Baked oatmeal cups are a tasty and healthy grab-and-go snack! They’re filled with oats, fruits, and nuts, making them great for breakfast or even a sweet treat any time of the day.
These little cups are so easy to make, and they smell amazing while baking! I love popping one in the microwave for a warm, comforting snack—perfect when I’m running late!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are perfect for this recipe as they give a chewy texture. If you’re short on ingredients, quick oats can work in a pinch, but they may result in softer cups.
Milk: You can use any milk you like! Almond, coconut, or oat milk are great plant-based options. If you prefer dairy, use whole or skim milk depending on your taste.
Egg: If you want a vegan option, use a flax egg instead. Just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds a lovely sweetness. You can swap it for honey or agave if you prefer, but keep in mind that honey isn’t vegan.
Berries: Fresh berries are delightful, but frozen berries work just as well! Just remember to thaw and drain them slightly to avoid excess moisture. You can also use chopped bananas or apple chunks!
How Do I Make Sure My Oatmeal Cups Bake Perfectly?
To bake your oatmeal cups perfectly, watch how you mix the ingredients and monitor the baking time closely. Here are some tips:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately to ensure an even distribution.
- Gently fold in the fruits to keep them intact—this adds bursts of flavor.
- Check doneness: the cups should be set and slightly golden at the edges.
- Let them cool in the pan to help them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack.
With these simple techniques, you can achieve beautifully baked oatmeal cups that are both delicious and healthy!
Delicious Baked Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1/2 cup fresh mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, sliced strawberries), plus extra for topping
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped nuts or seeds (e.g., walnuts, pecans, chia seeds)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake. You’ll have delightful baked oatmeal cups ready in less than an hour, making it perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough when your oatmeal cups go in. If you’re using a muffin tin, gently spray it with cooking spray or line it with silicone liners to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix them together well so that the baking powder and cinnamon are evenly distributed throughout the oats.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely blended.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is thoroughly mixed. Carefully fold in your fresh mixed berries and optional nuts or seeds if you’re using them.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Using a spoon or measuring cup, share the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, filling each one about 3/4 full. Make sure not to overfill them as the cups will rise when baking!
6. Add Extra Berries:
For a lovely touch, press a few extra berries onto the top of each oatmeal cup. This not only enhances the look but also adds extra flavor!
7. Bake:
Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
8. Cool Down:
Allow the oatmeal cups to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up nicely!
9. Ready to Serve:
Before you dig in, you can drizzle a little more maple syrup or some yogurt over the top for extra deliciousness. Serve them warm or at room temperature.
10. Storage:
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also reheat beautifully in the microwave—perfect for busy mornings!
Enjoy these delightful baked oatmeal cups full of flavor and nutrition, perfect for any time of the day!
Can I Use Steel-Cut Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
While you can use steel-cut oats, they will result in a denser and chewier texture. You’ll also need to cook them longer before baking or consider using a quick-cooking variety to maintain the recipe’s intended consistency.
How Can I Make These Oatmeal Cups Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free baked oatmeal cups, ensure that you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Most oats are naturally gluten-free, but contamination can occur during processing, so check the packaging!
Can I Add Other Fruits or Ingredients?
Absolutely! These oatmeal cups are very versatile. You can use mashed bananas, applesauce, or even diced peaches in place of or alongside the berries. Just adjust the sweetness based on the fruit used!
What’s the Best Way to Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftover oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. You can also heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes if you prefer a crisp texture!