Easy Baked Oatmeal Recipe

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 01/12/22
baked oatmeal

The Spruce Eats / Diana Rattray
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 40 mins
Total: 55 mins
Servings: 6 to 9 servings
Yield: 1 pan
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
239 Calories
9g Fat
34g Carbs
7g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 9
Amount per serving
Calories 239
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g 11%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Cholesterol 59mg 20%
Sodium 281mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 34g 12%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 7g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 148mg 11%
Iron 2mg 8%
Potassium 223mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Baked oatmeal is a quick and easy way to prepare a dish of oatmeal for the whole family. Baked oatmeal is an all-in-one casserole of oats, milk, maple syrup or honey, eggs, and flavorings. Baked oatmeal, made with ingredients from your pantry, is an excellent alternative to packaged instant oatmeal, and it offers much more texture and flavor.

The flavor possibilities are limitless. Mix-ins can include a cup or two of berries, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, raisins or currants, dried cranberries, or chopped dates, or add another fresh or frozen (unthawed) fruit. You may also add mashed ripe banana or about 1/4 cup of applesauce to the mixture, or swirl in a few tablespoons of your favorite fruit preserves just before baking.

Baked oatmeal is generally gluten-free, but always check the label on your oats to be sure. You can even make the dish vegan if you like, using non-dairy milk and an egg substitute. Serve baked oatmeal with yogurt, fresh fruit or berries, or drizzle with syrup.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish

  • 3 cups rolled oats

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 3/4 cups milk

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 1/2 cup maple syrup

  • 1 to 2 cups blueberries, chopped pecans or walnuts, or chocolate chips, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 F. Grease an 8-by-8-inch or 9-by-9inch baking dish with about 1 teaspoon of butter.

  3. Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a pan on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave oven; set aside.

  4. In a large bowl combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt; stir to blend the ingredients.

  5. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.

  6. Add the egg mixture to the oats and stir until well blended.

  7. Stir in 1 to 2 cups of any additional mix-ins, such as berries, nuts, or chocolate chips.

  8. Pour the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 35 to 45 minutes, until set.

  9. Slice or scoop the baked oatmeal onto plates and serve with fruit or syrup, if desired.

Recipe Variations

  • Vegan With Flax Eggs: To make 2 flax eggs, combine 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds with 6 tablespoons of warm water. Mix and let stand for about 20 minutes. or until the texture is like gelatin.
  • Add about 1/4 cup of pumpkin, applesauce, or mashed banana.
  • Swirl a few tablespoons of jam or preserves in to the oatmeal before baking.
  • Use non-dairy milk, such as coconut, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
  • For more servings, double the recipe and bake in a 9-by-13-inch baking pan or 3-quart baking dish for the same amount of time.
  • Replace the maple syrup with honey, or use brown sugar or a combination of brown sugar and maple syrup or honey.


How to Store

  • Cover and refrigerate leftover baked oatmeal for up to 3 to 4 days.
  • Reheat single servings in the microwave with a small amount of milk, stirring every 20 seconds, until hot.

Can I use steel-cut oats for baked oatmeal?

While there are recipes for baked oatmeal made with steel-cut oats, they have different texture and moisture requirements, so they will not work as a one-to-one replacement for the rolled oats in this recipe.

Do I need to use baking powder for baked oatmeal?

Baking powder is a leavening agent and lightens the baked oatmeal. It may be a bit denser if you make it without the baking powder.