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Vegan Oven-Baked Oatmeal with Fruits and Nuts – A Healthy, Heartwarming Breakfast
Oatmeal has long been celebrated as a go-to breakfast for its ability to provide a nutritious, filling start to your day. However, if you’re looking to elevate your usual bowl of oats, why not try baking them? Oven-baked oatmeal with fruits, nuts, and a touch of sweetness offers a satisfying, heartwarming alternative to traditional stovetop oats. This recipe is not only a delicious and wholesome way to begin your day, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, ideal for meal prepping, and highly customizable to suit your dietary preferences, including a vegan version.
In this article, we will walk you through every detail of this recipe, provide you with nutritional information, and explain how you can adjust the ingredients to suit your needs. Whether you’re vegan, following or simply looking for a nutritious and delicious breakfast, this oven-baked oatmeal is the perfect solution.
Why Choose Oven-Baked Oatmeal?
Baking oatmeal in the oven offers a unique twist on the classic stovetop version. While stovetop oatmeal is creamy and smooth, oven-baked oatmeal has a firmer, almost custardy texture. This makes it more satisfying and hearty, perfect for those who enjoy a breakfast casserole-like dish. Plus, oven-baked oatmeal is an excellent make-ahead meal that can be prepped the night before and baked in the morning, making it a fantastic option for busy weekdays.
Another advantage of baking your oatmeal is the added depth of flavor and texture. Fruits, such as berries and bananas, release their natural sweetness during baking, while nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans add crunch and heart-healthy fats. This combination of flavors makes every bite feel indulgent, yet still incredibly healthy.
Additionally, baking oatmeal allows you to control the sweetness level, the texture, and the ingredients to fit your personal preferences or dietary requirements. It’s a versatile dish that’s as customizable as you want it to be.
Vegan Oven-Baked Oatmeal with Fruits and Nuts Recipe
This recipe can easily be made vegan by making a few simple ingredient swaps. It’s packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, ensuring a balanced and satisfying meal that will keep you full and energized throughout the day. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients: (Makes 6 servings)
- 2 cups rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats if necessary)
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk, such as oat milk or coconut milk)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (to replace eggs)
- 6 tablespoons water (to activate the flaxseed as a binding agent)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or agave nectar for a vegan sweetener)
- 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or a combination)
- 1/2 cup sliced banana (or other fruits like peaches, apples, or pears)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, or your favorite variety)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for extra fiber and omega-3s)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (optional, for added moisture and sweetness)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9×9-inch or similarly sized baking dish with coconut oil or cooking spray to ensure the oatmeal doesn’t stick. This step is essential for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following wet ingredients:
- Almond milk (or your choice of plant-based milk)
- Ground flaxseed and water (combined to form a flax egg replacement, which helps bind the oatmeal)
- Vanilla extract
- Maple syrup
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
Let the flaxseed mixture sit for a few minutes to activate and thicken slightly. This will provide the necessary binding properties that eggs usually offer in a non-vegan recipe. If you prefer a sweeter oatmeal, feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup or use another natural sweetener like agave nectar.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Once the wet ingredients are well combined, add rolled oats (and chia seeds, if using). Stir the mixture until the oats are fully coated and the wet ingredients are absorbed. This helps the oats absorb all the flavor from the milk and maple syrup as they bake.
Step 4: Add the Fruits and Nuts
Gently fold in your chosen fruits and nuts. For this recipe, mixed berries (fresh or frozen) and sliced banana add natural sweetness, while the chopped nuts provide a crunchy contrast and healthy fats. You can also add other fruits such as apples, pears, or peaches, depending on what’s in season or your personal preference.
Step 5: Pour into the Baking Dish
Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If you’d like, sprinkle a few extra berries or nuts on top for added texture and a burst of color once it’s baked.
Step 6: Bake the Oatmeal
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The oatmeal should have a golden-brown top, and when you press it gently, the center should feel firm. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If it’s not set after 40 minutes, let it bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once the oatmeal is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes. This will allow it to set, making it easier to slice into portions. The oatmeal will continue to firm up as it cools.
Step 8: Optional Toppings
For an extra touch of flavor, you can add some optional toppings:
- Fresh fruit (e.g., more berries or banana slices)
- A drizzle of maple syrup
- A dollop of vegan yogurt (such as coconut or almond-based yogurt)
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts
Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, heart-healthy breakfast!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
This recipe yields 6 servings. Here’s the breakdown of nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 14g (from fruit and maple syrup)
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 350mg
- Vitamin A: 6% DV
- Vitamin C: 12% DV
- Calcium: 10% DV
- Iron: 12% DV
Vegan Modifications:
This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it substitutes eggs with ground flaxseed (flax eggs) and uses plant-based milk. However, if you prefer to further customize the recipe, here are a few tips:
- Milk Alternatives: You can use any plant-based milk, such as oat, almond, soy, or cashew milk. Make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the sugar content in check.
- Sweeteners: Instead of maple syrup, use agave nectar, coconut sugar, or any vegan sweetener of your choice.
- Add-Ins: If you prefer different fruits, you can substitute berries with chopped apples or peaches. You can also experiment with dried fruits like raisins or dates.
Meal Prep and Storage:
This oven-baked oatmeal is meal prep-friendly, making it perfect for busy mornings. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
For longer storage, you can freeze the baked oatmeal. Portion it into individual servings, and store them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. When ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Customizable: The recipe can be easily tailored to your dietary needs and flavor preferences. Switch up the fruits, nuts, and sweeteners