This baked breakfast oatmeal is warm, hearty, and super easy to make! With rolled oats, milk, and your choice of fruits, it’s a perfect start to the day.
Who doesn’t love a dish you can bake and serve? It’s like having a cozy hug on your plate! I like adding a sprinkle of nuts for a crunchy surprise. Enjoy it warm and watch it disappear!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are perfect for this recipe as they hold their shape. If you don’t have them, you can use quick oats, but the texture will be softer. Steel-cut oats aren’t advisable without adjusting cook time.
Milk: You can use any type of milk, be it dairy or a plant-based alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk. Each adds a unique flavor, so choose based on your preference! Dairy-free options work great if you’re lactose intolerant.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Maple syrup adds a lovely depth to the oatmeal. If you’re looking for a sugar alternative, agave syrup or date syrup can be used as substitutes. Adjust the quantity based on sweetness preference!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries lend a burst of flavor. If they’re out of season, feel free to substitute with frozen ones or other fruits like raspberries, chopped apples, or even dried fruits like raisins.
Nuts: While pecans and walnuts are classic choices, you can swap them for almonds or pumpkin seeds if you have nut allergies. They still provide a nice crunch and are nutrient-rich.
How Do I Bake Oatmeal to Achieve the Right Texture?
Baking oatmeal is easy, but it’s key to get the texture just right! You want it to be firm yet creamy. Here are the steps to ensure success:
- Mix dry ingredients (oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt) and wet ingredients (milk, egg, syrup, melted butter, vanilla) separately for even mixing.
- Combine gently, so the blueberries don’t break up too much. This keeps those lovely pops of fruit intact!
- Avoid over-mixing; just stir until everything is combined. It keeps the oatmeal fluffy.
- Don’t skip the baking time! The oatmeal should be set in the center and golden on top, indicating it’s done.
Serve warm and have fun experimenting with your toppings! Enjoy your hearty breakfast bake!
Baked Breakfast Oatmeal with Berries and Nuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), plus extra for topping
- 1 banana, sliced (for topping)
- Fresh strawberries, for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious baked breakfast oatmeal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Altogether, you should have this hearty breakfast ready in about an hour! It’s perfect for meal prep too!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, you can get everything ready. Lightly grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with some cooking spray or butter.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This will add flavor and help the oats rise a bit during baking.
3. Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, maple syrup (or honey), melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract until smooth. This blend adds moisture and sweetness to the oatmeal.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry oat mixture and stir gently to combine everything evenly. It’s like a warm hug for the oats!
5. Add Fruits and Nuts:
Now, gently fold in the blueberries and chopped nuts. This is where you add a burst of flavor and delicious crunch!
6. Get Ready to Bake:
Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Make it look nice, as this will be the top when it’s done!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Put the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set in the middle.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This makes it easier to cut and enjoy!
9. Top it Off:
Top each serving with sliced banana, extra blueberries, and optional fresh strawberries and nuts for a colorful, delicious touch!
10. Dig In:
Enjoy your cozy baked breakfast oatmeal warm! It’s a healthy breakfast that will keep you full and happy!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just use certified gluten-free rolled oats instead of regular oats. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set!
What Can I Substitute for the Egg?
If you want to make this recipe egg-free, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, and then add it to your wet ingredients.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick breakfast. Add a splash of milk to freshen it up!
Can I Customize the Fruits and Nuts?
Definitely! Feel free to swap blueberries for other fruits like chopped apples, raspberries, or even dried fruits like cranberries. The same goes for nuts—almonds, hazelnuts, or even sunflower seeds work great!
