Mixed Berry Oatmeal Bake
This Berry Oatmeal Bake is a delicious and healthy breakfast solution that’s perfect for busy mornings. With its wholesome ingredients and simple preparation, it’s an easy recipe that doesn’t compromise on nutrition or taste.
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The combination of oats, berries, and a touch of natural sweetener provides a balanced meal to kick start your day. And the best part? It’s a fantastic make-ahead option. Prepare a big batch when you have time, and you’ll have a ready-to-go, nutrient-dense breakfast for several days.
Looking for more breakfast recipes? Try my breakfast taquitos next.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Love baked oats? Try these peanut butter oatmeal bars and Biscoff Protein Baked Oats as well.
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Mixed Berry Oatmeal Bake:
Milk: You can use any type of milk in this recipe based on your dietary preference or what you have on hand, including non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, oat, or soy milk. I personally love using Fairlife Ultra Filtered Milk for a protein boost.
Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. They absorb the liquid well and hold their shape during baking. Avoid using instant or quick oats as they can become mushy and steel cut oats will have a longer cook time.
Berries: You can use any type of berries you like or have on hand – strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries would all work well. If you’re using frozen berries (a triple berry frozen mixture would be a great option), you don’t need to defrost them beforehand. However, they may add a bit more moisture to the bake, so be prepared to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
Eggs: The eggs act as a binder in this recipe, keeping everything together. If you follow a vegan diet, you could substitute with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg).
Pure Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener gives a subtle sweetness to the oatmeal bake. If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave syrup can be used as alternatives.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds depth of flavor and enhances the sweetness of the bake. Make sure to use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for the best flavor.
Cinnamon: This warm spice pairs well with the berries and adds complexity to the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the oatmeal bake rise and become slightly fluffy. Ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
Rachel’s Nutrition Tip: Mix in one or two scoops of your preferred protein powder for an additional protein punch.
How to make a Berry Oatmeal Bake : Step by Step
Step 1: In a medium bowl beat the milk and eggs until incorporated. Pour the maple syrup, vanilla extract and cinnamon and whisk to incorporate.
Step 2: Add the dry ingredients (oats and baking powder) to the wet ingredients and continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Gently fold in the berries and let the batter rest for around 30 minutes.
Step 4: Transfer the batter to a casserole dish and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Wait Before Slicing: After taking the oatmeal bake out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes to cool down. This makes it easier to slice into neat portions.
Using Frozen Berries: If you’re using frozen berries, remember they can release more water while baking. To counteract this, you can either increase baking time or slightly reduce the amount of milk used in the recipe.
Bake in Muffin Cups for Individual Servings: This recipe can also be baked in muffin tins for individual servings. Adjust the baking time as they will likely bake faster than a single large dish. This is a great option for grab-and-go breakfasts!
Storage, Freezing, & Reheating
Storage: Once the berry oatmeal bake has cooled, you can store it in the fridge. Cut it into individual portions and place them in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 4-5 days.
Freezing: This oatmeal bake is excellent for freezing. After it has completely cooled, slice it into individual servings and wrap each piece in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Properly stored, it should keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the oatmeal bake, you can reheat it in the microwave or oven. For a microwave, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the oatmeal bake on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
If you’re reheating from frozen, it’s best to let the oatmeal bake thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can reheat it from frozen – just be aware that it will take a bit longer.
Additions, Substitutions, and Variations
SUBSTITUTIONS
Milk: Any kind of milk, dairy or non-dairy (like almond, soy, or oat), can be used.
Maple Syrup: If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey, agave nectar, or your preferred sweetener. Brown sugar would be yummy!
Eggs: For a vegan version, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
ADDITIONS
Nuts and Seeds: Add some crunch with walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, or flax seeds.
Protein Powder: Boost the protein content by adding your favorite protein powder to the mix.
Additional Fruits: Alongside or instead of berries, you could try adding sliced bananas, diced apples or peaches, or even dried fruit like raisins or chopped dates.
VARIATIONS
Chocolate Berry Oatmeal Bake: Add a tablespoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder to the mix for a chocolatey twist.
Tropical Oatmeal Bake: Use a mix of tropical fruits like diced mango, pineapple, and shredded coconut instead of berries.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake: Replace the berries with diced apples and add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon for a cozy, fall-inspired bake.
