Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

While old-fashioned oats provide the best texture, quick oats will work in a pinch. The texture will be softer and less distinct, and you might need to reduce the liquid slightly (about 2-3 tablespoons less milk) since quick oats absorb more moisture.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe converts beautifully to vegan! Replace the eggs with an additional 1/3 cup of mashed banana or applesauce, use plant-based milk, and substitute the butter with melted coconut oil. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.

Can I reduce the amount of sweetener?

Absolutely! You can reduce the maple syrup to 1/3 cup without significantly affecting the texture. If using very ripe bananas or sweet fruits like ripe peaches, you could potentially reduce it even further to 1/4 cup.

My family has different breakfast schedules. What's the best way to serve this throughout the week?

One of the beauties of this recipe is its flexibility! Cut the cooled oatmeal into portions and store them in the refrigerator. Family members can reheat individual servings as needed throughout the week. It tastes great cold too, making it perfect for truly rushed mornings.

1-Bowl Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Name: 1-Bowl Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 3/4 cups (420ml) milk (dairy or nondairy); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup (120ml) pure maple syrup; 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1/4 cup (60g) unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3 cups (255g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 and 1/2 cups (225g) fresh or frozen mixed berries (do not thaw); Optional for topping: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

This 1-Bowl Baked Oatmeal is a game-changer for your morning routine! Imagine a warm, comforting breakfast that’s somewhere between traditional oatmeal and a soft, moist cake. With juicy berries, warm cinnamon, and the natural sweetness of maple syrup, this baked oatmeal transforms basic ingredients into a delicious morning treat that’s perfect for busy weekdays. Best of all, it requires just one bowl, minimal prep time, and delivers a week’s worth of nutritious breakfasts in a single baking session!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: Everything comes together in just one bowl – less mess, less stress, and more time to enjoy your morning.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prep once, eat all week! This is the ultimate solution for hectic mornings when you need a substantial breakfast but don’t have time to cook.
Versatile and Customizable: Switch up the fruits, add nuts, or include chocolate chips – this recipe adapts to your cravings and what you have on hand.
Nutritious Comfort Food: Packed with wholesome oats, this breakfast keeps you satisfied until lunch while feeling like a treat rather than “health food.”
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this recipe – it’s sweet enough to feel special but nutritious enough for everyday eating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Milk: Creates a moist, tender texture. Works beautifully with any type – dairy or plant-based options like almond or oat milk.
Eggs: Provide structure and binding. They’re the secret to that perfect cake-like texture that sets baked oatmeal apart.
Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and an incredible depth of flavor you simply can’t get from regular sugar.
Butter: Creates richness and prevents the oatmeal from becoming rubbery. It’s worth using real butter here!
Applesauce or Mashed Banana: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and helps reduce the amount of fat needed.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The star of the show! They create that perfect hearty texture while absorbing all the delicious flavors.
Baking Powder: Gives a slight lift to the oatmeal, creating a lighter texture.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and coziness that makes this breakfast feel special.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds beautiful aroma.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
Berries: Add pops of juicy flavor, color, and nutrients.
Nuts (optional): Provide delicious crunch and healthy fats.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This baked oatmeal is incredibly adaptable! Try these delicious variations:

Apple Cinnamon: Replace berries with diced apples and increase cinnamon to 1½ teaspoons.
Peanut Butter Banana: Stir in ⅓ cup peanut butter and use mashed banana instead of applesauce.
Chocolate Lover’s: Add ¾ cup chocolate chips and reduce maple syrup slightly.
Tropical Twist: Use coconut milk and add diced mango and pineapple instead of berries.
Pumpkin Spice: Replace applesauce with ¼ cup pumpkin puree and add ½ teaspoon each of nutmeg and ginger.
Savory Option: Reduce maple syrup to 2 tablespoons, omit berries, and add sautéed vegetables and cheese.

How to Make 1-Bowl Baked Oatmeal

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Position your oven rack to the lower third of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Spray your baking dish thoroughly with nonstick spray to ensure easy serving later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, maple syrup, melted butter, and applesauce until well combined. This creates your flavorful liquid base.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Add the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt to the same bowl. Stir until everything is evenly moistened and combined.

Step 4: Fold in Berries

Gently fold in your berries, being careful not to overmix or break them (especially if using fresh berries). The color will naturally swirl throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Transfer and Top

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle nuts on top if using, or gently press them into the surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 35 minutes, or until the center looks almost set but still slightly moist. This gives you that perfect soft texture. For a firmer result, bake a few minutes longer.

Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving

Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest helps it set up properly for cleaner slices.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Gentle folding keeps the berries intact and prevents the oatmeal from becoming dense.
Watch the Bake Time: The difference between soft, moist oatmeal and dry, crumbly oatmeal is just a few minutes in the oven. Start checking at 30 minutes.
Use Room Temperature Eggs: They’ll incorporate more evenly with the melted butter without causing it to solidify.
Quality Matters: Real maple syrup and pure vanilla extract make a noticeable difference in the final flavor.
Frozen Berry Tip: If using frozen berries, fold them in while still frozen – they’ll bleed less color into the oatmeal.
Even Sweetness: Mix the maple syrup thoroughly with the wet ingredients to ensure it’s evenly distributed.

How to Serve

This versatile baked oatmeal can be enjoyed multiple ways:

Warm and Fresh

Serve warm squares topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of additional maple syrup, or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.

On-the-Go Option

Cut cooled oatmeal into bars for a portable breakfast you can grab on busy mornings.

Brunch Spread

Pair with a fruit salad and breakfast proteins like bacon or sausage for a weekend brunch.

Dessert-Style

For a healthier dessert, warm a square and top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors actually improve after a day!

Freezing

Cut cooled oatmeal into individual portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and freeze in a large freezer bag for up to 3 months. This creates perfect grab-and-go breakfast portions.

Reheating

Microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds until warmed through. Alternatively, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.

Note: Do not mix the batter ahead of time without baking – the oats will absorb all the liquid and the texture will be compromised.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

While old-fashioned oats provide the best texture, quick oats will work in a pinch. The texture will be softer and less distinct, and you might need to reduce the liquid slightly (about 2-3 tablespoons less milk) since quick oats absorb more moisture.
How can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe converts beautifully to vegan! Replace the eggs with an additional 1/3 cup of mashed banana or applesauce, use plant-based milk, and substitute the butter with melted coconut oil. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.
Can I reduce the amount of sweetener?

Absolutely! You can reduce the maple syrup to 1/3 cup without significantly affecting the texture. If using very ripe bananas or sweet fruits like ripe peaches, you could potentially reduce it even further to 1/4 cup.
My family has different breakfast schedules. What’s the best way to serve this throughout the week?

One of the beauties of this recipe is its flexibility! Cut the cooled oatmeal into portions and store them in the refrigerator. Family members can reheat individual servings as needed throughout the week. It tastes great cold too, making it perfect for truly rushed mornings.

Final Thoughts

This 1-Bowl Baked Oatmeal is more than just a breakfast – it’s a morning ritual worth looking forward to. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it proves that healthy, homemade breakfasts can be both convenient and delicious. The best part? You can customize it endlessly to keep breakfast exciting all year round. Give yourself the gift of calm, nourished mornings by prepping this on Sunday and enjoying stress-free breakfasts all week long!

1-Bowl Baked Oatmeal Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal is a fuss-free, wholesome, and delicious breakfast option that comes together in minutes. Packed with nutritious oats, fresh or frozen berries, and lightly sweetened with maple syrup, this baked oatmeal is soft, moist, and perfect for meal prep. Enjoy it warm or cold, on its own, or with your favorite toppings like yogurt, nuts, or fresh fruit. It’s family-friendly, customizable, and makes busy mornings a breeze!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×9 inch or 11×7 inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Ensure you use the correct pan size as an 8×8 inch pan is too small.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the wet and dry ingredients. Make sure to combine thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Assemble in Pan
Pour the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan. If using nuts for topping, sprinkle them evenly over the surface or stir them into the mixture.
Bake the Oatmeal
Bake the oatmeal for 35 minutes or until the center appears almost set. This will result in a soft, moist oatmeal texture. For a firmer and drier oatmeal, bake until the center is fully set.
Serve and Store
Cool the oatmeal for about 5 minutes before serving. Slice or spoon to serve as desired, perhaps with a dollop of yogurt. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Notes

Make-Ahead Instructions: Bake, cool completely, and refrigerate for a quick breakfast all week. Reheat in the microwave or at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes. To freeze, bake and cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For convenience, divide into bars and individually wrap for easy grab-and-go servings.
Substitutions:
- Replace eggs with 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for a vegan option.
- Substitute melted coconut oil for butter to make it dairy-free.
- Swap berries with chopped apples, peaches, pears, or bananas, or add 1 cup chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or nuts.
- Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor, though honey or brown sugar works too.
Oats: Use whole rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats will absorb more liquid and may dry out the baked oatmeal. If using steel-cut oats, soak them in the milk for 20 minutes, then proceed with the recipe and extend the bake time slightly.
Storage: Do not prep the batter ahead of time without baking as the oats will absorb too much moisture.