Looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s as nourishing as it is delicious? Baked Oatmeal is your answer! This dish is everything you love about a big bowl of oatmeal, but transformed into a soft, golden bake that you can slice and serve. It’s endlessly customizable with fruits and add-ins, easy to prep ahead, and just as good warm out of the oven as it is straight from the fridge. Whether you’re serving a bustling family brunch or craving a make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings, Baked Oatmeal is a wholesome classic that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Oatmeal recipe is its simplicity—these pantry staples come together to create something unbelievably comforting. Every ingredient adds a little magic, whether it’s the hearty oats for texture, sweet maple syrup for balance, or fruit for a juicy pop of flavor.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Provide the perfect chewy base; avoid quick oats for best results.
- Baking powder: Lifts the bake slightly, making it lighter and fluffier.
- Ground cinnamon: Warms up the flavor with a gentle spice that pairs perfectly with fruit.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and keeps things balanced.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds richness and moisture; use your favorite kind.
- Maple syrup or honey: Naturally sweetens the oatmeal and brings a subtle depth.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together for a firm, sliceable texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth and lovely nuance.
- Melted butter or coconut oil: Gives the bake tenderness and flavor—use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Fresh or frozen berries or diced fruit: Apples, bananas, peaches, or whatever fruit you love most work beautifully here.
- Chopped nuts (optional): For a wonderful crunch and added richness.
How to Make Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish. This simple prep step ensures that your Baked Oatmeal releases beautifully after baking, and preheating gets everything ready for steady, even cooking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir. This helps the baking powder and spices get distributed evenly, guaranteeing every bite is packed with cozy, comforting flavor.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup (or honey), eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter or coconut oil. Whisk until smooth and thoroughly combined; this ensures a tender, cohesive bake.
Step 4: Combine and Fold In Add-ins
Pour the wet mixture over your oat mixture and gently stir until everything is fully blended. Next, fold in your chosen fruit and, if using, those irresistible chopped nuts. Every spoonful should have a little bit of everything for best taste and texture.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Transfer the oatmeal mixture into your greased baking dish, smoothing the top so it’s nice and even. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. When it’s done, the center will be set and the top beautifully golden brown—irresistible!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once your Baked Oatmeal is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. This brief rest makes it easier to slice and helps the flavors settle. Now you’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
Dress up each serving with a drizzle of maple syrup, a scoop of creamy yogurt, or a splash of cold milk. A sprinkle of cinnamon or extra chopped nuts on top adds a fancy touch and a burst of fresh texture.
Side Dishes
Baked Oatmeal pairs wonderfully with crisp bacon, tangy fruit salads, or scrambled eggs for a full, hearty breakfast spread. Want something light? A platter of sliced citrus or a handful of fresh berries always complements the warm spices.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your Baked Oatmeal into bars for an easy, on-the-go breakfast, or use a cookie cutter to make kid-friendly shapes. You can even serve it sundae-style in bowls, topping each portion with yogurt, fruit, and a sprinkle of granola for extra fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Oatmeal keeps beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Seal it up well to keep it moist and just scoop, slice, or reheat as needed for effortless breakfasts all week long.
Freezing
Freeze individual slices or the whole batch, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container, for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge for quick breakfasts on busy mornings.
Reheating
Warm up portions in the microwave for about a minute, or reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until heated through. Add a splash of milk before reheating if you prefer a softer texture.
FAQs
Can I prepare Baked Oatmeal the night before?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed for a no-hassle breakfast.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Substitute flax eggs for the regular eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap in coconut oil instead of butter. Choose maple syrup or agave for sweetness and you have a completely vegan version.
Which fruits work best in Baked Oatmeal?
You can use apples, berries (fresh or frozen), peaches, bananas, or even pears—basically any fruit you enjoy eating baked works perfectly here. Mix and match to keep things interesting!
Is Baked Oatmeal gluten-free?
Oats are naturally gluten-free, but if you’re sensitive, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats, as contamination can occur during processing.
How can I make it extra indulgent?
Go all out by adding chocolate chips, a swirl of peanut butter, or coconut flakes to the mix or as toppings. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce never hurts for a special treat!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a warm pan of Baked Oatmeal with your favorite people. It’s simple, comforting, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it part of your breakfast routine!
