Introduction:
Baked Oatmeal Delight is a warm, comforting, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. This easy-to-make recipe combines wholesome oats with a variety of delicious mix-ins such as fruits, nuts, and spices, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal.
It’s a great way to enjoy the benefits of oats in a fun, baked form and can be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Plus, it can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings.
Ingredients:
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier option)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups milk (any kind: dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup applesauce (or mashed banana for sweetness)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
Optional toppings: yogurt, honey, or fresh fruit
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar (or maple syrup), baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to combine.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and applesauce (or mashed banana).
Add Wet to Dry:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
Fold in Add-ins:
Gently fold in the nuts, dried fruit, and berries into the oatmeal mixture.
Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve with optional toppings like yogurt, honey, or fresh fruit for extra flavor.
Description:
Baked Oatmeal Delight is a versatile and nourishing dish that’s perfect for any time of day. The oats create a soft, chewy texture while the fruits and nuts add bursts of flavor and crunch.
It’s naturally sweetened and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs, whether you prefer a vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free version.
This dish is not only a great source of fiber, but it also provides a balanced amount of protein and healthy fats, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
Tips:
Sweetness Level:
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup.
You can also omit it entirely if you prefer a less sweet version, especially if your add-ins (like fruits) are naturally sweet.
Fruit Variations:
Feel free to swap out the fruits based on what you have available.
Bananas, apples, or pears are great alternatives to berries.
Make Ahead:
This baked oatmeal can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
Add-ins:
You can add other ingredients like chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or a handful of seeds (like chia or flax) for extra texture and nutrition.
Vegan or Gluten-Free Options:
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water for each egg).
For a gluten-free version, ensure you’re using certified gluten-free oats.
Corrections:
Milk Substitution:
If you’re using a plant-based milk, ensure that it’s unsweetened to control the sweetness of the dish.
Texture Adjustment:
If you prefer a firmer texture, reduce the amount of liquid slightly.
Conversely, if you want a creamier, more pudding-like consistency, add a little more milk.