Name: Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional); 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional); 2 cups milk; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’ve ever longed for a cozy, fuss-free breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl, Baked Oatmeal is about to become your new morning favorite. This homey dish transforms a pantry staple into something outrageously comforting—soft, hearty oats spiced just right, subtly sweetened, and kissed with the richness of butter and vanilla. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week ahead or inviting friends over for brunch, baked oatmeal brings pure joy with every spoonful, plus endless options to make it truly your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about simple ingredients coming together to create such warmth and satisfaction. Each one plays an important role, from the creamy oats that set the foundation to the spices and mix-ins that add personality and depth. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need for baked oatmeal:

Old-fashioned rolled oats: These create the classic hearty texture you want; don’t swap for quick oats, or you’ll miss out on that chewy wholesomeness.
Brown sugar: Infuses the dish with caramel-like sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp, golden top.
Baking powder: Adds just enough lift to keep the oatmeal from turning dense, helping it bake up soft and tender.
Salt: Balances all the flavors and keeps the dish from tasting flat – don’t be tempted to leave it out!
Ground cinnamon: The backbone of cozy flavor, cinnamon brings warmth and a familiar breakfast aroma.
Nutmeg: Just a hint of nutmeg adds depth and a whisper of spice, rounding out the flavor profile beautifully.
Chopped nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add delightful crunch and a nutty richness to each bite.
Raisins or dried cranberries (optional): These chewy little jewels dot the baked oatmeal with bright pops of tartness and sweetness.
Milk: Gives the oatmeal its creamy, tender texture; feel free to use dairy or your favorite non-dairy alternative.
Large eggs: Work as the binder, providing structure so you can slice your oatmeal into lovely squares.
Melted butter or coconut oil: Adds luscious moisture and richness; choose coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist.
Vanilla extract: Ties everything together with mellow sweetness and that signature breakfast-bake aroma.

How to Make Baked Oatmeal

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring everything bakes evenly. Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with a swipe of butter or nonstick spray, making sure your baked oatmeal releases easily—and nobody misses those deliciously crisp edges.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, nuts, and dried fruit if you’re using them. Give everything a good toss so the spices and sugar are distributed throughout—this step creates the layered flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract. Whisking ensures the fat and eggs are evenly blended for the smoothest, creamiest result.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is moistened and evenly combined. Don’t overmix—just enough so the oats soak up the liquid. You’ll notice the batter is quite loose, and that’s exactly what you want for creamy, tender baked oatmeal.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center feels just set when pressed lightly. The irresistible smells will let you know it’s almost ready!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the oatmeal cool for a few minutes—a little patience helps it firm up for slicing. Serve warm, or let it come to room temperature for grab-and-go breakfast squares. Get ready for happy faces around the table!

How to Serve Baked Oatmeal

Garnishes

The finishing touches truly make your baked oatmeal shine. A drizzle of warm maple syrup, a dollop of creamy yogurt, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon ups the comfort factor and lets each person personalize their bowl. If you love crunch, add a handful of toasted nuts on top before digging in.

Side Dishes

This oatmeal is plenty satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a vibrant fruit salad. For something even heartier, serve with scrambled eggs or a breakfast sausage on the side, creating a weekend-worthy spread with minimal effort.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your baked oatmeal for brunch by cutting it into pretty squares or wedges and arranging them on a platter with bowls of toppings. For a portable breakfast, pack individual portions in jars layered with yogurt and berries. You can even bake it in muffin tins for perfect single-serve bites—ideal for meal prep or lunchboxes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, cover the leftovers tightly and store them in the fridge. Baked oatmeal keeps well for up to five days, making it perfect for busy mornings and easy snacks in between.

Freezing

You can freeze baked oatmeal for longer storage! Slice it into squares once cooled, wrap each piece well in plastic or foil, and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and you’re set for a comforting breakfast anytime.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, adding a splash of milk to keep it moist if you like. If you’re warming a whole pan, cover it with foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Baked oatmeal comes back to life beautifully, tasting just as cozy as day one.

FAQs

Can I make baked oatmeal ahead of time?

Absolutely! One of the best things about baked oatmeal is how well it works for meal prep. You can bake it the night before, refrigerate it, and simply reheat in the morning. It tastes just as good the next day, maybe even better!

Can I use non-dairy milk or make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you have lots of flexibility here. Substitute almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy beverage you enjoy. You can also use coconut oil in place of butter. The result will still be rich and delicious, perfect for anyone with dietary preferences.

What can I use instead of eggs?

If you’d like a vegan version, swap each egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set aside to gel for 5 minutes). This substitute binds the oatmeal together and keeps it wonderfully moist.

Can I add fresh fruit to my baked oatmeal?

Definitely! Scatter berries, sliced bananas, or even thinly sliced apples over the oat mixture before baking for a fruity twist. Just remember that juicy fruits may add a little extra moisture, but that only makes things more scrumptious.

Is baked oatmeal gluten-free?

Baked oatmeal can absolutely be gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so just be sure to double-check your oats and you’re all set.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring new life to your mornings, toss together a pan of baked oatmeal this week. Its warmth and versatility are hard to top, and there’s truly nothing like sharing a hearty, homemade breakfast with loved ones. Don’t be surprised if it becomes the most-requested dish at your breakfast table!

Baked Oatmeal Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Warm and comforting, this Baked Oatmeal recipe is a wholesome and delicious breakfast option that can be easily prepared ahead of time. Loaded with oats, nuts, and dried fruit, it’s a satisfying way to start your day.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

2 cups milk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, nuts, and dried fruit.
Prepare wet mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
Combine ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread evenly, and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and set.
Serve: Let cool slightly, slice, and serve.