This baked oatmeal is warm, comforting, and easy to make. It comes out golden on top, tender inside, and smells like cinnamon and vanilla as it bakes. Serve it warm with fresh fruit for a cozy breakfast or a simple brunch treat.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 330 kcal
- Protein: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
Values are estimates based on the listed ingredients and a 6-serving dish. Nutrition will vary with ingredient brands and substitutions.
Why Make This Delicious Baked Oatmeal
This baked oatmeal is a simple, hands-off breakfast that fills the kitchen with a warm aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. It delivers a chewy, slightly crisp top and a soft, spoonable center. It’s great for busy mornings because you can bake it ahead, slice it, and reheat single portions. The texture is comforting like a cross between porridge and a cake. Use it to stretch pantry staples into a nourishing meal that kids and adults both enjoy.
How to Make Delicious Baked Oatmeal
Follow the simple steps below. Measure ingredients, mix wet and dry separately, fold in nuts and dried fruit, then bake until set and golden. The directions use clear step titles so the process is easy to follow.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (or a non-dairy alternative)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g. walnuts or almonds)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g. raisins or cranberries)
- Fresh fruit for topping (e.g. bananas or berries)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (an 8×8-inch or similar) with butter or nonstick spray. Measure the oats, baking powder, and cinnamon into a large bowl so they are ready.
Step 2: Mixing
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry oats and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruit gently so they spread evenly through the batter.
Step 3: Baking
Transfer the oat mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top looks golden and the center is set. The edges should pull slightly away from the dish and the top should feel firm when touched.
Step 4: Finishing
Let the baked oatmeal cool for 5–10 minutes to set. Slice or scoop into bowls. Top with fresh fruit, a drizzle of milk or extra maple syrup, and a few extra nuts if you like. Serve warm.
How to Serve Delicious Baked Oatmeal
- Scoop into bowls and add a splash of warm milk or a dollop of yogurt for creaminess.
- Top with fresh berries, sliced banana, or stewed apples.
- Add a spoonful of nut butter or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra richness.
- Serve at brunch alongside coffee and a simple fruit salad for a cozy spread. The warm cinnamon scent and soft texture pair well with tart berries and crunchy nuts.
How to Store Delicious Baked Oatmeal
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave (30–60 seconds) or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- Freezer: Wrap portions tightly or freeze the whole dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
- To reheat without drying, add a splash of milk before warming. This restores creaminess.
Expert Tips for Perfect Delicious Baked Oatmeal
- Use rolled oats (not instant) for the best texture. Steel-cut oats will not cook properly in this bake without extra liquid and longer time.
- Let it cool briefly before cutting; this helps it hold shape.
- Taste the batter before baking (if uncooked eggs bother you, skip) and adjust sweetness or spice.
- Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar or reduce sugar and add mashed banana for natural sweetness.
- Toast the nuts lightly before folding in for extra crunch and a nutty aroma.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the remaining bake time.
- Add a pinch of salt (if you like) to balance sweetness and bring out flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Apple Cinnamon: Stir in 1 cup chopped apples and 1/2 teaspoon extra cinnamon. Top with sliced apples before serving.
- Pumpkin Spice: Replace 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 cup pumpkin puree and add 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Reduce added sugar slightly.
- Banana Chocolate: Mash 1 ripe banana into the wet mix and fold in 1/3 cup chocolate chips. Omit some sugar if banana is sweet.
- Berry Almond: Use fresh or frozen berries (1 cup) and almond milk. Swap walnuts for sliced almonds.
- Tropical: Replace dried fruit with chopped dried apricots and shredded coconut. Use orange zest for brightness.
All these changes are doable with the same basic method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid cross-contamination. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels on baking powder and flavorings if you are sensitive.
Q: Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Not as written. Steel-cut oats need much more liquid and longer cooking time. If you want steel-cut, cook them first on the stovetop until tender, then bake briefly to brown the top or adapt a separate steel-cut baked method.
Q: How can I make this vegan?
A: Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water, let sit 5 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer. Use a plant milk and swap brown sugar/maple syrup to your preference. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Q: How do I know when it is done baking?
A: The top should be golden and firm. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. The center should not be liquidy.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Yes. You can cut brown sugar and maple syrup by up to half. Add mashed banana or extra dried fruit for sweetness if you reduce sugar. Taste the batter and adjust to your preference.
Q: Can I add fresh fruit before baking?
A: You can, but fresh fruit (like berries) may release moisture and make the center a bit wetter. If using fresh fruit, toss it lightly in a tablespoon of flour or oats before folding in to limit sogginess.
Q: What size baking dish is best?
A: An 8×8-inch (or similar) dish works well for these proportions. You can use a slightly larger dish for a thinner bake or a smaller one for a thicker result; adjust baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
This Delicious Baked Oatmeal is an easy, comforting recipe you can make any morning. It fills the kitchen with warm cinnamon and vanilla, gives a soft, slightly chewy texture, and pairs well with fresh fruit or yogurt. For more inspiration and a similar take on baked oatmeal, check this recipe: Baked Oatmeal Recipe – Cooking Classy. Give it a try — it’s a simple way to make busy mornings feel special.
Print
Delicious Baked Oatmeal
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm and comforting baked oatmeal with a cinnamon and vanilla aroma; perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (or a non-dairy alternative)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g. walnuts or almonds)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g. raisins or cranberries)
- Fresh fruit for topping (e.g. bananas or berries)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mix and stir lightly. Fold in nuts and dried fruit.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and set in the center.
- Cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh fruit and optional milk or maple syrup.
Notes
Best served warm, and great for meal prep. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
