Easy Baked Oatmeal Recipe

I think about this easy baked oatmeal recipe every time I need a hearty, no-fuss breakfast to get me through a busy week.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a warm, hearty meal with minimal morning effort. Our version features a rich, cardamom-spiced date swirl and crunchy pistachios, making it feel extra special without extra work.

This easy baked oatmeal recipe is perfect for feeding the whole family or meal prepping for busy weeks ahead. It’s a truly satisfying, make-ahead breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Gathering these core ingredients for this easy baked oatmeal recipe ensures a hearty start to your day. We’ve broken down why each ingredient matters, along with some easy swap options.

• 300 g (2 ¾ cups) rolled oats
  We use old-fashioned rolled oats here for the perfect chewy texture and structure; do not use quick-cooking or instant oats. They absorb the liquid slowly during baking, giving you a hearty, satisfying result that holds its shape well.
• 50 g (¼ cup) light brown sugar, packed
  Provides a subtle, caramel-like sweetness that complements the dates perfectly. Packing the sugar into the measuring cup ensures accurate sweetness levels; you can slightly reduce this amount if you prefer less sweetness.
• 10 g (2 teaspoons) baking powder
  This is essential for lift, ensuring the baked oatmeal doesn’t turn out dense and heavy. Make sure your baking powder is fresh, as old powder won’t give you the desired light and fluffy texture.
• 3 g (½ teaspoon) fine sea salt
  Balances the sweetness of the dates and maple syrup, enhancing all the other flavors in the dish. Fine salt dissolves quickly and evenly in the wet ingredients.
• 10 g (1 tablespoon) ground cardamom, divided
  The primary spice for this recipe, offering a warm, slightly floral, and aromatic note. It’s divided between the oatmeal base and the date swirl to ensure the flavor permeates every bite.
• 350 ml (1 ½ cups) whole milk (or plant-based milk)
  Whole milk provides richness; for a dairy-free option, oat milk or unsweetened almond milk work beautifully. The liquid ratio is optimized for rolled oats, resulting in a perfectly moist texture.
• 1 large egg
  Acts as a necessary binder to hold all the ingredients together as it bakes. The egg gives the final product a satisfying, set structure that can be sliced easily.
• 60 ml (¼ cup) pure maple syrup
  Adds natural sweetness without processed sugar. Use pure maple syrup for the best, most authentic flavor; avoid artificial pancake syrups.
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) alcohol-free vanilla extract
  Adds a subtle layer of complexity that enhances the creamy, sweet flavors. The alcohol-free version ensures no harsh notes remain in the final taste profile.
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons) neutral vegetable oil, plus more for greasing
  Adds moisture to the final product and helps keep the oatmeal tender. Use a flavorless oil like canola or sunflower oil for best results.
• 200 g (1 cup) pitted Medjool dates, roughly chopped
  Medjool dates are recommended for their soft, sticky texture and rich, caramel flavor, perfect for blending into the swirl. Ensure they are pitted before measuring and chopping.
• 120 ml (½ cup) hot water
  Used to soften the dates and create a smooth, pourable paste for the swirl. Adjust slightly as needed to reach the desired consistency for swirling.
• 40 g (¼ cup) unsalted pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped
  Provides a beautiful green color contrast and a satisfying crunch. Toasting them lightly beforehand can enhance their nutty flavor.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and easy baked oatmeal recipe with minimal effort. This process is great for meal prep or a cozy weekend brunch.

1. Prep the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with vegetable oil, ensuring the corners are well-coated to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cardamom-Spiced Date Swirl: In a food processor, combine the chopped pitted Medjool dates, hot water, and half (5g) of the ground cardamom. Process until a thick, smooth paste forms, scraping down the sides as necessary. If the mixture seems too dry and won’t blend smoothly, try adding another tablespoon or two of hot water until it reaches a thick, pourable consistency.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, fine sea salt, and the remaining 5g (1 teaspoon) of ground cardamom. Make sure to distribute the baking powder and spices thoroughly for even rising and flavor in every bite.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, maple syrup, alcohol-free vanilla extract, and 30ml (2 tablespoons) vegetable oil until fully combined. Whisk thoroughly until the egg is fully incorporated into the liquid.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine, and overmixing can result in tough, dense oatmeal. This step is critical for a successful easy baked oatmeal recipe.
6. Layer the Baked Oatmeal: Pour half of the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Spoon about half of the prepared Cardamom-Spiced Date Swirl in dollops over the oatmeal layer, then sprinkle with half of the chopped pistachios.
7. Swirl and Top: Carefully spoon the remaining oatmeal mixture over the date swirl layer, spreading gently to cover. Spoon the remaining date swirl in dollops over the top and use a knife or skewer to create distinct ribbons in the top layer. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped pistachios. I’ve found that using a chopstick for swirling works better than a knife in my 8×8 dish; it creates finer ribbons without disturbing the underlying layers too much.
8. Bake Until Golden: Bake this easy baked oatmeal recipe for 30-35 minutes at 190°C (375°F). The oatmeal is ready when the edges are lightly golden brown, the date swirl is bubbly, and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the easy baked oatmeal recipe to firm up, making it easier to scoop and serve without falling apart.

Make-Ahead Baked Oatmeal: Tips for Meal Prep and Reheating

This easy baked oatmeal recipe is a fantastic meal prep option for busy families. Prepare the entire dish on Sunday night, then store it in the refrigerator for quick breakfasts all week long.

To store, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to airtight containers. It will keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Reheating instructions: For individual servings, microwave on high for 60-90 seconds. For reheating the entire dish, cover loosely with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Customizing Your Easy Baked Oatmeal Recipe

This easy baked oatmeal recipe is highly customizable based on your pantry and preferences. To personalize your batch:

• Add mix-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or dried cranberries along with the pistachios for extra flavor.
• Adjust spices: If cardamom isn’t a family favorite, substitute it with ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice mix. This alters the flavor profile but still results in a cozy, delicious breakfast.
• Add protein: Boost the protein by stirring in a scoop of vanilla protein powder (ensure it’s heat-stable) or adding a dollop of Greek yogurt on top just before serving for a higher-protein meal.

FAQs

Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

A: No, quick oats absorb liquid too fast and will turn mushy when baked. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture and structure in this easy baked oatmeal recipe.

Q: Is this recipe naturally dairy-free?

A: Yes, as long as you use a plant-based milk substitute (like oat or almond milk) in place of the whole milk. The recipe contains no other dairy.

Q: What if I don’t have a food processor for the date swirl?

A: You can soften the dates by simmering them with the hot water for a few minutes, then mash vigorously with a fork or potato masher until you achieve a smooth paste. This works just as well for creating the date swirl for this easy baked oatmeal recipe.

Q: Can I add fresh fruit to this baked oatmeal?

A: Yes, fresh berries or sliced apples work well. Stir them into the oatmeal mixture before layering, or place them on top of the final swirl for added color and freshness in this easy baked oatmeal recipe.

Q: Why did my baked oatmeal turn out dry and crumbly?

A: This usually means you overmixed the batter, which develops gluten and results in a tough texture, or you baked it for too long. Stick to the specified baking time and avoid over-stirring. I’ve found that a light hand is key for a truly creamy center.

Q: How long does baked oatmeal last in the freezer?

A: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating this easy baked oatmeal recipe.

Conclusion

This easy baked oatmeal recipe is a versatile, satisfying, and delicious way to start your day without the morning rush. The cardamom-spiced date swirl adds a unique flavor that elevates it above standard oatmeal, making for truly great healthy eating. If you love this recipe, consider sharing it with a friend or pinning it for later.

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