Start your day with this delicious and nutritious oat and fruit breakfast bake. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, walnuts, apple, banana, and cherries, this recipe provides a perfect balance of fiber, protein, and natural sweetness. It’s easy to make and perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack, giving you a sustained energy boost to start your day right.
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 300g oat flakes
- 80g walnuts, chopped
- 4 tbsp sugar or sweetener
- 1 apple, finely chopped
- 1 banana, peeled and sliced
- 1 egg
- 250ml milk
- 1 cup cherries
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Chop the Nuts and Fruits: Chop 80g of walnuts as shown in the video. Finely chop 1 apple and peel and slice 1 banana.
Mix the Ingredients:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 300g oat flakes, 4 tbsp sugar or sweetener, chopped apple, sliced banana, and 80g chopped walnuts.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add 1 egg and 250ml milk to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Fold in the Cherries: Gently fold in 1 cup of cherries.
Bake:
- Pour and Spread: Pour the mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake at 180°C (360°F) for 45 minutes or until golden brown and set.
Serve:
- Cool and Cut: Let the breakfast bake cool slightly before cutting into squares.
- Enjoy: Serve and enjoy a delicious and aromatic breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey.
- Enjoy with a side of fresh fruit for an extra burst of flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Ripe Bananas: Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and better texture.
- Substitutions: Substitute cherries with other berries or dried fruits if preferred.
- Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness according to your taste by using more or less sugar/sweetener.
Nutritional Benefits
- Oats: High in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you full.
- Walnuts: Provide healthy fats, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Fruits: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with a plant-based alternative.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome: It’s a wholesome and satisfying breakfast option.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Versatile: Versatile and customizable with your favorite fruits and nuts.
Conclusion
This oat and fruit breakfast bake is a perfect way to kickstart your day with a nutritious and delicious meal. Enjoy the combination of hearty oats, crunchy walnuts, and sweet fruits in every bite. Make it a part of your breakfast routine and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, homemade meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different types of fruit in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute the cherries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
- Can I make this recipe vegan?
- Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water) and use a plant-based milk alternative to make the recipe vegan.
- Can I use steel-cut oats instead of oat flakes?
- Steel-cut oats have a different texture and may not cook evenly in this recipe. It’s best to stick with oat flakes for a consistent result.
- How do I store the leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Can I freeze the oat and fruit breakfast bake?
- Yes, you can freeze it. Once the bake has cooled completely, cut it into squares and freeze them in an airtight container. Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave or oven.
- What if I don’t have walnuts?
- You can substitute walnuts with other nuts like almonds, pecans, or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Can I reduce the sugar content?
- Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute according to your taste preference. The natural sweetness from the fruits can also help compensate for less added sugar.
- What type of milk is best to use?
- Any type of milk can be used, including dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Choose what fits your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
- How do I prevent the bake from becoming too dry?
- Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately, especially the liquid. If you find the mixture too dry before baking, you can add a little more milk to achieve a moist consistency.
- Can I prepare the mixture the night before and bake it in the morning?
- Yes, you can prepare the mixture the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply pour it into the baking dish and bake as directed.