This Baked Oatmeal with Nuts, Apples, and Bananas is the perfect breakfast or snack to start your day off right. With a warm, comforting texture and the natural sweetness from fruits and a touch of honey or maple syrup, this oatmeal is loaded with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prep to enjoy throughout the week.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- Oatmeal: 1½ cups (divided into 1 cup and ½ cup)
- Nuts (your choice of walnuts, almonds, pecans): ½ cup, chopped
- Sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or stevia): 1 tablespoon
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 1 ripe banana, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 egg (optional for extra protein)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish (about 9×9 inches). - Prepare the Oatmeal Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of oatmeal, the chopped nuts, sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or stevia), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. - Add the Wet Ingredients:
Pour in the milk, egg (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine until all the dry ingredients are moistened. - Add the Fruits:
Fold in the diced apple and sliced banana, mixing them into the oatmeal mixture. - Assemble and Bake:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of oatmeal over the top for a slightly crunchy topping. - Bake the Oatmeal:
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the oatmeal is golden brown on top and set in the center. If you prefer a crispier top, bake for an additional 5 minutes. - Serve:
Allow the oatmeal to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a drizzle of extra honey or maple syrup on top.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of milk for extra creaminess.
- Top with additional fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas, before serving.
- For added protein, serve with a boiled egg or side of cottage cheese.
- Serve with a sprinkle of chia seeds or flaxseeds for a boost of omega-3s.
- Enjoy as a quick breakfast or a healthy snack with a cup of herbal tea or coffee.
Cooking Tips:
- You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
- Feel free to switch up the fruit by adding pears, blueberries, or peaches, depending on what’s in season.
- For a dairy-free version, use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Oats provide a good source of fiber, which helps regulate digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Nuts add healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and vitamin E, which support heart health.
- Bananas offer a natural source of potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
- Apples provide vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants to boost overall health.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarian diets.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free milk and egg replacers.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 12g
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat after thawing for a quick breakfast option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a filling, nutritious, and easy-to-make breakfast that can be prepped ahead for busy mornings.
- The combination of oats, fruits, and nuts provides a perfect balance of complex carbs, fiber, and healthy fats.
- It’s customizable based on your favorite fruits and sweeteners.
Conclusion: This Baked Oatmeal with Nuts, Apples, and Bananas is a comforting and healthy breakfast option that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. It’s packed with flavor, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a great way to fuel your day. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again. Try it today and enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal that can be enjoyed warm or cold!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this oatmeal recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the oatmeal, refrigerate it, and bake it the next morning. Or, bake it ahead and store it in the fridge for a quick breakfast throughout the week.
- Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats? Steel-cut oats take longer to cook and may not work as well for this baked recipe. Stick to rolled oats for the best texture.
- Can I substitute the egg in the recipe? Yes! You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as an egg substitute.
- Can I add other fruits like berries or pears? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits based on your preferences or what’s in season.
- How can I make this oatmeal recipe vegan? Use a plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) and replace the egg with a flax egg or chia egg.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe can be gluten-free.
- Can I use a sugar substitute instead of honey or maple syrup? Yes, you can use stevia or another sweetener of your choice. Adjust the quantity based on the sweetness of your preferred substitute.
- Can I freeze baked oatmeal? Yes, you can freeze the baked oatmeal for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Can I add protein powder to this recipe? Yes, you can mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra protein boost.
- How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.