Baked Oatmeal Cups are a tasty and healthy grab-and-go breakfast! They’re full of oats, fruits, and nuts, making them super filling and nutritious.
These little cups are perfect for busy mornings or a quick snack. I like to make a big batch and freeze them—easy peasy! Plus, they taste great warm or cold.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for this recipe as they hold their shape and create a chewy texture. If you only have quick oats, they can work but will yield a softer cup.
Milk: You can use any milk you prefer—cow’s milk, almond, soy, or oat milk are all great options! If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, stick with plant-based milk.
Maple Syrup: This gives a natural sweetness. If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave syrup can also work. You can also reduce the sweetness if desired, especially with ripe bananas.
Mixed Berries: Fresh or frozen berries are ideal for this dish. You can swap in other fruits like chopped apples, peaches, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries if berries aren’t available.
How Do You Get the Right Texture for Baked Oatmeal Cups?
The texture of baked oatmeal cups is crucial for a satisfying bite. Here are a few tips to ensure your oatmeal cups turn out great:
- Make sure you mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly.
- If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit more milk. It should be a thick batter but not dry.
- Don’t overcrowd the muffin cups; filling them almost full allows for proper rising and prevents spillage.
- Use ripe bananas for better sweetness and smoother mixing.
Baked Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oatmeal Cups:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (plus extra for serving)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 medium ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen), plus extra for topping (e.g., raspberries, blueberries)
- Optional: chopped nuts or seeds for mix-in or topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, totaling around 40 minutes. After baking, let the oatmeal cups cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They are ready to enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a standard 12-cup muffin tin or using silicone liners will help your oatmeal cups come out easily after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, maple syrup, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil (or butter), and mashed banana until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is well combined—make sure not to overmix!
5. Add the Berries:
Gently fold in 1/2 cup of mixed berries into the batter for a burst of flavor. If you like, you can save some berries for putting on top later!
6. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the oatmeal mixture evenly into the muffin tin cups, filling them almost to the top to allow for some rise while baking.
7. Top with Extra Berries:
Place a few extra berries on top of each cup to make them look pretty and add a little extra flavor!
8. Bake the Oatmeal Cups:
Put the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. They should be golden brown at the edges and firm in the middle when they are ready.
9. Cool Before Serving:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let the oatmeal cups cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy Your Oatmeal Cups:
These oatmeal cups can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Drizzle some maple syrup over the top just before serving for a sweet touch!
Enjoy your wholesome, fruity baked oatmeal cups perfect for breakfast or a nutritious snack!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Oats?
Absolutely! Just ensure that you use certified gluten-free oats if you need to avoid gluten. They will work perfectly in this recipe!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make these oatmeal cups vegan, simply substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Also, ensure that you use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.
Can I Freeze Baked Oatmeal Cups?
Yes, these oatmeal cups freeze beautifully! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to eat.
What Other Mix-Ins Can I Use?
You can get creative with mix-ins! Try adding nuts, seeds, or different fruits like diced apples, chopped peaches, or shredded coconut. Just ensure not to add too much liquid when increasing the fruit quantity.
