Healthy baked oatmeal is a delightful and nutritious breakfast option that combines the heartiness of oats with the natural sweetness of fruits and the crunch of nuts. This dish is perfect for those seeking a wholesome start to their day without compromising on flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Nutrient-Rich: Packed with fiber-rich oats, antioxidant-laden fruits, and healthy fats from nuts, this baked oatmeal supports overall well-being.
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Versatile: Easily customizable with your preferred fruits, nuts, and sweeteners to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
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Convenient: Ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a quick and healthy breakfast throughout the week.
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Delicious Texture: Offers a satisfying contrast between the soft, creamy oats and the crisp, toasted topping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Provide a hearty base and are rich in soluble fiber.
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Milk of Choice: Adds creaminess; options include dairy or plant-based milks like almond or oat milk.
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Sweetener: Natural options like maple syrup or honey enhance the flavor without refined sugars.
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Eggs or Flax Eggs: Bind the mixture together; flax eggs are a great vegan alternative.
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Fresh or Frozen Fruits: Blueberries, bananas, or apples add natural sweetness and nutrients.Cookie and Kate
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Nuts and Seeds: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds contribute crunch and healthy fats.
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Spices: Cinnamon and vanilla extract provide warmth and depth of flavor.
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking dish.Eating Bird Food+2Cookie and Kate+2Skinnytaste+2
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.Eating Bird Food
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Prepare Wet Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together milk, sweetener, eggs (or flax eggs), and vanilla extract.
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Assemble: Layer half of the fruit at the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle the dry mixture over the fruit, then pour the wet mixture evenly on top. Finish with the remaining fruit and a sprinkle of nuts.
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Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and the mixture is set.
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Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.Cookie and Kate
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Preparation Time: About 10 minutes.The Conscious Plant Kitchen
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Cooking Time: Approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
Variations
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Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and substitute eggs with flax eggs.
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Nut-Free: Omit nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
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Different Fruits: Experiment with raspberries, peaches, or pears for a seasonal twist.
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Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or cardamom for additional warmth and complexity.Love and Lemons
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 60 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
FAQs
What makes baked oatmeal a healthy breakfast choice?
Baked oatmeal is rich in dietary fiber, supports heart health, and provides sustained energy, making it an excellent start to the day.
Can I prepare baked oatmeal ahead of time?
Yes, baked oatmeal is perfect for meal prep. You can bake it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for several days.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the dish is gluten-free.Cookie and Kate+2Love and Lemons+2Eating Bird Food+2
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
It’s best to use old-fashioned rolled oats, as quick oats may result in a mushier texture.Eating Bird Food
What are some suggested toppings for baked oatmeal?
Popular toppings include Greek yogurt, additional fresh fruits, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds.
Can I freeze baked oatmeal?
Yes, baked oatmeal can be frozen. Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I prevent the baked oatmeal from being too dry?
Ensure accurate measurement of liquids and avoid overbaking. Adding moist fruits like bananas can also help maintain a soft texture.
Is baked oatmeal suitable for children?
Yes, it’s a nutritious and kid-friendly breakfast option. You can adjust the sweetness and add favorite fruits to appeal to children’s tastes.
Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Certainly. Incorporating protein powder can enhance the protein content. Adjust the amount of liquid to maintain the desired consistency.
Conclusion
Healthy baked oatmeal is a versatile and nourishing dish that caters to various dietary needs and preferences. Its customizable nature allows for creativity, ensuring a delightful and wholesome breakfast experience. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a quick reheated meal, this baked oatmeal is sure to become a cherished addition to your breakfast repertoire.
Print
Healthy Baked Oatmeal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Healthy Baked Oatmeal is a simple, wholesome breakfast made with rolled oats, milk, banana or applesauce, and warming spices. It’s soft, lightly sweet, and perfect for meal prep—slice it, store it, and reheat all week long!
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 egg
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (or 1/2 cup applesauce)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup berries, chopped apples, raisins, or nuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, mashed banana, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted oil.
- Combine & Bake:
- Stir wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Fold in any add-ins.
- Pour into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and firm in the center.
- Cool & Serve:
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt.
Notes
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze slices for later.
- Make it vegan with a flax egg and non-dairy milk.
- Use pumpkin purée for a fall twist!
Nutrition
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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