Measure ingredients and slice the banana: Having everything pre-measured (mise en place) keeps the short cooking time efficient and prevents overcooking. Slice half the banana into rounds for topping; mash the other half lightly with a fork to stir into the oats for natural sweetness and extra creaminess.

Warm the almond milk: Pour 2 cups of almond milk into a medium saucepan and set over medium heat. Warm until small bubbles form at the edges and steam rises, but do not boil. Warming the milk first helps the oats hydrate evenly and shortens cooking time.

Add oats and a pinch of salt: Stir in 1 cup rolled oats and the pinch of sea salt. Salt enhances the sweetness and balances flavor. Use a wooden spoon or heatproof silicone spatula so you can scrape the bottom cleanly.

Simmer gently, stirring often: Reduce heat to low–medium so the oats maintain a gentle simmer. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring every 30–60 seconds. Stirring prevents sticking and helps the oats release their natural starches, creating a silky creaminess and even texture.

Add chia seeds and cinnamon to thicken and flavor: With about 2 minutes left, stir in 2 tablespoons chia seeds and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Chia seeds absorb liquid and swell, creating a lush, porridge-like body without extra cooking time; adding them late prevents them from clumping.

Finish with mashed banana and almond butter: Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the mashed half-banana and 2 tablespoons almond butter. Off-heat incorporation preserves the bright banana flavor and keeps the almond butter from separating. The almond butter emulsifies with the hot oats for a glossy, rich texture.

Sweeten and adjust texture: Taste and add 1 teaspoon maple syrup if you want a touch more sweetness. If the oats are too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons warm almond milk to loosen. A final taste test lets you balance sweetness and consistency.

Plate and garnish: Divide the oats between two bowls. Arrange the banana rounds on top and, if desired, add a small knob of butter or a teaspoon of neutral oil to sheen the surface and deepen flavor. The contrast of warm oats and cool banana slices is part of the appeal.

Optional finishing touches: Sprinkle an extra pinch of cinnamon, a few chia seeds, or a drizzle of additional almond butter or maple syrup for presentation and texture contrast. These visual cues make the dish feel restaurant-quality.

Serve immediately: Warm oats are best served right away while they are silky and aromatic. Leftovers will thicken as chia continues to absorb liquid — reheat gently with a splash of almond milk and stir to restore creaminess.