The Best Baked Oatmeal

Start your day with a warm, hearty serving of baked oatmeal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. This recipe yields a thick, fluffy, and cake-like texture, making it a delightful breakfast option for the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Texture: Achieves a balance between moist and fluffy, avoiding the common pitfalls of being too dry or too mushy.
• Balanced Sweetness: Lightly sweetened to satisfy your taste buds without overwhelming your palate.
• Simple Preparation: Requires minimal effort with straightforward steps, making it ideal for busy mornings.

Ingredients

• 6 cups rolled oats (uncooked)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 large eggs
• 4 cups milk
• 1 stick butter (melted)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until all components are well combined.
4. Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and the top is lightly golden.
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm, optionally drizzled with maple syrup or topped with fresh fruit.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields 12 servings.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Additions: Incorporate fresh or dried fruits such as blueberries, apples, or raisins into the mixture before baking for added flavor and nutrition.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to introduce a delightful crunch.
• Spice It Up: Enhance the warmth by increasing the amount of cinnamon or adding a pinch of nutmeg and cloves.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with almond milk, soy milk, or any preferred plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Once cooled, store leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place a serving in the microwave for about 1 minute or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I prepare this baked oatmeal the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the oatmeal mixture, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed.

Is it possible to freeze baked oatmeal?

Absolutely. Once cooled, cut the oatmeal into individual portions, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Can I reduce the sugar content?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preference or substitute it with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.

What type of oats should I use?

Rolled oats are recommended for this recipe. Quick oats may result in a mushier texture, and steel-cut oats require different liquid ratios and cooking times.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the recipe is gluten-free.

Can I add protein powder to this baked oatmeal?

Yes, incorporating a scoop of your preferred protein powder can boost the protein content. Adjust the liquid slightly if needed to maintain the desired consistency.

What toppings pair well with baked oatmeal?

Fresh fruits, yogurt, nuts, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of nut butter are all excellent choices to enhance the flavor.

Is it necessary to let the mixture sit before baking?

Letting the mixture sit for a few minutes can help the oats absorb some liquid, but it’s not mandatory. Baking immediately will still yield delicious results.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?

Yes, alternatives like coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup can be used. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners may slightly alter the texture.

How do I prevent the baked oatmeal from drying out?

Ensure not to overbake the oatmeal. Check for doneness at the 40-minute mark; the center should be set but moist.

Conclusion

This baked oatmeal recipe offers a delightful and nutritious start to your day with its perfect balance of texture and sweetness. Its versatility allows for various adaptations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated on a busy morning, this dish is sure to become a beloved breakfast staple.

The Best Baked Oatmeal

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This baked oatmeal recipe is the perfect balance of moist, fluffy, and cake-like texture, making it a delicious and easy breakfast for the whole family. Made with rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, eggs, and milk, this comforting dish is customizable, meal-prep friendly, and perfect for busy mornings.

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Ingredients

• 6 cups rolled oats (uncooked)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 large eggs
• 4 cups milk
• 1 stick butter (melted)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well.
• Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
• Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes, or until set and lightly golden.
• Cool & Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or yogurt.

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Notes

• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond, oat, or soy milk and substitute butter with coconut oil.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
• Extra Sweetness: Add a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of coconut sugar.
• Texture Variation: Stir in nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh/dried fruits before baking.