Baked Oatmeal

🥣 Baked Oatmeal

📖 Description

Baked oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast dish made by baking rolled oats with milk, eggs, and natural sweeteners until set like a soft casserole. It’s hearty, customizable, meal-prep friendly, and perfect for busy mornings or a wholesome weekend brunch. Unlike stovetop oatmeal, baked oatmeal has a lightly crisp top and a moist, cake-like center.

🧾 Ingredients

Base Recipe

  • 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)

  • 1½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)

  • 2 large eggs

  • ¼ cup maple syrup or honey

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins

  • ½ cup fresh or frozen berries

  • ½ cup chopped apples or bananas

  • ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)

  • 2 tablespoons seeds (chia, flax, or pumpkin)

  • ¼ cup chocolate chips or raisins

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.

  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla.

  3. Add dry ingredients: Stir in oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

  4. Fold in add-ins if using.

  5. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

  6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.

  7. Cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm.

📝 Notes

  • Rolled oats work best; quick oats make it softer, steel-cut oats are not recommended without adjustments.

  • Sweetness can be adjusted depending on toppings.

  • Dairy-free milk works perfectly in this recipe.

  • Texture firms up as it cools.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • For extra creaminess, replace ½ cup milk with Greek yogurt.

  • Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing for clean squares.

  • Add fruit on top before baking for visual appeal.

  • Double the recipe for meal prep and bake in a 9×13-inch dish.

  • Reheat slices in the microwave with a splash of milk.

🍽️ Servings

  • Serves: 6 portions

  • Serving Size: 1 square (about 1 cup)

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 220–260 kcal

  • Protein: 8–10 g

  • Carbohydrates: 32–36 g

  • Fiber: 5–6 g

  • Fat: 7–9 g

  • Sugar: 10–14 g

  • Sodium: 180–220 mg

(Values vary based on add-ins and milk used.)

🌱 Health Benefits

  • High in fiber – supports digestion and gut health

  • Sustained energy – complex carbs keep you full longer

  • Heart-healthy – oats help reduce cholesterol

  • Customizable nutrition – easy to boost protein, fruits, or healthy fats

  • Meal-prep friendly – saves time and reduces unhealthy breakfast choices

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make baked oatmeal vegan?
A: Yes. Use plant-based milk and replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp water).

Q: Can I freeze baked oatmeal?
A: Absolutely. Slice, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Is baked oatmeal good for weight loss?
A: Yes, when portion-controlled and made with minimal sweetener, it’s filling and nutrient-dense.

Q: Can I eat it cold?
A: Yes. It tastes great chilled, similar to an oatmeal bar.

Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: 4–5 days when stored in an airtight container.

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