If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast or snack that feels like the ultimate treat without any guilt, Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups are here to make your mornings (or afternoons!) a whole lot sweeter. Imagine each bite—juicy pockets of cherries, the nutty whisper of almond, and toasty oats all wrapped in a tender muffin form you can grab on the go. These clever cups pack in comforting flavors and satisfying textures, all in one perfectly portioned package that bakes up in under 30 minutes. Healthy, naturally sweetened, and oh-so-pretty, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple you’ll want to share with everyone you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups is how a handful of humble pantry staples create pure breakfast magic. Each ingredient has a purpose, contributing flavor, texture, or a pop of color—so don’t skip a thing!
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The backbone of these cups, providing that classic chewy bite and keeping you full for hours.
- Baking powder: Lifts the batter so you get a soft, almost cakey texture instead of a dense oat puck.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and a little depth to complement the sweet cherries and almonds.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors together and heightens the natural sweetness.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps everything dairy-free and brings a subtle almond aroma that sneaks into every bite.
- Pure maple syrup: The natural sweetener that brings out the fruitiness of the cherries and a gentle caramel undertone.
- Flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water): A vegan-friendly binder that helps the cups hold together beautifully—no eggs needed.
- Vanilla extract: Balances out the flavors and makes everything taste homemade and decadent.
- Almond extract: The secret to that bakery-style almond flavor—you’ll notice the difference!
- Fresh or frozen pitted cherries: The jewels of the recipe, lending juicy bursts of sweetness and gorgeous color.
- Sliced almonds: Add a delightful crunch and toast up perfectly in the oven for extra flavor.
- Almond butter (melted): A final drizzle for richness and that wow factor on top!
How to Make Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and getting your muffin pan ready. You can use paper liners for breezy cleanup or just lightly grease the cups with a dab of oil or nonstick spray. This simple step makes sure your Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups pop out easily, so you spend more time enjoying and less time scrubbing.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir to distribute the leavening and spices evenly—no one wants a random salty bite! These dry ingredients set the stage for hearty, perfectly risen cups loaded with flavor.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, pure maple syrup, prepared flax egg (remember, just ground flaxseed mixed with water), vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk until everything is smooth and combined. This mixture gives your oatmeal cups their signature tenderness and delightful almond aroma.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour your wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything just comes together and the oats are evenly moistened. This is where the real magic starts—everything comes together to form the base of your Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Almonds
Next, gently fold in the halved cherries and half of the sliced almonds. Stir just enough to distribute them evenly—overmixing can squish the cherries! You want flecks of nuts and pockets of fruit in every bite.
Step 6: Fill and Top the Muffin Cups
Divide the oatmeal batter evenly among your muffin cups, filling them nearly to the top. Drizzle each one with a little melted almond butter for luscious flavor, then sprinkle the remaining sliced almonds over each cup for irresistible crunch and toasty, golden tops.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 28 to 30 minutes, until the cups are set and the tops are golden. Once baked, let your Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This little rest helps them firm up—ready to eat or store for breakfasts all week long!
How to Serve Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, dust your Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few extra fresh cherries, or another drizzle of warm almond butter. You can even add a bit of shredded coconut for a tropical twist or a few chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent!
Side Dishes
Pair your oatmeal cups with a creamy Greek yogurt, a cluster of mixed berries, or a frothy almond milk latte. They’re also delicious with a simple side of sliced bananas or a smoothie to round out a weekday breakfast or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups on a cake stand for a brunch buffet, or wrap them in parchment with a twine bow for a grab-and-go snack. They also make a thoughtful edible gift tucked into a tin or lunchbox—let their pretty ruby-red cherries shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days, becoming even more flavorful as they sit. Perfect for planning ahead so breakfast is always ready!
Freezing
If you want to prep even further in advance, freeze the cups individually wrapped or separated by parchment in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their cozy flavor and texture for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge or pop one straight in the microwave from frozen for a quick treat.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-baked vibe, reheat your Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. For a slightly crispier edge, you can warm them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. Either way, the cherries turn jammy and the aroma is out of this world!
FAQs
Are these oatmeal cups gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups are naturally gluten-free and safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family!
Can I substitute the cherries with other fruits?
Absolutely! If you’re out of cherries or just want a twist, try blueberries, raspberries, chopped apples, or even diced peaches. Just keep the quantity about the same for best texture.
Do I have to use a flax egg, or can I use a regular egg?
If you aren’t vegan, a regular large egg works perfectly in place of the flax egg. Either way, you’ll get that perfect hold and tenderness in your baked oatmeal cups.
What’s the best way to prevent sticking?
Paper liners are the easiest way to ensure your Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups release cleanly, but a thorough greasing of the muffin tin with oil or nonstick spray does the trick, too. Letting them cool a few minutes after baking also helps!
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! If you need a bigger batch for meal prep or to feed a crowd, just double everything and bake two trays at once. Rotate the pans halfway through for even baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about sharing food that’s wholesome and bursting with flavor—especially when it comes in such a cute, portable package! I can’t recommend these Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups enough. Whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy week or treating yourself to a cozy brunch, this recipe is sure to win hearts and fuel your day. Give them a try and let these little cups of joy brighten your table!
Print
Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 oatmeal cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups are a delightful and nutritious treat perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, cherries, and almond butter, these vegan and gluten-free oatmeal cups are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Oatmeal Cups:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries (halved)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons almond butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin.
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix almond milk, maple syrup, flax egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Combine and fold: Pour wet ingredients into dry, then fold in cherries and almonds.
- Bake: Divide batter into muffin cups, drizzle with almond butter, bake for 28-30 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let cool before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- Try using blueberries or raspberries instead of cherries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oatmeal cup
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
