Baked Oats

Baked oats are a delightful and wholesome breakfast option that combines the comforting texture of oatmeal with the indulgence of a warm, cake-like treat. This recipe is perfect for those busy mornings when you want a nutritious meal that feels like a special treat without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients like rolled oats, ripe bananas, and a touch of cinnamon, baked oats are naturally sweetened and incredibly satisfying. Plus, the addition of chocolate chips adds a little surprise of melty goodness in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this baked oats recipe is easy to customize and sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This baked oats recipe strikes the perfect balance between health and indulgence. It’s packed with fiber from rolled oats and bananas, providing sustained energy to kickstart your day. The inclusion of cinnamon and vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile without the need for refined sugars, making it a naturally sweetened option that’s gentle on your palate and your body. The recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

What makes baked oats truly special is its texture — soft, moist, and slightly chewy — almost like a warm oatmeal cake. It’s a cozy breakfast that feels like a treat but fuels your day with wholesome goodness. Moreover, it’s a simple one-bowl recipe that requires minimal prep and can be baked in under 30 minutes. The optional peanut butter topping adds a creamy, nutty finish that pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips and bananas.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (80g) rolled oats – Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
• ½ cup (120ml) milk of choice – Dairy or plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
• 1 egg – Acts as a binder to keep the oats together.
• 1 banana – Ripe and mashed for natural sweetness and moisture.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the baked oats rise slightly, creating a light texture.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup – Natural sweeteners to taste.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 2 tablespoons chocolate chips – Adds a melty, sweet surprise in each bite.
• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter for serving (optional) – Perfect for an extra creamy, nutty topping.

How To Make Baked Oats

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth. Add the egg, milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick but spreadable.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top for an extra chocolatey crust.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Serve

Allow the baked oats to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, with a dollop of creamy peanut butter if desired. This adds a rich and nutty flavor that complements the sweet oats beautifully.

Expert Tips

• Use ripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
• Do not substitute quick oats or instant oats; rolled oats provide the best texture.
• For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and rested for 5 minutes).
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or maple syrup according to your taste.
• To make cleanup easier, line your baking dish with parchment paper or use a silicone baking dish.
• Allow the baked oats to cool slightly; they will firm up and slice more cleanly.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts or seeds on top before baking.
• If you like your baked oats more cake-like, add an extra ½ teaspoon baking powder.

Variations and Customizations

• Fruit Additions: Swap chocolate chips for fresh or dried fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples.
• Nut Butters: Stir in almond butter or cashew butter into the batter for a nutty richness.
• Spices: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice for more complex flavors.
• Seeds and Nuts: Mix in chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, or pecans for added texture and nutrition.
• Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the batter for a filling breakfast.
• Chocolate Variations: Use dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or cocoa nibs instead of regular chocolate chips.
• Sweetener Alternatives: Use agave syrup or coconut sugar instead of honey or maple syrup.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover baked oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm in the oven until heated through. Baked oats can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Slice into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired for a quick and nutritious breakfast anytime.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can use any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk to keep this recipe dairy-free without compromising flavor or texture.

Is it possible to make baked oats without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, rested for 5 minutes) or a chia egg (same ratio as flax egg) to make the recipe egg-free and vegan-friendly.

Can I prepare baked oats in advance?

Definitely. You can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it fresh in the morning. This makes for a quick and easy breakfast on busy days.

How do I make baked oats less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, simply use less honey or maple syrup or omit it entirely if your banana is very ripe and sweet. You can also skip the chocolate chips or replace them with unsweetened additions like nuts or seeds.

Conclusion

Baked oats are a delicious, wholesome, and versatile breakfast that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. This recipe uses simple pantry staples like rolled oats, bananas, and cinnamon to create a warm, comforting dish that feels like a treat but fuels your day with lasting energy. Whether you enjoy it plain, with melty chocolate chips, or topped with creamy peanut butter, this baked oats recipe is sure to become a favorite. With minimal prep and plenty of room for creativity, it’s the perfect dish to start your mornings on a healthy and tasty note. Give it a try and discover the cozy charm of baked oats today!