Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oatmeal bakes evenly and thoroughly.

Grease a baking dish with the melted coconut oil. A 9x9 inch or 2-quart dish works perfectly for this recipe. The oil not only prevents sticking but adds a hint of flavor too.

In a large bowl, combine the steel-cut oats, chia seeds, and ground cinnamon. Warming up these spices will allow their flavors to bloom even further as they bake.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, mashed banana, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and grated ginger. Ensure everything is well combined. This mixture brings all the good stuff together into one creamy base.

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Make sure that everything is incorporated evenly; we want every bite packed with flavor!

Gently fold in half of the chopped pecans or walnuts. The nuts will toast beautifully as they bake.

Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining sliced banana and nuts.

Bake the oatmeal in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Once out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve warm with additional toppings if desired, such as fresh fruits or a drizzle of maple syrup.