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Looking for a quick and healthy breakfast? This baked oatmeal recipe is the perfect way to kickstart your day with minimal effort. With just 5 simple ingredients, you can have a nutritious meal that’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Plus, it’s customizable with different flavors, and can be made dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free to fit your dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Oatmeal:
- Quick and Easy: Takes under 10 minutes to prep, perfect for busy mornings.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Make it once, enjoy it all week!
- Packed with Protein: 13g of protein per serving to keep you full and energized.
- Allergy-Friendly: Nut-free, dairy-free, and egg-free options available.
- Naturally Sweetened: No added sugars, just the natural sweetness from ripe bananas.
Ingredients for Healthy Baked Oatmeal:
You only need 5 base ingredients for this recipe. You can add your favorite toppings and mix-ins for extra flavor and texture. Here’s how to pick your ingredients:
- Ripe Bananas: These provide natural sweetness and moisture to the oatmeal. They also act as a binder. If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can substitute them with unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree for an autumn twist.
- Peanut Butter: Adds creaminess and healthy fats. You can substitute it with almond butter, sunflower seed butter (for nut-free), or tahini. Powdered peanut butter is a lower-fat option, but you’ll need more liquid to balance the texture.
- Chia Seeds: Full of fiber, omega-3s, and act as a binding agent. Flaxseed meal is a great alternative, but don’t skip the seeds as they’re key to the recipe’s structure.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The star of the recipe, providing texture and fiber. Quick oats are a good alternative if you’re looking for a faster baking time, but avoid steel-cut oats—they won’t cook properly in this recipe.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: For moisture and creaminess. If almond milk isn’t your thing, try oat milk, cashew milk, or soy milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened.
Flavor Variations:
- Snickers Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ cup salted peanuts, and ½ cup chocolate chips for a delicious dessert-inspired twist.
- Berry Flavor: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen) for a fruity burst.
- Apple Cinnamon Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 cup diced green apples, and ½ cup chopped pecans for a cozy, fall-inspired oatmeal.
How to Make Healthy Baked Oatmeal:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly oil a 9×11-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Mash 2 ripe bananas directly in the baking pan until smooth.
Step 3: Add in chia seeds, oats, almond milk, and peanut butter (and any flavorings like cinnamon or vanilla). Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Fold in your add-ins—berries, nuts, or chocolate chips. Stir until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20-30 minutes, depending on how firm or moist you like your oatmeal. For a creamier texture, aim for 20 minutes; for a firmer texture, bake closer to 30 minutes.
Step 6: Let the oatmeal cool for about 20 minutes before serving. Top with a drizzle of maple syrup, extra cinnamon, or almond milk/yogurt for added moisture.
Baking Tips for Perfect Oatmeal:
- Customize Texture: For creamier oatmeal, bake it for a shorter time. For a firmer, sliceable oatmeal, extend the bake time.
- Keep it Moist: If the edges are drying out, cover the dish with foil halfway through baking.
- Even Add-ins: Toss berries or chocolate chips in oats before folding them into the mixture to prevent them from sinking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps ensure the mixture is evenly combined and doesn’t clump.
- Boost Protein: Add a scoop of pea protein powder, but increase the liquid by about 1/3 cup to keep the consistency right.
Storage and Reheating:
You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. For long-term storage, freeze individual servings for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave with a splash of almond milk, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore the texture.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 414.9 kcal
- Protein: 13.1g
- Carbs: 37.8g
- Fat: 25.6g (Saturated Fat: 6.3g)
- Fiber: 7.2g
- Sugar: 11.2g
- Calcium: 162mg
- Iron: 2.3mg
Make This Your New Favorite Breakfast!
This healthy baked oatmeal is the perfect balance of taste, nutrition, and convenience. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed by the whole family and can easily be customized to fit your flavor preferences. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just need a quick, nutritious breakfast, this recipe has you covered!
Do you plan to try this baked oatmeal recipe? Share your thoughts and your favorite flavor in the comments below! And don’t forget to save this recipe for later. 😊