Are you craving a delicious dessert but hesitant about the sugar and calorie overload? Then you're in the right place! Forget those guilt-inducing sweets; we're diving into the world of healthy desserts, and oatmeal is our star ingredient. These baked oatmeal cups are not only incredibly easy to make, but they're also packed with fiber, making them a satisfying and guilt-free treat. Perfect for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or even a light dessert, these cups are versatile and delicious. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mashed banana
- ½ cup berries (fresh or frozen) – blueberries, raspberries, or a mix!
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) – adds extra crunch and healthy fats.
Instructions:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This simple step ensures easy removal of your baked oatmeal cups.
-
Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps ensure even distribution in the batter.
-
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Make sure the honey or syrup is well combined to prevent pockets of intense sweetness.
-
Combine: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can result in tough oatmeal cups.
-
Add the Extras: Stir in the mashed banana, berries, and optional nuts. The banana adds moisture and natural sweetness, while the berries provide a burst of flavor.
-
Fill the Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup about ¾ full.
-
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them during the last 5 minutes; ovens can vary.
-
Cool & Enjoy: Let the oatmeal cups cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Tips for the Best Baked Oatmeal Cups:
- Oat Type: Rolled oats are best for this recipe as they hold their shape better than quick-cooking oats.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your liking. You can also add a touch of stevia or another natural sweetener.
- Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruits! Applesauce, chopped peaches, or even shredded coconut would be delicious additions.
- Add-ins: Chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chia seeds are great additions for extra flavor and nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per cup, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 5-7g
- Fiber: 4-6g
This simple recipe provides a delicious and healthy dessert option. It's quick, easy, and perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings without compromising your healthy eating goals. These baked oatmeal cups are a fantastic example of how easy it is to enjoy delicious homemade cooking while making healthy choices. Enjoy!