A Family Favorite: Easy & Versatile Baked Oatmeal

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a recipe that’s easy, versatile, and can please a crowd. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet snack, baked oatmeal is a family favorite in our home. It’s quick to make, customizable with whatever fruit (or flavors) you have on hand, and always hits the spot. What’s not to love?

Here’s my Basic Baked Oatmeal Recipe that’s become a go-to in our kitchen. It’s simple, flexible, and can be easily adapted to suit any flavor you’re craving. 

Basic Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Ingredients for the Oatmeal:

• 3 Cups Oats

• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar

• 1 Tbsp Baking Powder

• 1 tsp Cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp Salt

• 3 Eggs

• 1 Cup Milk

• 1/4 Cup Melted Butter (or coconut oil, or avocado oil)

• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Ingredients for the Fruit Layer:

• 3-4 Cups of Frozen or Fresh Fruit (your choice—berries, peaches, plums, or pears are all great options)

• 1-2 tsp Cornstarch

• 1 tsp Cinnamon

• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

• 1/4 Cup Honey

• 1/2 - 3/4 Cup Water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Prepare the fruit layer:
   In a saucepan, combine the fruit, cornstarch, cinnamon, vanilla, honey, and water. Stir together and let it simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the fruit softens and a light sauce forms. (If you’re using fresh fruit, this step is especially important to help create a bit of sauce!)

3. Mix the oatmeal:
   While the fruit simmers, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the dry ingredients: oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until everything is well combined.

4. Assemble:
   Pour the fruit mixture into the greased 9x13 pan, spreading it out evenly. Then, pour the oatmeal mixture over the top, spreading it out to cover the fruit.

5. Bake:
   Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. You can also check doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean.

6. Enjoy:
   Let it cool slightly before serving. I love serving it with a dollop of full-fat vanilla yogurt on top. It’s the perfect way to balance the sweet, baked goodness.

Flavor Variations:

What I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can mix things up based on what you’re in the mood for or what you have in your pantry. Here are a few fun twists we’ve tried over the years:

• Chocolate Cherry Baked Oatmeal:
  Use fresh or frozen cherries for the fruit layer. In the oatmeal mixture, skip the cinnamon and add 1/4 cup cocoa powder. The rich chocolate and tart cherries pair perfectly!

• Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal:
  For a cozy, winter-inspired version, leave out the fruit layer and add 1 tsp ground ginger and 1/4 cup molasses to the oatmeal mixture. It’s amazing topped with a spoonful of yogurt.

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal:
  This fall favorite is always a hit! Replace the fruit layer with 1 can of pumpkin puree. Add 1-2 cups of chocolate chips and use 4 cups of oats instead of 3. Sub 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, and bake for 45 minutes at 350°F.

Top it off!

While this baked oatmeal is delicious all on its own, I highly recommend serving it with a scoop of full-fat vanilla yogurt. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something comforting but easy to make! Enjoy!