This baked oatmeal is the kind of breakfast that makes mornings feel special. Full of wholesome oats, a touch of cozy cinnamon, and the burst of fresh fruit, it’s everything you love about hearty oatmeal — but baked into a sliceable, serve-to-everyone treat. Whether you’re hosting brunch, meal-prepping, or just enjoying a quiet start to your day, Baked Oatmeal is incredibly easy, customizable, and oh-so-comforting. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll understand why it’s always on rotation at my house!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Baked Oatmeal couldn’t be more straightforward. Every component has a starring role, lending either richness, flavor, or texture to the final bake. Here’s how each ingredient makes this breakfast shine:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These give the dish its signature hearty texture and keep you satisfied all morning.
- Brown sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor—feel free to swap with maple syrup or honey if you like.
- Baking powder: Offers just enough lift to keep things light without turning out cakey.
- Cinnamon: Instantly brings warmth and that irresistible cozy aroma to your kitchen.
- Salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances the sweetness beautifully.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): If you’re nuts about crunch, toss these in for toasty bites and extra richness.
- Milk: Adds moisture and binds the oats, creating a creamy, custard-like base.
- Unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana: Both alternative options add natural sweetness and keep the oatmeal tender.
- Eggs: Help everything set together, so the oatmeal bakes up sliceable, not crumbly.
- Melted butter or coconut oil: A touch of fat guarantees richness and helps the texture come together smoothly.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavors and makes the whole dish smell heavenly.
- Fresh or frozen berries or chopped fruit (optional): These add color, sweetness, and pockets of juicy goodness—totally customizable!
How to Make Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
First, fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s preheating, lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This tiny step ensures every slice of baked oatmeal releases beautifully later (and means fewer crumbs stuck to the dish!).
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nuts if you’re using them. Give everything a good stir so the spices coat the oats evenly—this little detail guarantees every bite is flavorful and textured just right.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce or mashed banana, eggs, melted butter or coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Be sure to melt and cool your butter or coconut oil first; this prevents it from scrambling your eggs. The wet blend brings all the magic that holds the oatmeal together!
Step 4: Combine and Add Fruit
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture, then stir until just combined. If you’re using berries or chopped fruit, gently fold them in now. The batter should look a little loose—don’t worry, the oats will soak up a lot of that moisture while baking.
Step 5: Fill the Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Try to nestle any exposed fruit down just a bit so it doesn’t dry out while baking. Pat down the top so you get those glorious golden edges!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know your baked oatmeal is ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is just set—it should not wobble if you give the dish a gentle shake. Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
The fun begins with toppings: a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or a scattering of extra berries on top transforms each portion into a mini masterpiece. Try a sprinkle of cinnamon or even a handful of toasted nuts for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
Baked Oatmeal loves good company! Pair it with crisp bacon for a sweet-savory contrast, or keep things lighter with a fruit salad and fresh orange juice. A frothy cappuccino or strong black coffee turns breakfast into a cozy ritual.
Creative Ways to Present
Surprise your family by baking the Baked Oatmeal in individual ramekins for a special, personalized touch. Or, cut cooled oatmeal into fingers for an easy grab-and-go snack. For brunch buffets, slice into neat squares and arrange on a platter with bowls of various toppings for guests to customize their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cool, stash any leftover Baked Oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge. It will happily keep for up to five days, making it perfect for easy weekday breakfasts with zero stress in the morning.
Freezing
If you want breakfast ready for even longer, slice portions and layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully and can last for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave for 45–60 seconds until warm, or warm it in a toaster oven for a crispier top. Add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back that fresh, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Oatmeal dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the milk for your favorite non-dairy alternative such as almond, oat, or soy milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter. The result is just as rich and delicious as the original.
How can I make this Baked Oatmeal gluten-free?
Choose certified gluten-free rolled oats and double-check any added ingredients (like baking powder) to ensure they’re gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally free from gluten, so you’re all set!
Can I use different fruits in my Baked Oatmeal?
Definitely! This dish is endlessly adaptable. Try blueberries, strawberries, chopped apples, peaches, pears, or even a handful of dried fruit if fresh isn’t available. Feel free to mix and match to suit your mood or whatever’s in season.
What if I want to prep Baked Oatmeal the night before?
You can fully assemble the mixture in your baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it straight into the oven and bake as directed (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s very cold).
Is Baked Oatmeal healthy?
Yes! It’s packed with fiber-rich oats, fruit, and healthy fats, and you can control the sweetness level. It’s a nourishing breakfast that leaves you feeling full and energized—the perfect way to start your day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a breakfast that’s as fuss-free as it is feel-good, you’ll absolutely love Baked Oatmeal. It’s warm, customizable, loved by all ages, and endlessly adaptable to whatever fruit or flavors inspire you. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes your go-to morning comfort, too!
Print
Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Oatmeal recipe is a delicious and wholesome way to start your day. Packed with oats, nuts, fruit, and a hint of sweetness, it’s a satisfying breakfast that’s perfect for meal prep or a leisurely brunch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries or chopped fruit (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nuts.
- Prepare wet mixture: In another bowl, whisk together milk, applesauce or banana, eggs, melted butter or oil, and vanilla.
- Combine ingredients: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients, mix, and fold in berries or fruit.
- Bake: Spread mixture in the baking dish and bake for 35–40 minutes until set.
- Cool and serve: Let the baked oatmeal cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup or honey for brown sugar.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations for variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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