Baked Oatmeal
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Baked Oatmeal is basically a warm hug in breakfast form—cozy, comforting, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s like your morning bowl of oats leveled up and decided to become the main character. Packed with hearty goodness and easy to make ahead, this recipe is about to become your new breakfast bestie!
Searching for more healthy breakfast recipes? I have 12+ Oat inspired dishes on the site, but a few favorites that you must try are my Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal, Raspberry Overnight Oats, Carrot Cake Oatmeal Recipe , Peaches and Cream Oatmeal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Just mix, bake, and enjoy! No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch once and have breakfast ready for the whole week.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite fruit, nuts, or spices to make it your own.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the soft, slightly sweet texture!
Baked oats is the breakfast hero you didn’t know you needed—warm, hearty, and packed with cozy flavors. It’s like your morning bowl of oats but upgraded with a soft, sliceable texture that makes it perfect for meal prep. Whether you love it loaded with fresh fruit, drizzled with maple syrup, or simply as-is, this easy recipe is a total game-changer for busy mornings.
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The best part? It’s endlessly customizable! Swap blueberries for bananas, add a handful of nuts for crunch, or mix in a dash of nutmeg for extra warmth. Plus, it reheats like a dream, so you can make a batch once and enjoy it all week long. Quick, delicious, and satisfying—this baked oatmeal is about to become your new go-to breakfast!
Ingredients You Need
This baked oatmeal keeps things simple with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients: It’s the kind of recipe that lets you mix, bake, and enjoy with minimal effort—perfect for busy mornings or meal prep. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Quick Oats: The MVP of this dish. Quick oats soak up all the flavors while baking, giving you a soft and chewy texture without being mushy. Want a little more bite? Swap in rolled oats!
- Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that makes every bite feel like a treat. If you’re watching sugar, a little honey or maple syrup works too.
- Baking Powder: The secret to keeping things light and fluffy. Without it, your oatmeal might end up a little too dense.
- Salt & Cinnamon: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, while cinnamon brings that warm, cozy spice that makes your kitchen smell amazing.
- Eggs: The binder that holds it all together, giving structure and a bit of richness. No eggs? A mashed banana or flax egg can work in a pinch!
- Milk: Adds moisture and creaminess. Use dairy or your favorite plant-based alternative—oat milk is a great choice for extra oaty goodness.
- Butter: A little melted butter makes this oatmeal extra comforting and delicious. Want a dairy-free option? Coconut oil does the trick.
- Fruit: The fun part! Fresh or frozen berries, sliced bananas, or even diced apples add natural sweetness and texture. Customize to your heart’s content!
Mix it all up, pop it in the oven, and get ready for a warm, wholesome breakfast that tastes like a hug in a bowl!
Variations and Substitutions
Baked oatmeal is the ultimate customizable breakfast—swap, mix, and tweak to make it your own! Here are some easy ways to change it up:
- Sweetener Swap: Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness, but you can use honey, maple syrup, or even coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk and replace the butter with melted coconut oil or a neutral-flavored oil like avocado.
- Egg-Free Alternative: A flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flax/chia + 3 tablespoons water per egg) works well if you need to keep it vegan.
- Spice It Up: Love warm spices? Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even pumpkin pie spice for an extra cozy vibe.
Mix-In Magic:
- Fruit: Not a blueberry fan? Try raspberries, diced apples, sliced bananas, or even dried cranberries.
- Nuts & Seeds: Add crunch with chopped pecans, walnuts, or a sprinkle of chia or flax seeds.
- Chocolate Lovers: A handful of chocolate chips takes this from breakfast to dessert!
Play around with different combos to keep your mornings exciting—there’s no wrong way to enjoy baked oatmeal!
Baked Oats Recipe
Making baked oatmeal couldn’t be easier—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and mist a 9×13 pan with cooking spray.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, eggs, milk, melted butter, and blueberries.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes or until set in the center.
- Enjoy: Serve warm with a splash of milk or an extra sprinkle of sugar.
That’s it! A cozy, delicious breakfast with minimal effort.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Baked oatmeal is perfect for meal prep—make a batch once and enjoy easy, stress-free breakfasts all week!
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Let the oatmeal cool completely, then cover the pan tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Want to save some for later? Cut into portions, wrap individually, and freeze in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or pop a slice in the microwave for a quick fix.
Make-Ahead Options:
- Mix Now, Bake Later: Prep the oatmeal mixture the night before and store it covered in the fridge. In the morning, give it a quick stir and bake as directed.
- Pre-Bake for Meal Prep: Bake a batch at the start of the week, then store individual portions in the fridge or freezer. Reheat in the microwave (about 30 seconds per slice) or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Whether you’re prepping ahead or saving leftovers, baked oatmeal is an easy, delicious breakfast that’s always ready when you are!
Helpful Tools
- Baking Dish (affiliate): A crucial player. Go for an 8×8 inch or 9×13 inch, depending on how big a batch you’re making.
- Mixing Bowls (affiliate): You’ll need at least one, maybe two, for mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key for the perfect balance of oats, liquid, and flavorings.
- Airtight Container: The flavors stay rich and delicious the next day, just like they were on day one.
Recipe Notes:
Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the oatmeal dense instead of soft and fluffy.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Fresh out of the oven, baked oatmeal can seem a bit soft. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to firm up and make slicing easier.
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Cold eggs and milk can affect how the ingredients mix together. Let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before using.
Customize the Sweetness: Prefer a less sweet breakfast? Reduce the brown sugar slightly or swap it for maple syrup for a different flavor.
Keep Frozen Fruit from Bleeding: If using frozen berries, don’t thaw them before mixing—this prevents the batter from turning blue or purple.
Make It Extra Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt before baking for a richer texture.
Test for Doneness: The center should be set but still soft. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean, with just a few crumbs.
Meal Prep Like a Pro: Slice into portions after cooling and store in the fridge or freezer for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Old-fashioned (rolled) oats will give you a chewier texture, while quick oats create a softer, more uniform bake. Avoid steel-cut oats, as they won’t soften properly.
Yes! You can mix everything together, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, give it a quick stir and bake as directed.
The center should be set, and a toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean. If it’s too jiggly, bake for a few more minutes.
Yes, but don’t thaw it first! Mixing in frozen fruit straight from the freezer prevents it from bleeding color into the oatmeal.
Let the oatmeal cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Add a splash of milk to keep it moist!
Must-Try Granola Recipes
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Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk*
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1 cup blueberries (optional)
- Additional milk
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. Then, add the eggs, milk, melted butter, and blueberries, stirring until fully combined. If using frozen berries, don’t thaw them first—this helps prevent them from turning the oatmeal purple.
- Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. If unsure, insert a toothpick—it should come out mostly clean.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Add a splash of milk, an extra sprinkle of sugar, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for a little extra sweetness. Leftovers? Store them in the fridge and reheat for an easy grab-and-go breakfast!
Equipment
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
More Must-Try Oat Recipes
- Homemade Maple and Brown Sugar Oats
- Cinnamon Crunch Granola
- Pumpkin Pie Granola Recipe
- Banana Bread Granola
- Cinnamon Brown Sugar Oatmeal Bars
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bars
- Best Vanilla Granola
Made this for breakfast this morning. I was VERY happy with how it turned out! We substituted strawberries for blueberries because that is what I had on hand. Will try it out with blueberries next time for sure!
This looks delicious! I am pinning – I love oatmeal so I can’t wait to try it this way.
Thanks Summer!!
If you freeze them, what is the best way to reheat them?
I just placed two frozen discs in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and pour the milk over.
I will be making a batch of these today. They are so delish-I had a sample! Thanks Jess!