If you’re searching for a nutritious and irresistibly satisfying breakfast that’s as easy to love as it is to eat, these Baked Oatmeal Cups are about to become your new morning staple. Packed with whole-grain oats and just the right touch of sweetness, each cup bakes up chewy and golden, ready to grab-and-go or savor slowly with your favorite toppings. The best part? Baked Oatmeal Cups are endlessly customizable for any craving—chocolate, berries, nuts, you name it. Whether you prep them for busy weekdays or make a big batch for brunch, these little cups are proof that wholesome food can also be truly crave-worthy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a special role in building that cozy, soft-baked texture and warm flavor that makes these Baked Oatmeal Cups so inviting. The list below keeps things simple, but don’t underestimate how each element adds its own hint of comfort and depth.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Offers hearty texture and keeps each cup chewy yet tender.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift for a lighter, almost muffin-like bite.
- Cinnamon: Adds a cozy warmth and subtle spice that ties everything together.
- Salt: Enhances flavors and makes the sweetness pop without being overpowering.
- Large eggs: Help bind the cups and give a satisfying, cake-like consistency.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Moistens the oats and ensures an even, creamy texture.
- Maple syrup or honey: Sweetens naturally while bringing richness and depth.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a moisture booster and gives a delicate hint of fruitiness with fewer calories than oil.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the whole batch with aromatic bakery-style goodness.
- Mini chocolate chips, berries, or chopped nuts (optional mix-ins): Personalize your Baked Oatmeal Cups with your favorite flavors and a pop of color or crunch.
How to Make Baked Oatmeal Cups
Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or give each cup a light coating of nonstick spray. This step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your Baked Oatmeal Cups come out easily, no sticking or crumbling.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give them a quick stir so the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed. This will keep your oatmeal cups fluffy and bursting with flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup (or honey), unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract until everything’s well blended and silky smooth. This step ensures all the sweetness and moisture is evenly mixed for consistent, delicious results.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry, then gently stir everything together until fully combined. You want the oats to be coated and the mixture slightly runny, like thick batter—this is exactly right for perfectly moist Baked Oatmeal Cups.
Step 5: Add Mix-Ins
If you’re using mini chocolate chips, berries, or chopped nuts, now is the fun part! Fold your chosen mix-ins gently into the batter. Don’t over-mix—this keeps the pops of chocolate, fruit, or crunch evenly distributed.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin
Divide the oatmeal mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. The batter won’t rise much, so pack each one generously for perfectly portioned cups.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the tops are just set and lightly golden. The aroma will be simply irresistible! Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes (they’ll firm up a bit), then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling or enjoy warm.
How to Serve Baked Oatmeal Cups
Garnishes
The finishing touches can make your Baked Oatmeal Cups feel extra special. Try a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or a scattering of fresh berries for color and brightness. Even a quick dusting of powdered sugar turns these cups into an instant treat.
Side Dishes
Serve your oatmeal cups alongside some fresh fruit salad, a smoothie, or scrambled eggs for a perfectly balanced breakfast spread. The cups themselves are filling, but pairing them with a protein or a juicy fruit bowl really rounds out the meal and keeps hunger at bay all morning.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Baked Oatmeal Cups on a platter for brunch gatherings, stack them in a rustic basket lined with a tea towel, or wrap individually in parchment for lunchboxes and on-the-go snacking. For kids or party guests, offer a “build your own” oatmeal cup bar with toppings like yogurt, sliced bananas, chia seeds, or nut butter to make breakfast interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover Baked Oatmeal Cups in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay moist and fresh for up to 5 days, making them perfect for meal prepping your week’s breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
To make your mornings even easier, freeze individual oatmeal cups by wrapping them tightly or placing them in a freezer bag. They keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just grab as many as you need—no need to thaw overnight if you’re in a hurry!
Reheating
For the quickest breakfast, pop a chilled or frozen Baked Oatmeal Cup into the microwave for 20–30 seconds. For a slightly crispier edge, reheat in a toaster oven. They taste freshly baked and are just as comforting as the day you made them.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats or steel-cut oats instead?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for texture, but quick oats can work in a pinch—your cups will be softer and a bit more cake-like. Steel-cut oats won’t cook through in this recipe, so they aren’t recommended.
Are these Baked Oatmeal Cups gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making these a safe and wholesome choice for nearly everyone.
Can I replace the eggs for a vegan version?
Yes. Swap out the eggs for flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tablespoons water). Let it sit for a few minutes, and it’ll bind your Baked Oatmeal Cups almost like the real thing.
What mix-ins work best?
This is where your creativity shines! Mini chocolate chips, frozen or fresh berries, raisins, chopped nuts, or even diced apples all work beautifully. Mix and match to suit your taste—or use up what you have at home.
How can I make these less sweet?
Cut back the maple syrup or honey to 1/4 cup, or skip the chocolate chips. You can also add more applesauce or a mashed banana for natural sweetness, which keeps things plenty tasty without added sugar.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Oatmeal Cups turn simple pantry staples into something genuinely special—warm, hearty, and so easy to personalize. Whether you’re rushing out the door or lingering over your coffee, they make every morning a little easier and a lot more delicious. Give them a try, and you’ll soon find they become a favorite in your kitchen as well.
Print
Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 oatmeal cups
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Oatmeal Cups are a convenient and delicious breakfast option that can be made ahead of time. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats and sweetened with maple syrup, these cups are perfect for a quick and easy morning meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-Ins:
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips, berries, or chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Fold in any optional mix-ins.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Bake for 22–25 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the oatmeal cups to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast on the go.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *