Easy Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and convenient breakfast option that caters to your busy lifestyle? Look no further than these Easy Baked Oatmeal Cups! Perfect for meal prepping and packed with wholesome ingredients, these oatmeal cups can be customized to suit your taste, whether you’re a chocolate lover, a nut enthusiast, or someone who enjoys the sweetness of fruit. With a vegan option using _1eggor egg replacer, these cups are not only tasty but also accommodating for various dietary preferences. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
These Easy Baked Oatmeal Cups are not only easy to make, but they also provide a fantastic balance of nutrients. The combination of oats, bananas, and nut butter offers a hearty dose of fiber and healthy fats. Baking the oatmeal into cups creates the perfect portable breakfast that you can grab and go. Plus, the inclusion of customizable add-ins like nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips makes each batch unique to your taste buds.
What’s in the Bowl
To create these delightful oatmeal cups, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup milk – Any kind will do; I used almond milk for a nutty flavor.
- 1 cup mashed bananas – About 1 medium banana, adding natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon nut butter – I used almond butter, but feel free to substitute with your favorite.
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil – For richness and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash for added flavor.
- 1.5 cups old-fashioned oats – The base of our oatmeal cups.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – To help them rise.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For a warm spice note.
- 1 teaspoon salt – To enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup chopped nuts – Choose your favorite nuts for crunch.
- 1 cup dried fruit – Raisins or cranberries work beautifully.
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips – Because who doesn’t love a little chocolate?
Gear Up: What to Grab
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen essentials:
- Muffin tin – To shape your oatmeal cups.
- Mixing bowls – For combining all the ingredients.
- Whisk – To mix your wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Precision is key in baking!
- Spoon or spatula – For scooping the mixture into the muffin tin.
Easy Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe, Made Easy
Making these Easy Baked Oatmeal Cups is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin
Grease a muffin tin with a little coconut oil or use silicone muffin liners for easy removal.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond milk, mashed bananas, nut butter, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well-combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until combined. The mixture should be thick but pourable.
Step 6: Add Mix-Ins
Fold in the chopped nuts, dried fruit, and mini chocolate chips. Feel free to customize these additions to your liking!
Step 7: Fill the Muffin Tin
Scoop the oatmeal mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
Step 8: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the oatmeal cups to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later!
Fit It to Your Goals
These Easy Baked Oatmeal Cups are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to adjust the recipe to fit your dietary goals:
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the wet ingredients.
- Low Sugar: Reduce the amount of chocolate chips or use unsweetened cocoa nibs instead.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free.
- Fruit Forward: Substitute the dried fruit with fresh fruit like blueberries or strawberries for a different flavor profile.
Testing Timeline
If you’re wondering how to perfectly time your baking, consider this timeline:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 5 minutes in the muffin tin, then cool on a wire rack for another 10 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes from start to finish.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
These Easy Baked Oatmeal Cups are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the freezer for future breakfasts. Here’s how:
- Once cooled, place the oatmeal cups in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, simply microwave for 30-60 seconds or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Ask & Learn
Can I use other types of milk besides almond milk?
Absolutely! You can use any plant-based milk such as soy, oat, or coconut milk, or even regular dairy milk if you prefer.
What can I use instead of nut butter?
If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter or tahini work great as alternatives to nut butter.
How do I know when the oatmeal cups are done baking?
The oatmeal cups are ready when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I make these oatmeal cups without bananas?
Yes! You can substitute mashed bananas with applesauce or pumpkin puree for a different flavor and texture.
Hungry for More?
If you loved these Easy Baked Oatmeal Cups, you’ll want to try your hand at other delightful breakfast recipes! Consider whipping up some fluffy pancakes, a quick smoothie, or even savory breakfast muffins. The possibilities are endless when it comes to starting your day with a nutritious and delicious meal!
These Easy Baked Oatmeal Cups make breakfast not only simple but also enjoyable. Whether you’re rushing out the door or savoring a leisurely morning at home, these cups are the perfect solution. With their delightful taste and customizable options, they’re bound to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Enjoy the ease of meal prep and the satisfaction of a wholesome breakfast with every bite!
Easy Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Grease a muffin tin with a little coconut oil or use silicone muffin liners for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond milk, mashed bananas, nut butter, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well-combined.
- In another bowl, mix together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until combined. The mixture should be thick but pourable.
- Fold in the chopped nuts, dried fruit, and mini chocolate chips. Customize these additions to your liking!
- Scoop the oatmeal mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the oatmeal cups to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later!
Notes
- These oatmeal cups are freezer-friendly, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Customize with your favorite mix-ins like fresh fruits or different nuts.
- Reheat frozen cups in the microwave for a quick breakfast!
