If you’re searching for a breakfast that’s easy, wholesome, and bursting with color and flavor, look no further than Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal. This dish is a vibrant blend of hearty oats, juicy berries, and sweet, comforting spices—all baked to golden perfection. It’s a meal prep superstar that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and gives you a delicious, nourishing start to the day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or savoring quiet mornings, this recipe is about to become your new breakfast favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal relies on simple pantry staples and fresh or frozen berries, each playing a vital role in building its flavor, texture, and inviting appearance. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The heart of the recipe, these give the oatmeal its chewy, satisfying bite.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with the berries.
- Baking powder: This helps the oatmeal puff up a little and gives it a lighter texture.
- Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that cozies up the entire dish and brings everything together.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Provides moisture and creaminess; use your favorite type Breakfast.
- Large egg: Binds the baked oatmeal for a sliceable, spoonable texture.
- Melted butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and helps the oatmeal bake up tender and golden.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the oatmeal with fragrant, bakery-style notes.
- Mixed berries (fresh or frozen): The star of the show! Choose your favorites for pops of juicy flavor and gorgeous color.
- Chopped nuts or seeds (optional): For extra crunch, protein, and a nutty finish that pairs perfectly with berries.
How to Make Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter, coconut oil, or nonstick spray. This quick step ensures your oatmeal comes out easily and keeps cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This simple blend is the backbone of your Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal, setting you up for a perfectly balanced bite in every spoonful.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture adds creaminess, richness, and that irresistible vanilla aroma to your oatmeal bake.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Pour the wet mix into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure all the oats are coated and everything is evenly combined. This is where the magic starts to happen!
Step 5: Add the Berries and Nuts
Gently fold in your mixed berries and, if you like, the chopped nuts or seeds. Folding keeps the berries whole and evenly distributed, so you get juicy bursts of fruit in every bite of your Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center feels set. Your kitchen will smell amazing—trust me, the anticipation is half the fun!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let your baked oatmeal cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it set up so you can serve neat squares or generous scoops. Enjoy it warm, and watch everyone come back for seconds.
How to Serve Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, top your Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Fresh berries and a scatter of toasted nuts make it look (and taste) like a café treat.
Side Dishes
This oatmeal bake pairs beautifully with a side of crisp bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast. For a lighter meal, add a fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie—the berries in the oatmeal will complement just about anything!
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch spread, cut the oatmeal into squares and arrange them on a platter with bowls of yogurt, honey, and extra berries. Or, scoop it into individual ramekins and top each with a swirl of whipped cream for a special touch. Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal is as pretty as it is tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal keeps wonderfully in the fridge. Just cover the baking dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container, and enjoy within 4 days. The oats stay moist and the berries keep their pop of flavor.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, let the oatmeal cool completely, then wrap individual pieces or the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm gently in the microwave straight from the freezer.
Reheating
For a quick breakfast, pop a slice in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or reheat larger portions in a low oven (300°F) until warmed through. Add a splash of milk before reheating if you like it extra moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats have a much firmer texture and require a different liquid ratio and longer baking time, so they’re not a direct swap in this recipe. For best results, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for your Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal.
What kind of berries work best?
Any combination of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries will shine here! Both fresh and frozen berries are perfect—frozen berries don’t even need to be thawed before mixing in.
How can I make this vegan?
It’s easy! Use your favorite plant-based milk, swap coconut oil for butter, and make a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to replace the egg. You’ll still get all the cozy comfort of Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. Bake it the night before or on Sunday for grab-and-go breakfasts all week. It reheats beautifully, so you’re never far from a warm, filling start to your day.
Is this gluten-free?
As long as your oats are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally wheat-free. Always double-check labels if you’re serving someone with gluten sensitivities!
Final Thoughts
If you crave a breakfast that’s easy, nourishing, and absolutely bursting with flavor, Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal is the answer. Whether you’re new to oatmeal bakes or a longtime fan, give this recipe a try—you’ll love how effortless and delicious mornings can be!
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Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal is a wholesome and delicious breakfast option that combines hearty old-fashioned oats with a medley of fresh or frozen berries. Baked to golden perfection, this dish offers a comforting, nutritious start to your day, packed with fiber, protein, and natural sweetness. Perfect for busy mornings or meal prep, it’s easy to customize with your favorite nuts or seeds and is suitable for vegetarians. You can also make it vegan-friendly by using plant-based milk, coconut oil, and a flax egg.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until all ingredients are incorporated but not overmixed.
- Add Berries and Nuts: Gently fold in the mixed berries and chopped nuts or seeds if you are using them, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into squares and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use any combination of berries such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries depending on your preference.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
- For extra crunch and nutrition, add nuts or seeds like walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently before serving.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 1/6 of the dish)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