Peanut Butter & Berry Oatmeal Bake: Swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the batter before baking for a PB&J-inspired twist.
Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Bake: Replace the 1 cup of mixed berries with 1 cup of frozen or fresh blueberries. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Just toss them in as they are!
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you decide to replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below…I would love to hear how it turned out.
How To Serve
This healthy baked oatmeal recipe can be served in a variety of delicious ways, making it a versatile addition to your breakfast rotation. Here are some ideas:
- Fresh Out of the Oven: There’s something comforting about a warm breakfast, especially when it’s full of wholesome ingredients. Serve a slice of the oatmeal bake fresh from the oven, perhaps with a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Room Temperature: If you prefer, you can let the oatmeal bake cool completely and serve it at room temperature. This is a great option if you’re serving this at a brunch gathering or if you’re bringing it to a potluck.
- With Extra Berries: Top a slice of the oatmeal bake with a handful of fresh berries for added freshness and a pop of color.
- Add a Creamy Element: A spoonful of Greek yogurt, a splash of milk, or a dollop of whipped cream can add a nice contrast to the hearty oatmeal bake.
- Sprinkle of Crunch: Try sprinkling some granola or toasted nuts on top for extra texture and flavor.
- Dessert Option: While this is a breakfast dish, it can also serve as a healthier dessert option. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a splash of cream for a treat.
- On-the-Go: If you’re in a rush, you can eat a slice just as it is, like a piece of cake or a bar. It’s a portable, mess-free option that’s perfect for busy mornings.
Additional Topping Ideas
Nut Butter Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter on top of your slice. The creaminess of the nut butter pairs well with the hearty oatmeal and sweet berries.
Extra Spice: For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle a bit more cinnamon or try adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom on top.
Fresh Fruit: Apart from berries, you can also top your oatmeal bake with slices of banana, peaches, or a sprinkle of pomegranate arils.
Chocolate Chips: If you have a sweet tooth, sprinkle a few chocolate chips over your slice. The heat from the oatmeal bake will melt the chips, creating a delightful, gooey treat.
Greek Yogurt and Granola: A dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of your favorite granola can turn your oatmeal bake into a well-rounded meal with added protein.
Adjust to Meet Your Macro Needs
This Berry Oatmeal Bake recipe is fairly adaptable, which makes it easy to modify to meet your specific macro needs. Here are some ways you can adjust the recipe:
Need help figuring out your macro goals? Check out my Custom Macro Plans.
Protein: If you want to increase the protein content, consider adding a scoop or two of your favorite protein powder to the batter. You could also top the baked oatmeal with Greek yogurt or serve it with a side of scrambled eggs.
Fat: To increase the fat content, consider adding nuts or seeds to the bake, or topping it with a spoonful of almond or peanut butter. You could also use full-fat milk instead of a low-fat or non-dairy alternative. To decrease fat, use a non-dairy milk like almond or soy.
Fiber: Oats and berries already contribute a good amount of fiber to this dish. If you want to increase it further, consider adding in ingredients like flaxseeds, chia seeds, or extra berries.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Mixed Berry Oatmeal Bake
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups milk
- 2 Eggs
- ½ Cup maple syrup
- 1 Tsp vanilla extract
- ½ Tsp cinnamon
- 2 ½ Cups old fashioned oats
- 1 Tsp baking powder
- 1 Cup mixed berries sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl beat the milk and eggs until incorporated. Pour the maple syrup, vanilla extract and cinnamon and whisk to incorporate.
- Add the oats and baking powder and continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.
- Gently fold in the berries and let the batter rest for around 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly flour a baking pan.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and take to the oven. Bake for 45 minutes or until done.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- If you’re using frozen berries, they can release more water while baking. To counteract this, you can either increase baking time or slightly reduce the amount of milk used in the recipe.
- This recipe can also be baked in muffin tins for individual servings. Adjust the baking time as they will likely bake faster than a single large dish. This is a great option for grab-and-go breakfasts!
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information provided for each recipe is an estimate sourced from the My Fitness Pal database. It’s important to be aware that the nutritional content may vary depending on the specific products used, the accuracy of measurements, and the reliability of the nutrition data source. While we strive to provide accurate information, we cannot guarantee the exact accuracy of the nutritional information provided.
