One-Bowl Baked Oatmeal with Mixed Berries and Nuts Recipe
This 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal recipe offers a comforting, wholesome breakfast option that's simple to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients. Made with old-fashioned oats, fresh or frozen berries, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup and applesauce or banana, it delivers a warm, flavorful start to your day. Baked to a soft, tender texture, it can be customized with nuts for added crunch. Perfect for meal prep, it stores well in the fridge and can be served with yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Wet 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
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (255g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins and Toppings
- 1 and 1/2 cups (225g) fresh or frozen mixed berries (do not thaw)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×9 inch square pan or an 11×7 inch rectangular pan with nonstick spray. A similar pan around 3 quarts in size works well; avoid smaller pans like 8×8 inch which are too small.
- Mix Ingredients: In one large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup, melted butter, applesauce or mashed banana, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined. Fold in the fresh or frozen berries gently to distribute them evenly.
- Transfer to Pan and Add Nuts: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top, or gently stir them into the mixture before transferring.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the center is almost set for a soft and creamy texture. For a firmer, drier baked oatmeal, continue baking until the center is fully set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the baked oatmeal cool for about 5 minutes before serving. It can be sliced or spooned out and pairs wonderfully with yogurt. Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- You can use a 9×13 inch pan if you want thinner layers, but baking time may need adjustment—reduce by about 5-10 minutes and check for doneness.
- Using frozen berries straight from the freezer is recommended; do not thaw as it prevents the oatmeal from becoming too watery.
- The recipe can be made dairy-free by choosing plant-based milk and butter substitutes.
- Swapping applesauce for mashed banana adds natural sweetness and moisture, but may alter the flavor slightly.
- This baked oatmeal keeps well in the fridge for up to a week and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
