Easy Baked Oatmeal – Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast
Baked Oatmeal: Your New Favorite Cozy Breakfast!
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the comforting aroma of a warm, wholesome breakfast baking in the oven. This Baked Oatmeal recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a gentle start to your day, and absolute proof that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious. Forget soggy stovetop oats; this version offers a delightful texture, packed with flavor, and comes out perfectly golden every time. It’s truly a game-changer for busy mornings and a wonderful way to enjoy all the Oats Benefits in a new, exciting way!
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📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [December 2025]
Why You’ll Love This Baked Oatmeal Recipe!
This isn’t just any oatmeal; it’s a versatile, wholesome dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Imagine a hearty, slightly chewy, naturally sweet breakfast casserole that’s packed with fiber and protein, keeping you full and energized for hours. It’s perfect for meal prep, easily customizable with your favorite fruits and nuts, and a fantastic way to feed a crowd without any fuss. Say goodbye to the morning scramble and hello to effortless, delicious mornings!
What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to breakfast bliss! You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already.
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (do not use instant oats!)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (or more, to taste!)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups milk (any kind: dairy, almond, soy, oat milk all work beautifully)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey, brown sugar, or a sugar substitute)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries work great) or sliced banana
How to Make Baked Oatmeal
Making this incredible Baked Oatmeal is shockingly simple, even for beginner cooks! Just follow these easy steps and you’ll have a delightful breakfast in no time, ready to enjoy all the wonderful Oats Benefits.
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten egg, maple syrup, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine & Add Fruit: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in your chosen fruit (berries or banana slices).
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set, golden brown around the edges, and the center no longer looks wet.
- Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set up even more. Serve warm with an extra drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of yogurt, or a splash of milk!
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
This baked goodness is a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are some ideas to make it even more exciting:
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the mixture for extra crunch and healthy fats.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white!) for a decadent treat.
- Spiced Up: Experiment with spices! A pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger can elevate the flavor profile.
- Protein Boost: Whisk a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the wet ingredients for an extra protein punch.
- Seasonal Fruits: Beyond berries, try diced apples and a sprinkle of apple pie spice, peaches, or even shredded zucchini for a “zucchini bread” twist.
- Toppings Galore: Serve with a spoonful of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of nut butter, extra fresh fruit, a sprinkle of granola, or a dust of powdered sugar.
What Our Fans Are Saying!
Sarah L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This Baked Oatmeal is a lifesaver for our busy mornings! I make a big batch on Sunday, and we have delicious, healthy breakfasts all week. My kids even love it with a few chocolate chips. Thank you!”
David R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’m usually not a huge oatmeal fan, but this recipe converted me! The texture is amazing, and it’s so much more satisfying than stovetop. I added pecans and a dash of nutmeg. Perfection!”
Emily T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Seriously easy and seriously tasty! I appreciate how versatile it is. I used almond milk and frozen mixed berries, and it turned out beautifully. My new go-to breakfast.”
Baked Oatmeal FAQs
Q: Can I prepare Baked Oatmeal ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients the night before, cover the baking dish, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it in the oven. You can also bake it completely, store in the fridge, and reheat individual portions.
Q: What kind of oats are best for this recipe?
A: Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal. They provide the best texture and hold up well during baking. Quick oats can become too mushy, and steel-cut oats require a longer cooking time and different liquid ratios.
Q: How do I store leftover Baked Oatmeal?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave or a toaster oven.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
A: Yes! To make it vegan, use a plant-based milk (like almond or soy), a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), and coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. For gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, as some oats can be cross-contaminated during processing.
And there you have it, friends! Your new go-to recipe for a comforting, nutritious, and incredibly delicious breakfast. This Baked Oatmeal is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that nourishes both body and soul. Don’t forget to share your creations and any fun twists you come up with – we love seeing how you make these recipes your own! Enjoy all the wonderful Oats Benefits in this amazing dish.
Recipe Note:
Feel free to adjust sweetener levels to your preference and use whatever milk and fruit you have on hand. This recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable!
Baked Oatmeal
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Servings: 6-8
Calories: 300 per serving (approx.)
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (or maple syrup/honey to taste)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy, e.g., almond, soy)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mix-ins (e.g., fresh or frozen berries, chopped apples, nuts, chocolate chips)
Instructions
1.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish or an equivalent 2-quart dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, egg, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredient mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in your chosen mix-ins (e.g., berries, nuts, chocolate chips). Distribute them evenly throughout the oatmeal mixture.
6. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set in the center. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the oatmeal to set further and makes it easier to scoop.
9. Serve warm, optionally with a drizzle of maple syrup, extra milk, or a dollop of yogurt.
Chef’s Notes: This baked oatmeal is incredibly versatile! Customize it with your favorite mix-ins like fresh berries, chopped apples, sliced bananas, nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips. It’s perfect for meal prep as it reheats well and can be enjoyed warm or cold. Serve with a dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a splash of milk.
