Looking for a healthy, filling breakfast that’s both delicious and easy to prepare? This baked oatmeal recipe is perfect for starting your day off right. Packed with wholesome oats, fresh fruits, and crunchy nuts, this dish is not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast or as a snack, baked oatmeal can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week.
In this recipe, oats absorb milk to create a creamy base, while the combination of apples, bananas, and walnuts adds a natural sweetness and delightful texture. It’s also versatile — you can adjust the ingredients to your liking, making it perfect for anyone’s taste. Let’s dive into how to prepare this simple yet flavorful baked oatmeal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of oatmeal
- 1 glass of milk (approximately 240ml)
- 1 apple, chopped
- 1 banana, sliced
- 3 eggs
- Vanillin sweetener (to taste)
- 60 grams of walnuts, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oats
To start, we’ll allow the oats to soak in milk, creating a rich, creamy base for our baked oatmeal.
- Combine the oatmeal and milk in a large mixing bowl.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the oats to absorb the milk. This helps soften the oats and gives the final dish a creamy consistency.
Tip: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
2. Prepare the Fruits
While the oats are soaking, prepare the fruits that will add natural sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Chop the apple into small bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the banana into rounds.
These fruits will bring a fresh and sweet flavor, perfect for a morning meal.
3. Mix the Batter
Now that the oats have absorbed the milk, it’s time to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the chopped apple and sliced banana to the soaked oats.
- Crack the 3 eggs into the bowl and mix them into the oatmeal mixture.
- Add vanillin sweetener to taste. You can adjust the sweetness level depending on your preference — a little goes a long way with vanillin.
- Mix everything well until fully combined. You should have a thick, lumpy batter with evenly distributed fruits.
Tip: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the apple and banana.
4. Add the Nuts
For a delightful crunch, we’ll add walnuts to the mixture.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The walnuts add texture and a bit of healthy fat, which makes the dish more filling.
If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can substitute them with almonds, pecans, or even seeds like sunflower or chia seeds.
5. Bake
Now it’s time to bake your oatmeal mixture to perfection.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The baked oatmeal should be firm but soft on the inside, with a nice crisp on top.
6. Cool and Serve
Once your baked oatmeal is done, it’s important to let it cool before serving.
- Remove the dish from the oven and allow the baked oatmeal to cool completely. This helps it firm up, making it easier to cut into squares or slices.
- Serve the baked oatmeal as is, or for an extra burst of flavor, add a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey on top.
This dish is perfect for breakfast, but it also makes for a great snack throughout the day. You can even serve it warm or cold, depending on your preference.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Oatmeal
- Customizing the Recipe: This recipe is highly adaptable. If you don’t have apples or bananas, try using berries, pears, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. Feel free to swap walnuts for other nuts or seeds to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the eggs with flax or chia seeds (1 tablespoon of ground flax/chia + 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
- Storage Tips: This baked oatmeal stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it in individual portions for a quick and healthy breakfast on busy mornings. Just reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Add Some Spices: For extra warmth and flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of ginger. These spices pair wonderfully with the apples and bananas in this dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I prepare this dish the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the oatmeal mixture the night before and bake it the next morning. Simply follow all the steps until baking, cover the mixture in the baking dish, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, preheat the oven and bake as directed.
2. How should I store leftover baked oatmeal?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven when ready to eat.
3. Can I freeze baked oatmeal?
Yes, baked oatmeal freezes well. After baking, allow the oatmeal to cool completely, then cut it into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.
4. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You can use quick oats in this recipe, but the texture will be slightly different. Rolled oats give the dish a heartier texture, while quick oats will result in a softer, more uniform consistency. Both are delicious, so it depends on your preference.
5. Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe sugar-free by omitting the vanillin sweetener or using a natural alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. The fruits in the dish already provide a natural sweetness, so you may not need much additional sweetener.
This baked oatmeal is a versatile and satisfying meal option that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or reheated for a quick breakfast, it’s the perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and delicious flavor. Enjoy!