Baked Oatmeal
Baked oatmeal is a wholesome breakfast made with rolled oats and simple ingredients.It features a tender center and a lightly golden top.Cinnamon and vanilla provide a delicious, comforting flavor.Fresh berries, bananas, apples, and nuts make excellent additions.The recipe is easy to prepare ahead for busy mornings.Serve it warm with yogurt, milk, or maple syrup for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups milk, dairy or plant-based
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking oil. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly. This step helps every bite develop a consistent flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted butter. If you're using mashed banana, add it to this mixture. Whisk until everything is well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until the oats are evenly coated. Fold in the blueberries and chopped nuts, if desired.
- Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spatula. Add a few extra blueberries or a light sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an attractive finish.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The top should look lightly golden, and the center should be set. If the middle still appears excessively wet, bake for another 5 minutes and check again.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the oatmeal to firm up for easier slicing. Finally, serve warm with yogurt, fresh fruit, milk, or maple syrup.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
- Avoid instant oatmeal packets because they can produce a softer result.
- Frozen berries can be added without thawing.
- Adjust the sweetener according to your taste.
- Grease the baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Allow the oatmeal to rest before cutting it into portions.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container.
- Add a splash of milk when reheating if the oatmeal seems dry.