If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious breakfast that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Strawberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant, naturally sweet dish that brings together wholesome oats and juicy strawberries in a comforting, baked form. The perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and slightly caramelized flavors makes it an all-time favorite morning treat—one that’s easy enough for busy weekdays but special enough for weekend brunches. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward this strawberry-filled goodness. Each component works like a little magic touch—bringing texture, sweetness, fluffiness, or that irresistible strawberry burst.
- 2 cups old fashioned oats: Provides hearty texture and a wholesome base that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise slightly for a light, tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cups chopped strawberries, divided: Fresh fruit bursts that add natural sweetness and a lovely pink hue throughout.
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Or any milk of your choice, adding creaminess with subtle vanilla undertones.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and helps create a soft, tender texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and give structure to the baked oatmeal.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that lends a warm, caramel-like flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Boosts the sweet aroma and depth of flavor.
- Sliced strawberries for topping: Adds a fresh, juicy finish and makes every serving look irresistible.
How to Make Strawberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the baking environment is just right for a perfectly cooked oatmeal that’s neither dry nor soggy. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan well with cooking spray or butter so your baked oatmeal releases easily and gets a lovely golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, and kosher salt. This trio of ingredients lays the foundation for fluffy, flavorful baked oatmeal while distributing the rising agent evenly.
Step 3: Blend Strawberries and Milk
Take one cup of your chopped strawberries and toss them in a blender with the unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Blend until completely smooth—this strawberry-infused milk will soak into the oats, infusing every bite with fresh berry flavor and adding moisture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour your blended strawberry milk over the oat mixture. Add melted butter, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, stirring everything together just until combined. Then gently fold in the remaining cup of chopped strawberries to add delightful bursts of chewy fruit throughout your oatmeal.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the luscious oat and berry mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing the top gently. Artfully arrange the sliced strawberries on top—they’ll caramelize slightly and give your dish a gorgeous appearance. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the oats are set and the edges turn light golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let your Strawberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps it firm up a bit so it slices beautifully. Cut into squares and prepare to enjoy a breakfast that’s as wholesome as it is delicious!
How to Serve Strawberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish to your baked oatmeal can elevate the experience. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey pairs wonderfully with the strawberries, adding creamy richness or extra sweetness. Sprinkle some toasted almonds or a few fresh mint leaves on top for a delightful crunch and fresh aroma that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe shines best when paired with light sides that complement but don’t overpower it. Fresh fruit salads or citrus slices like orange or grapefruit add a refreshing contrast. A glass of freshly squeezed juice or a cup of hot coffee will round out your morning with warmth and energy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a pretty presentation, serve the oatmeal in individual ramekins topped with extra strawberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You could even add a swirl of almond butter or peanut butter for a nutty twist. Hosting brunch? Arrange the squares on a platter with edible flowers for a festive, eye-catching display!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Strawberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it an excellent grab-and-go breakfast or snack during busy mornings.
Freezing
If you want to keep this strawberry delight for longer, freezing is your friend. Wrap portions individually in plastic wrap or store squares in a freezer-safe container. Frozen baked oatmeal lasts up to 3 months without losing flavor, ready to thaw and warm whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your oatmeal square into the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds, or until warmed through. For the best texture, you can also heat it in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. Adding a splash of milk or a spoonful of yogurt can help restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well in this Strawberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before chopping. Using frozen berries can actually make the oatmeal even juicier.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Oats themselves don’t contain gluten, but cross-contamination can happen, so be sure to check the label if you have gluten sensitivities.
Can I substitute the almond milk?
Definitely. You can use any milk you prefer—dairy milk, soy, coconut, oat milk—all will work beautifully here and add their own unique flavor nuances to the oatmeal.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make the Strawberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. Maple syrup is already vegan-friendly!
What’s the best way to prevent oatmeal from drying out?
Keep an eye on the baking time and don’t overbake; remove the oatmeal as soon as it’s set with a slight golden brown top. Also, letting it cool slightly in the pan allows moisture to redistribute evenly. Adding the milk-strawberry blend helps lock in hydration, so the result is moist and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is truly one of those breakfast gems that feels both nourishing and indulgent at the same time. Its vibrant strawberry flavor and comforting texture make mornings brighter and mornings better. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it soon—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Strawberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Baked Oatmeal is a warm and comforting breakfast dish perfect for a nutritious start to your day. Made with old fashioned oats, fresh strawberries, and a hint of vanilla, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Baked to golden perfection, it’s topped with fresh sliced strawberries for added freshness and appeal. Ideal for meal prepping, this recipe serves six and provides a wholesome, naturally sweetened option using pure maple syrup and almond milk.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Fruit
- 2 cups chopped strawberries, divided
- Sliced strawberries, for topping
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of your choice)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside to ensure your baked oatmeal does not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the old fashioned oats, baking powder, and kosher salt. Stir them together and set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
- Blend Strawberry Milk: Place 1 cup of the chopped strawberries along with the unsweetened vanilla almond milk into a blender. Blend this mixture until it becomes smooth to infuse strawberry flavor evenly into the baked oatmeal.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the blended strawberry milk over the oats mixture. Add the melted unsalted butter, eggs, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir everything well until fully combined. Finally, fold in the remaining 1 cup of chopped strawberries to add texture and berry bursts.
- Assemble in Pan: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Top the mixture with sliced strawberries for an attractive and fresh garnish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the oats are set and the top turns lightly golden brown. This ensures the oatmeal is fully cooked and has a lovely crust.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This cooling step helps the oatmeal firm up slightly, making it easier to cut into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute almond milk with any type of milk you prefer, such as cow’s milk or oat milk.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based butter substitute.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture for a warm spice note.
- The baked oatmeal can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
- Feel free to swap strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
