Want a breakfast that turns any morning into a cozy celebration? Baked Oatmeal is a warm, hearty Oatmeal Casserole packed with wholesome oats, sweet fruit, and a hint of cinnamon, baked into sliceable, shareable squares. This hearty oat bake is perfect for brunches, meal prep, or a comforting start to your day. Ready in under an hour, this cozy oatmeal squares recipe is customizable and loved by all. Let’s whip up this Baked Oatmeal and make your mornings deliciously special!
Why You’ll Love Baked Oatmeal
- Warm and Comforting: This baked oat dish bursts with cozy flavors and textures.
- Quick to Make: Ready in about 45 minutes, ideal for busy mornings.
- Endlessly Customizable: Swap fruits or nuts for your perfect cozy oatmeal squares.
- Family Favorite: Its hearty, creamy texture wins over kids and adults.
- Meal Prep Magic: Perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or brunch spreads.
Ingredients for Baked Oatmeal
Here’s what you’ll need for this hearty oat bake (serves 6, 8×8-inch dish):
For the Oatmeal:
- 2 cups (180g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup (65g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1¾ cups (420ml) milk
- ½ cup (120g) unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp (45g) melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen berries or chopped fruit (e.g., blueberries, apples)
For Serving (Optional):
- Greek yogurt, maple syrup, or extra berries
Equipment
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Large and medium mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Tips
- Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture in this Baked Oatmeal; quick oats may be mushy.
- Sweetener: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup or honey in this cozy oatmeal squares recipe.
- Fruit: Fresh or frozen berries add juiciness; try peaches or pears for this baked oat dish.
- Milk: Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free hearty oat bake.
- Nuts: Walnuts add crunch; omit or swap for almonds if preferred.
Directions for Baked Oatmeal
Let’s make this Baked Oatmeal—a perfect cozy oatmeal squares treat!
Prep the Oven and Dish
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy release of this hearty oat bake.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, I combine 2 cups rolled oats, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp salt, and ½ cup chopped nuts (if using), stirring to evenly coat for a flavorful baked oat dish.
Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, I whisk 1¾ cups milk, ½ cup applesauce or mashed banana, 2 eggs, 3 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil (cooled), and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth, creating a creamy base for this cozy oatmeal squares recipe.
Combine and Add Fruit
I pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. I gently fold in 1 cup berries or chopped fruit, ensuring a juicy, colorful hearty oat bake.
Bake and Cool
I spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish, nestling fruit slightly, and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set. I let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing this cozy oatmeal squares treat.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: ~45–50 minutes
- Servings: 6 (1 square per serving)
- Calories: ~250–300 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 35g carbs, 8g protein, 10g fat, 4g fiber
Variations for Baked Oatmeal
Try these twists on this baked oat dish:
- Tropical Twist: Use mango or pineapple for a sunny cozy oatmeal squares recipe, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Mango Coconut Smoothie.
- Nut-Free: Skip nuts and add seeds like chia for a nut-free hearty oat bake.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free baked oat dish.
- Choco Boost: Add ¼ cup chocolate chips for a sweet cozy oatmeal squares treat.
- Spiced Up: Mix in nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Layla Cooks’ Cucumber Avocado Salad for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with Layla Cooks’ Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken for a hearty brunch.
- Enjoy with Layla Cooks’ Mango Coconut Smoothie for a vibrant pairing.
Storage
I store leftover cozy oatmeal squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For freezing, I cool completely, slice, and freeze in a freezer-safe container with parchment between pieces for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge. I reheat in a microwave for 45–60 seconds or a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, adding a splash of milk for creaminess.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Slice this Baked Oatmeal into squares and arrange with yogurt and berries for a stunning baked oat dish.
- Garnish: Drizzle with maple syrup or sprinkle nuts for a vibrant cozy oatmeal squares look.
- Pairing: Serve with a fruit salad or Layla Cooks’ Mango Coconut Smoothie for balance.
- Portion Size: 1 square per person for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
- Occasions: Perfect for brunches, meal prep, or cozy mornings.
FAQs About Baked Oatmeal
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use almond or oat milk and coconut oil for a dairy-free hearty oat bake.
Can I use quick oats?
Stick to rolled oats for the best texture in this cozy oatmeal squares recipe; quick oats may be mushy.
What fruits work best?
Blueberries, apples, or peaches shine in this baked oat dish; mix and match as desired.
Can I prep it the night before?
Assemble in the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight; bake as directed, adding 5 minutes if cold.
Is it healthy?
Yes, with fiber-rich oats and fruit, this cozy oatmeal squares recipe is a nutritious, filling breakfast.
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
- Pancake Mini Muffins
- Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
- Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes
- Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Your New Favorite Sweet Breakfast!
Conclusion
Baked Oatmeal is a warm, versatile breakfast that brings comfort and flavor to any morning. This hearty oat bake is easy to make and perfect for sharing. Whip up these cozy oatmeal squares, enjoy with loved ones, and savor the wholesome deliciousness!
Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal:
- 2 cups 180g old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup 65g brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup 60g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1¾ cups 420ml milk
- ½ cup 120g unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp 45g melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup 150g fresh or frozen berries or chopped fruit (e.g., blueberries, apples)
For Serving (Optional):
- Greek yogurt maple syrup, or extra berries
Instructions
Prep the Oven and Dish
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy release of this hearty oat bake.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, I combine 2 cups rolled oats, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp salt, and ½ cup chopped nuts (if using), stirring to evenly coat for a flavorful baked oat dish.
Whisk Wet Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, I whisk 1¾ cups milk, ½ cup applesauce or mashed banana, 2 eggs, 3 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil (cooled), and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth, creating a creamy base for this cozy oatmeal squares recipe.
Combine and Add Fruit
- I pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. I gently fold in 1 cup berries or chopped fruit, ensuring a juicy, colorful hearty oat bake.
Bake and Cool
- I spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish, nestling fruit slightly, and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set. I let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing this cozy oatmeal squares treat.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup or honey for brown sugar.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations for variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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