in about 10 minutes. Perfect for busy mornings or a slower weekend brunch.

LET'S TALK INGREDIENTS.

This recipe uses just a handful of simple ingredients, but each one brings something special to the table:

Porridge oats: I always recommend using traditional rolled oats for this one—they’re heartier and offer more texture than instant oats. They’re also a great source of fibre and help keep blood sugar levels stable.

Milk of choice: Use whatever works best for you. Almond, oat, soy, or dairy milk—just make sure it's unsweetened to keep the flavours balanced and natural.

Cinnamon: This little spice is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s been shown to help with blood sugar regulation, and it brings a warm, slightly sweet flavour to the oats without needing to add sugar.

Banana: Baked banana is where the magic happens in this dish. When you warm it with orange juice and zest, it becomes soft, caramelised, and so full of flavour.

Orange zest and juice: This adds a bright citrus note that cuts through the richness and brings the whole dish to life.

Greek yoghurt: Creamy, tangy, and packed with protein, yoghurt is the perfect cooling contrast to the warm porridge. Choose full-fat for a more satisfying option.

Toasted seed mix: I love the crunch and texture this adds. You can use a mix of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds—whatever you’ve got on hand.

HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON PORRIDGE WITH BAKED BANANA.

Here’s the full recipe so you can make this nourishing breakfast at home:

SERVES: 2 People

PREP TIME: 5 Minutes

COOK TIME: 10 Minutes

Ingredients

80g (2.8 oz) porridge oats

150ml (5 oz) milk of your choice

450ml (15 fl oz) water

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

1 ripe banana, sliced

½ orange, zested and juiced

200g (7 oz) natural Greek yoghurt

2 tsp. toasted seed mix

METHOD.

1. Cook the oats:
   In a saucepan, combine oats, milk, water, and cinnamon. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens to your liking.

2. Bake the banana (the easy way!):
   While the porridge is simmering, place your sliced banana in a microwave-safe dish. Add the orange zest and juice, cover, and microwave on high for 1½ to 2 minutes, or until soft and slightly syrupy.

3. Toast your seeds:
   If you're not using a pre-toasted mix, toss your seeds into a dry pan and toast over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant. This step adds so much flavour and crunch.

4. Assemble:
   Divide the porridge into two bowls. Top with Greek yoghurt, baked banana, a drizzle of the orange syrup from the bowl, and sprinkle with toasted seeds.

TIPS TO MAKE IT YOUR OWN.

This porridge is a lovely base, but don’t be afraid to make it yours. Here are a few ways to mix things up:

Add more fruit: Try adding chopped apples, berries, or stewed pears for a seasonal twist.

Swap the seeds: No seeds on hand? Use chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a satisfying crunch.

Go dairy-free: Use coconut yoghurt or almond yoghurt instead of Greek yoghurt for a dairy-free version.

Make it ahead: You can cook the oats the night before and reheat them in the morning with a splash of milk or water.

Add extra protein: Stir in a scoop of your favourite vanilla protein powder or a spoonful of nut butter for an added boost.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS BREAKFAST.

Aside from the fact that it tastes amazing, there are a few more reasons why this recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen:

It’s naturally sweet: Thanks to the banana and orange juice, there’s no need for added sugars. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, a drizzle of maple syrup on top will take it to the next level—but it’s completely optional.

It’s comforting: There’s something so grounding about a warm breakfast bowl, especially when paired with creamy yoghurt and warm spices like cinnamon.

It’s energising: With complex carbs, fibre, and protein, this is the kind of breakfast that powers you through your morning without a crash at 10am.

It feels like self-care: Sitting down to a thoughtfully prepared meal—even a simple one—can be such a beautiful way to start your day. Light a candle, play your favourite playlist, and enjoy the ritual of eating something nourishing.

WHO IS THIS BREAKFAST FOR?

Honestly? Everyone.

Whether you’re a busy parent trying to get out the door, working from home and craving something comforting, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this cinnamon porridge with baked banana fits beautifully into almost any routine.

It’s also a great option for kids, especially if you’re trying to introduce more wholefoods into their diet. The sweetness from the banana and orange is often a hit with little ones, and you can let them build their own bowls with toppings.

THE BOTTOM LINE.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean complicated recipes or hard-to-find ingredients. Sometimes, it’s the simplest meals—like a warm bowl of porridge—that end up being the most nourishing, satisfying, and memorable.

This Cinnamon Porridge with Baked Banana is one of those recipes. It’s unfussy, deeply comforting, and packed with feel-good ingredients that support your health and wellbeing. And perhaps best of all? It feels like a treat, even though it’s made entirely with whole, nourishing foods.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to know what you think! Share your bowl with me over on Instagram @MichelleMitchellHealthCoach, tag me in your stories, or send me a message. Your feedback and creativity always inspire me, and I love seeing your takes on my recipes.

Until next time—here’s to starting your day with something that fuels your body, soothes your soul, and makes you smile.