Baked Oatmeal With Strawberries
Highlighted under: Everyday Healthy Meals Collection
I love starting my day with a warm, comforting bowl of baked oatmeal. This Baked Oatmeal With Strawberries is a game-changer! With the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries paired with the hearty goodness of oats, it’s a delicious way to fuel my mornings. I appreciate how easy it is to prepare, and it’s perfect for meal prep. The best part? It fills my kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baked fruit and oats, creating a truly cozy atmosphere as I sip my morning coffee.
When I first tried making baked oatmeal, I was amazed by how something so simple could taste so exquisite. I decided to add strawberries, which not only provide a lovely natural sweetness but also keep the oatmeal moist during baking. Using old-fashioned oats gives the perfect chewy texture and heartiness to every bite.
I’ve experimented with different fruits, but strawberries remain my favorite. They complement the warmth of the oats beautifully. Remember to adjust your baking time if you use frozen strawberries, as they tend to release more moisture than fresh ones.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Deliciously sweet with fresh strawberries
- Easy to customize with other fruits and nuts
- Perfect for meal prep and makes mornings easier
Understanding the Ingredients
The base of this Baked Oatmeal With Strawberries is old-fashioned rolled oats, which provide a hearty texture and absorb the moisture from the milk, resulting in a comforting dish. Opting for rolled oats over instant or steel-cut oats ensures an even bake and a creamy interior. For the best results, allow the oats to soak for a few minutes after mixing them with the wet ingredients, as this can enhance the final dish's texture and flavor.
Using fresh strawberries not only adds a burst of sweetness but also introduces essential vitamins and antioxidants to your breakfast. Make sure to slice the strawberries evenly, as this promotes even cooking and allows their juices to be evenly distributed throughout the mixture. If strawberries are out of season, feel free to substitute with blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples for a different flavor profile.
Baking Tips for Perfect Texture
Achieving the perfect texture in baked oatmeal involves closely monitoring the bake time. The dish should be golden brown on the top with a slight jiggle in the center when you first take it out of the oven. If you're uncertain, use a toothpick to test the center; it should come out moist but not wet, indicating the oatmeal is set but still tender. If it browns too quickly, you can cover the top loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry mix, which pairs beautifully with strawberries. If you prefer a bit of crunch, fold in a handful of nuts or seeds before baking. Remember to adjust the baking time slightly if you add denser ingredients—this may require an additional 5 to 10 minutes in the oven.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients before starting:
Baked Oatmeal With Strawberries Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups milk (or any non-dairy milk)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Make sure to preheat your oven before moving to the next steps!
Instructions
Steps
Follow these simple steps to make your Baked Oatmeal:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
Serve
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, either plain or topped with yogurt.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling some cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry mixture. You can also substitute strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different twist.
Storage and Reheating
Baked oatmeal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It reheats wonderfully, making it a perfect meal prep item. Simply slice a portion and microwave it for about 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. If you prefer to eat it cold, it can also be enjoyed straight from the fridge—just add a splash of milk or yogurt to enhance its creaminess.
For longer storage, consider freezing portions of baked oatmeal. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, simply take out a portion the night before and let it thaw in the refrigerator, then warm it up in the morning.
Serving Suggestions
This scrumptious baked oatmeal is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by topping it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup. Adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of chia seeds can provide an extra layer of texture and nutrition. Pair with fresh fruit or a smoothie for a well-rounded breakfast experience.
For a more decadent experience, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for brunch or a weekend treat. Consider mixing in your favorite nut butter into the batter for added creaminess and protein. The versatility of this baked oatmeal allows you to play around with flavors and textures, making it a fun dish to customize according to your taste.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats can be used, but they may result in a softer texture. Rolled oats provide more chewiness.
→ Is it possible to make this vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use non-dairy milk and a vegan butter alternative.
→ How do I store the leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
→ Can I freeze the baked oatmeal?
Yes, you can freeze portions of baked oatmeal. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to two months.
Baked Oatmeal With Strawberries
I love starting my day with a warm, comforting bowl of baked oatmeal. This Baked Oatmeal With Strawberries is a game-changer! With the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries paired with the hearty goodness of oats, it’s a delicious way to fuel my mornings. I appreciate how easy it is to prepare, and it’s perfect for meal prep. The best part? It fills my kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baked fruit and oats, creating a truly cozy atmosphere as I sip my morning coffee.
Created by: Natalie Evans
Recipe Type: Everyday Healthy Meals Collection
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Baked Oatmeal With Strawberries Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups milk (or any non-dairy milk)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, either plain or topped with yogurt.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling some cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry mixture. You can also substitute strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different twist.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 39g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 6g