Description
This hearty and delicious Baked Oatmeal recipe combines creamy milk, sweet maple syrup, ripe banana, and a blend of rolled oats, berries, and pecans. Perfect for a warm breakfast that can be prepared ahead, it bakes to a golden finish with a comforting cinnamon and vanilla aroma, making it an ideal fiber-rich and nutrient-packed meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups milk (cashew, oat, or soy)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup banana (mashed)
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
Add-ins
- 1 ¾ cups berries (mixed)
- ½ cup pecans (coarsely chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature by the time your oatmeal mixture is ready to bake.
- Make the base: In a large bowl, combine the milk, pure maple syrup, eggs, mashed banana, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add dry ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and rolled oats. Mix all ingredients by hand gently until combined, ensuring the oats are fully coated.
- Incorporate berries and nuts: Carefully fold the mixed berries into the batter, taking care not to overmix to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Prepare baking dish: Spray a 7×11-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour in the oatmeal batter and spread it evenly across the pan.
- Add pecans topping: Sprinkle the coarsely chopped pecans evenly over the surface of the oatmeal, pressing them lightly into the mixture so they adhere.
- Bake the oatmeal: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until the center is nearly set. For a firmer, drier texture, continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into portions. Serve with optional butter, additional maple syrup, or yogurt on the side. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture; instant oats will result in a mushier bake.
- You can substitute the mixed berries with any fresh or frozen fruit of your choice.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and replace eggs with flax eggs or other egg alternatives.
- Pressing the pecans into the batter helps incorporate a crunchy topping that won’t fall off easily.
- Adjust baking time according to your oven’s specifics, checking for a firm middle with no liquid remaining.
- To save time, prepare the batter the night before, cover, and bake in the morning.
