If you’ve been searching for a comforting breakfast that feels indulgent yet wholesome, this Baked Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s wonderfully cozy, packed with hearty oats, bursting with juicy fruit, and dotted with crunchy nuts that add the perfect texture contrast. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up any day of the week, making your mornings feel special without any fuss. Whether you’re feeding family or just treating yourself, this baked oatmeal recipe strikes that perfect balance between nourishment and deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful baked oatmeal, and you’ll love how each component plays a key role in giving the dish its signature flavor, texture, and inviting color. From the warm cinnamon to the sweet maple syrup, every item is essential and accessible.
- 2 cups rolled oats: These are the base, offering hearty chewiness and fiber to keep you full.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise slightly and become light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice that warms up the flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy): Provides creamy moisture that binds everything together.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey: A natural sweetener that brings a lovely golden hue and gentle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and a sweet aromatic note to the mix.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the oatmeal together while baking.
- 1/2 cup fruit (blueberries, bananas, or apples): Fresh fruit adds juicy bursts of flavor and natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup nuts or seeds (optional): Imparts crunch and enhances the nutty flavor profile, plus added nutrition.
How to Make Baked Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), the perfect temperature to give your oatmeal a golden top and a soft, tender interior. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish so none of the mixture sticks, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mixture creates the foundation, blending the oats with just enough leavening and spice to ensure your breakfast is full of flavor and texture.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and egg. This moist mixture brings sweetness, richness, and creaminess, which transforms the oats into a custardy bake as it cooks.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until everything is evenly incorporated. Next, fold in your choice of fresh fruit and nuts or seeds if you’re using them, distributing those tasty additions throughout without overmixing.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the oatmeal mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s set in the center and has developed a light golden crust on top—this is where the magic happens.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the baked oatmeal sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven—this helps it firm up just a touch, making it easier to cut and serve. Then dive in while it’s still beautifully warm for maximum comfort and flavor.
How to Serve Baked Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of extra nuts or seeds on top right before serving to add a fresh crunch. A dollop of creamy yogurt or a drizzle of additional maple syrup can intensify the flavor and add creaminess that perfectly complements the baked texture.
Side Dishes
This baked oatmeal pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie to round out your breakfast with a splash of color and more nutrients. For those who love savory contrasts, crisp bacon or an egg on the side can also be delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering reheated portions of this baked oatmeal with yogurt and fresh berries in parfait-style glasses for a stunning breakfast presentation. Or bake the mixture in individual ramekins to give portion-controlled, charming personal servings perfect for brunch guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover your leftover baked oatmeal tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and ready to enjoy for up to 4 days, making mornings effortless.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked oatmeal in individual portions or as a whole slab wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. It’s a fantastic way to keep breakfast handy for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes, or warm a larger portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or a spoonful of yogurt helps bring back the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of fruit in this baked oatmeal?
Absolutely! Blueberries, bananas, apples, or even pears work beautifully. You can mix and match to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the egg for a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk and maple syrup for sweetness.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before baking?
You sure can. For a more porridge-like texture, assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning, which will save you time during busy weekdays.
What nuts work best in this recipe?
Walnuts, pecans, and almonds are popular choices for their flavor and crunch. Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds also add a nice texture and boost the nutrition.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free certified rolled oats to prevent any cross-contamination and keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts Recipe is one of those breakfasts that feels like a hug you can eat. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and just downright delicious. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your morning routine—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Baked Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and nutritious baked oatmeal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a wholesome breakfast. This recipe combines rolled oats with milk, sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey, flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, and enhanced with your favorite fruits and nuts for a comforting, warm dish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup fruit (blueberries, bananas, or apples)
- 1/4 cup nuts or seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and the egg to create a smooth mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir thoroughly to combine all components evenly.
- Add Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in your chosen fruit and optional nuts or seeds, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Pour into Baking Dish: Transfer the oatmeal mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute any type of milk, including almond, soy, or cow’s milk.
- Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the maple syrup or honey to taste.
- Feel free to use any fresh or frozen fruit you prefer.
- For added crunch and nutrition, nuts or seeds are a wonderful optional addition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated.
