If you are looking for a comforting breakfast that feels both hearty and wholesome, this Baked Oatmeal Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the cozy texture of oats with the gentle sweetness of brown sugar and vanilla, baked to a perfect golden top that’s soft inside and slightly crisp on the edges. It’s not just simple to make, but it invites the kind of warmth that turns a morning into something truly special. From its fragrant cinnamon aroma to the subtle richness of melted butter, every bite is like a big, warm hug that fuels your day with goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A transparent glass bowl is shown from above, placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl, there is a liquid beige batter base filling most of the bowl, topped with separate layers of ingredients: on the lower half, there are light tan rolled oats with a rough texture, on the upper right side, a thick layer of brown cinnamon powder, on the upper left side, a smaller layer of white baking powder, and a thin strip of white salt near the cinnamon. Each ingredient layer is clearly visible and not mixed yet. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Baked Oatmeal Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is purposeful, whether it brings flavor, texture, or a hint of warmth that ties everything together. You won’t need a pantry full of fancy items—just everyday staples that come together effortlessly to create a dish that feels homemade and nourishing.

2 large eggs: These bind everything together while adding a bit of fluffiness.
1 cup whole milk: Provides creaminess and helps hydrate the oats for the perfect tender texture.
½ cup light brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel sweetness and depth of flavor.
2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for greasing): Delivers richness and helps achieve that golden crust.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor profile with a warm, inviting aroma.
2 cups rolled oats: The heart of the dish, bringing chewiness and whole-grain goodness.
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives a light rise to keep the texture from being too dense.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses a cozy spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.

How to Make Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease an 8×11 baking dish generously with melted butter so that your oatmeal doesn’t stick and that beautiful golden crust can form all around the edges.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, light brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous. This combination creates a rich base that will soak the oats perfectly.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, stir in the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure you mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the oats and spices throughout the wet base, which ensures each bite is flavorful with a balanced texture.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Pour the mixture into your buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and slightly crisp, and the oatmeal has set firmly. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This short rest helps the baked oatmeal hold its shape and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Baked Oatmeal Recipe

A white plate holds a single square oatmeal bar with a coarse, textured surface made of baked oats. On top, there are two thick slices of banana, pale yellow with soft edges, and three bright red strawberry slices, fresh with visible seeds and juicy texture. Golden syrup is poured in a thin stream over the fruit and oatmeal, creating shiny drips on the plate. A silver fork lies next to the oatmeal bar on the right side of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface with a white bowl partly visible, filled with more sliced strawberries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Topping your baked oatmeal is a fun way to add extra flavor and texture. Consider fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, chopped nuts for crunch, or a drizzle of maple syrup to amplify sweetness and moisture. These additions turn a simple warm dish into a delightful morning treat.

Side Dishes

This baked oatmeal pairs beautifully with fruit smoothies or a side of crispy bacon for those who enjoy a savory-sweet breakfast balance. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea also complements the warm and spiced notes of this dish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the baked oatmeal straight from the dish for a cozy family-style breakfast, or slice it into squares and plate individual portions stacked with yogurt and fruit towers for a brunch that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. You can even warm leftover slices and top with nut butter for an afternoon snack that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover baked oatmeal tightly with plastic wrap or transfer pieces to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a convenient option for busy mornings.

Freezing

You can freeze individual portions by wrapping them in parchment paper and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen baked oatmeal lasts up to 2 months without losing too much moisture or texture.

Reheating

Warm leftover baked oatmeal in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds, or reheat slices in a toaster oven until heated through and lightly crisp on the edges. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps refresh the moist, tender texture.

FAQs

Can I use a milk alternative in this Baked Oatmeal Recipe?

Absolutely! Almond, oat, or soy milk can be used as dairy substitutes. Just ensure they are unsweetened to control the sweetness of the dish.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities without altering the delicious taste or texture.

Can I add fruits or nuts directly into the oatmeal before baking?

Definitely, mixing in fresh or dried fruits and chopped nuts before baking adds natural sweetness and crunch, making the oatmeal even more flavorful and nutritious.

How do I get the oatmeal to have a crispy top?

Greasing the baking dish well with butter and baking uncovered helps create a slightly crispy, golden top layer, giving contrasting textures between the crust and the soft interior.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it holds up well as leftovers and reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for preparing a few days’ worth of breakfasts in advance.

Final Thoughts

There is something so wonderfully satisfying about waking up to a warm, nourishing slice of this Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s simple to make yet impressively delicious, with flavors that feel like a gentle morning hug. Whether you’re feeding the family or making a cozy breakfast just for yourself, give this recipe a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever started your day without it.

Lily

Baked Oatmeal Recipe