Are you craving a warm, comforting breakfast that's also healthy and delicious? Do you love baked oats but want to explore options beyond the classic banana version? Then you're in the right place! This recipe delivers all the creamy, dreamy goodness of baked oats without relying on bananas, opening up a world of flavor possibilities. It's perfect for a quick and easy weekend breakfast, a make-ahead meal prep for busy weekdays, or even a satisfying dessert. This recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to your healthy meal repertoire. Get ready to discover a new favorite breakfast!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy) – almond, oat, or soy milk work great!
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey, adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional add-ins (choose your favorites!):
- ½ cup berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
- ¼ cup seeds (chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for chocolate baked oats)
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (for autumnal flavors)
- A sprinkle of chopped dark chocolate
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small oven-safe dish (approximately 8x8 inch or a ramekin for individual portions).
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg (or flax egg), maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly moistened. Don't overmix.
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Mix in Add-ins: Gently fold in your chosen add-ins. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the baked oats tough.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the oats are set and golden brown around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
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Cool & Serve: Let the baked oats cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of extra nuts and seeds. They're also delicious cold!
Tips for the Best Baked Oats:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in tough baked oats. Gentle mixing is key.
- Adjust sweetness: The amount of maple syrup can be adjusted to your liking. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different fruits, nuts, seeds, spices, and even chocolate chips!
- Make it ahead: These baked oats are great for meal prepping. Make a batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week for a quick and healthy breakfast.
- Storage: Store leftover baked oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats: Replace berries with ½ cup chopped apple and add 1 teaspoon extra cinnamon.
- Peanut Butter Baked Oats: Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the batter.
- Chocolate Chip Baked Oats: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate, varies with add-ins):
Calories: Approximately 300-400 Protein: 10-15g Fiber: 5-7g
This recipe provides a quick, easy, and healthy breakfast or snack option. The best part? It's completely customizable to your taste preferences, making it a versatile addition to any diet. Enjoy!