Instant oatmeal or stovetop oats are a healthy breakfast option, but they are often mushy and watery. That is not the case with this easy baked oatmeal recipe though! Simple oats are transformed into a delicious baked casserole where they are soft, but not too soft. Cooking oats in the oven like this lets them retain their chewiness. Baked Oatmeal can be eaten with a fork! You won’t be scooping this oatmeal into cereal bowls – instead you can serve baked oats with berries and nuts in generous slices, topped with yogurt, honey, maple syrup, or any of your favorite toppings. Be sure to try my Strawberry Oatmeal Bars too! They’re layered with berries and perfect for breakfast or snacks on the go. For an even easier breakfast, make my perfect recipe for Chocolate Overnight Oats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
key ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this delicious and simple oat bake:
Oats: Rolled old-fashioned oats will give you the best texture in this recipe. Avoid instant or 1-minute oats, as they’ll get too soft when baking. Mashed Banana: Using mashed ripe bananas in baked goods helps to replace eggs, butter, and oil that might be used instead. So, we only need a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil and a single egg, which keeps the calories low. Milk and Egg: Milk softens the oats, while an egg adds protein, and helps stabilize the mixture so that it is firm enough to slice when it’s baked. You can use non-dairy milk if you like too! Berries: I’m using a combination of fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. You can use just one type of berry if you prefer, or swap out these berries for other fruits like blackberries, cranberries, peaches, or apples. Nuts: These are optional, but I love the crunch and the protein they add to this dish. Try pecans or walnuts. Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, and Vanilla: To give baked oatmeal the perfect sweet breakfast flavor!
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make The Best Baked Oatmeal
Recipe Tips
Be sure that your banana is ripe. The best banana for baking with will have some brown spots on it, and no longer be green on the outside. If you don’t have a ripe banana right now, you can replace it with an additional egg or a ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce. You can also skip the egg, and replace it with a second banana or ¼ cup of applesauce. This recipe is pretty forgiving! You can use frozen berries instead of fresh ones. Just be sure not to thaw them. Mix and Match your add-ins. Anything that you’d normally enjoy with oatmeal will be delicious in this recipe. Try different fruits, nuts, seeds nut butter, or flavorings to create the perfect pan. Double the Recipe: Use a 9×13-inch pan, and double all of the ingredients. Bake as directed, but add 10 minutes of extra time. To make this recipe gluten-free, be sure to buy certified gluten-free oats!
Storing Tips
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 minute, or in a 350°F/180°C oven for 5-10 minutes. If reheating the whole bake, it will take 15-20 minutes in the oven. This breakfast oatmeal casserole freezes well too! Freeze the entire casserole, or individual servings, well wrapped, for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight before reheating.
What To Serve With Baked Oatmeal
This hearty oatmeal bake is already the perfect breakfast, but you can certainly enjoy it along with your other breakfast favorites. Make the perfect cup of coffee using your Moka Pot, and add some extra protein with a serving of scrambled eggs with cottage cheese. This Oatmeal Bake is healthy, delicious, mixed in one bowl, and everyone loves it – what more could you want in a breakfast recipe? Save this recipe by Pinning it to your recipe favorites! © Little Sunny Kitchen
