Easy Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked oatmeal recipe is perfect for busy mornings or meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s quick, easy, and versatile, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s made with wholesome ingredients like oats, cinnamon, and maple syrup, offering a delicious balance of sweetness and heartiness. It’s also a great option for those who want to avoid refined sugars or dairy. The best part? It’s made in just one bowl, so cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• 2 cups milk of choice (unsweetened vanilla almond milk is a great option)

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 1 large egg (or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed)

• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 ripe bananas, sliced (or ½ cup unsweetened applesauce)

• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans (or your choice of mix-ins like nuts, fruit, or chocolate)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray an 8×8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.

3. Add the milk, maple syrup, egg (or flaxseed), coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sliced bananas (or applesauce) to the dry ingredients. Stir well to combine.

4. Mix in 1 cup of chopped pecans (or your choice of nuts, dried fruit, etc.).

5. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

6. Scatter the remaining pecans on top for added crunch.

7. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown.

8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares. Serve as is or drizzle with more maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Sweeteners: You can replace the maple syrup with honey, agave, or even brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

• Nuts and Fruits: Experiment with different nuts (walnuts, almonds) and fruits (apples, berries) for variety.

• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or any plant-based milk to make this recipe dairy-free.

• Vegan Option: Substitute the egg with ground flaxseed or chia seeds.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

Quick oats tend to break down more during baking, resulting in a softer texture. Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended for the best texture and consistency.

2. Can I skip the baking powder?

Yes, you can skip the baking powder, but it might make the oatmeal slightly denser.

3. Is it okay to use a different type of sweetener?

Absolutely! You can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave, or brown sugar if preferred.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you need the recipe to be gluten-free.

5. Can I freeze baked oatmeal?

Yes, you can freeze individual portions of the baked oatmeal for up to 3 months. Simply reheat from frozen when ready to enjoy.

6. Can I use a different oil instead of coconut oil?

Yes, feel free to swap the coconut oil for melted butter, ghee, or even applesauce or mashed banana for a healthier option.

7. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Definitely! Chocolate chips are a great mix-in for a sweet treat. Feel free to add them along with other nuts or fruit.

8. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this baked oatmeal is a perfect meal prep option. It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated quickly throughout the week.

9. What other fruits can I use in this recipe?

You can use a variety of fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or apples. Fresh or frozen fruits both work well in this recipe.

10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use any plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, to make this recipe dairy-free.

Conclusion

This Easy Baked Oatmeal recipe is a great way to start your day with a healthy, customizable breakfast. It’s simple to prepare, easy to make in advance, and offers endless variations to suit your taste preferences. Whether you stick with bananas and pecans or experiment with different mix-ins, this oatmeal is bound to become a breakfast favorite!

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