If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, wholesome breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, Baked Oatmeal is about to become your new favorite. This dish wraps all the hearty comfort of classic oats with a touch of sweetness and a burst of berries, coming out of the oven golden and fragrant. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or gathering the family around the table for a lazy weekend brunch, Baked Oatmeal delivers on taste, nutrition, and good old-fashioned comfort. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, family-friendly, and comes together with everyday pantry staples!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how a handful of humble ingredients create magic in a single pan! Each one plays a special role, giving Baked Oatmeal its signature creamy texture, golden edges, and vibrant flavor.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These give the oatmeal structure and a chewy bite without getting mushy. Quick oats can get too soft, so stick with rolled!
- Light brown sugar: Adds just the right touch of caramel-like sweetness for a comforting, classic taste.
- Baking powder: This helps the oatmeal puff up slightly, giving it some lightness instead of being dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers a gentle warmth and that irresistible aroma breakfast dreams are made of.
- Salt: Just a bit brings out the flavors of all the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
- Milk: Keeps everything moist and creamy—use whatever milk you love or have on hand.
- Large egg: Holds the oatmeal together, giving it structure so you get those perfect slices.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Richness in every bite; melted butter weaves moisture and flavor throughout.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a whisper of sweetness and warmth.
- Fresh or frozen berries: Pops of color, tartness, and natural sweetness—use what’s in season for the best flavor.
- Chopped nuts (optional): For those who love a little crunch, nuts add texture and a nutty depth.
How to Make Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your trusty 8×8-inch baking dish (or one of similar size) and give it a good greasing. This ensures your Baked Oatmeal comes out in beautiful slices without sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good mix so that the baking powder and cinnamon are evenly distributed—this guarantees every mouthful has the right amount of flavor and a fluffy, even bake.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The melted butter will blend smoothly if your milk is at room temperature, so don’t rush this part. This mixture brings creaminess and richness to your finished oatmeal.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the milk mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Use a spatula or spoon to stir everything together until well combined. The oats should be evenly coated, and the mixture will look a bit soupy—that’s just right.
Step 5: Add Berries and Nuts
Gently fold in the berries and nuts (if using), being careful not to squash those beautiful berries too much. They’ll dot your Baked Oatmeal with juicy brightness and, if you opted for nuts, a lovely crunch.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should be golden brown and set, with just a little springiness in the center when you press it gently. Allow it to cool for a few minutes—this helps the squares hold together when you serve.
How to Serve Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
There’s nothing like a warm slice of Baked Oatmeal finished with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a scattering of extra berries or toasted nuts. Try a splash of cold milk or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added comfort. These finishing touches make your breakfast feel special.
Side Dishes
This Baked Oatmeal has all the staying power you need, but if you want to round out your breakfast, think simple and fresh. Serve with fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or a tangy smoothie on the side for a balanced morning feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Baked Oatmeal isn’t just for slicing! Try scooping it into mason jars for grab-and-go breakfasts, layering it into a parfait with yogurt and fruit, or even repurposing leftovers into sweet breakfast “sandwiches” with peanut butter in the middle. Let your creativity run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Baked Oatmeal fresh, allow it to cool completely before transferring slices to an airtight container. It’ll stay tasty and moist in the refrigerator for up to five days—making it a true meal prep hero.
Freezing
Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag or container. Your future self will thank you when you discover a stash of Baked Oatmeal ready to thaw and enjoy. Frozen oatmeal will keep beautifully for up to three months.
Reheating
For best results, microwave a portion for about a minute or warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk, and your Baked Oatmeal will taste just as delicious as the day it was made.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Oatmeal vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg for a flax egg, use your favorite plant-based milk, and replace the butter with melted coconut oil or vegan margarine. Your Baked Oatmeal will still be rich, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting.
What substitutions work for the berries?
Anything goes as long as you keep the proportions right! Try chopped apples, sliced bananas, diced peaches, or even dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for different flavors throughout the year.
Can Baked Oatmeal be made in advance?
Yes! You can assemble everything the night before and bake it fresh in the morning, or fully bake and reheat as needed. This flexibility makes Baked Oatmeal perfect for busy schedules or lazy weekends alike.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Baked Oatmeal can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Always double-check your ingredients if there’s a gluten sensitivity in the house!
How do I make it extra creamy?
If you like oatmeal with a softer, more custardy texture, add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of milk before baking. It will come out creamy and rich, almost like a breakfast bread pudding.
Final Thoughts
Baked Oatmeal truly feels like a breakfast gift—delicious, nourishing, and perfect for sharing. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own with your favorite mix-ins and toppings. Here’s to many cozy mornings and happy forks digging in!
Print
Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Oatmeal recipe is a wholesome and comforting breakfast dish that’s easy to make and customize. With a base of oats, brown sugar, and warm spices, this baked oatmeal is studded with berries and nuts for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen berries
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Add fruits and nuts: Gently fold in the berries and nuts, if using.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, spread evenly, and bake for 35-40 minutes until set and golden on top.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Experiment with different fruit combinations like apples or bananas.
- Enhance the dish with a drizzle of maple syrup or a splash of milk when serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
