If you love cozy mornings filled with warmth, sweetness, and a burst of fruity goodness, this Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is exactly what your breakfast table needs. Imagine tender, cinnamon-kissed oats baked to perfection with juicy mixed berries swirled in, creating a colorful, wholesome dish that is both comforting and energizing. This recipe combines simplicity with vibrant flavors, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings or leisurely weekends when you want something hearty and delicious without the fuss. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of berries while getting a nutritious start to your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of this dish. Each one plays a key role in balancing flavors, textures, and nourishing qualities that make this Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe uniquely delightful.
- Old-fashioned oats: The hearty base of baked oatmeal, providing a chewy texture and fiber-packed goodness.
- Milk (dairy or nut milk): Adds creaminess and moisture to help the oats bake into a tender, soft consistency.
- Pure maple syrup or brown sugar: Natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the berries without overpowering them.
- Melted butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and helps create a golden crust on the surface.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder, keeping everything together while adding a bit of protein.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor to complement the cinnamon and berries.
- Baking powder: Gives a slight lift so the oatmeal isn’t too dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy spice, enhancing the overall taste with a gentle kick.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- Mixed berries (fresh or frozen): Bursts of color and juicy sweetness that make this recipe feel fresh and lively.
How to Make Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is perfectly hot when your oatmeal mixture is ready. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 11×7-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help develop a beautiful golden crust during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Oatmeal Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the oats, milk, maple syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is well blended. This mixture is where the flavors start to come together to create the moist, tender, and flavorful base of your baked oatmeal.
Step 3: Fold in the Berries
Gently fold 1 cup of mixed berries into the oatmeal mixture. Be careful to avoid crushing the berries, especially if they are delicate like raspberries or fresh strawberries. This step infuses the mixture with fruity bursts throughout without turning it purple and mushy.
Step 4: Transfer and Add More Berries
Pour the oatmeal and berry mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of berries on top. These berries not only look inviting but will also offer juicy pops as the oatmeal bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake your mixed berry baked oatmeal for 30 to 40 minutes. The edges should turn golden and the center should be just set—no longer wet but tender. This step transforms your individual ingredients into a beautifully cohesive, warm breakfast treat.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
After baking, let the oatmeal cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps it firm up just enough for easy slicing and enhances the flavors. For extra indulgence, drizzle a little more maple syrup or pour a splash of milk over each serving.
How to Serve Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries on top for a pretty presentation. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey can add creaminess and extra sweetness, making every bite feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This baked oatmeal pairs amazingly well with a side of crispy bacon or savory sausage for a nice sweet-savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a green smoothie can also be refreshing companions to this hearty dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, serve portions in individual ramekins topped with whipped cream and fresh mint leaves. You can even turn leftovers into oatmeal muffins by scooping the mixture into muffin tins before baking—a fun twist on the classic recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It keeps its flavor and texture beautifully, making mornings easier when you have breakfast ready to go.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Slice the cooled baked oatmeal into servings and wrap individually or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. You’ll have convenient, wholesome breakfasts at your fingertips anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave a slice for about 60-90 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or a pat of butter during reheating helps restore that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries in this Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen berries work just as well and often make this recipe easier year-round. Just gently fold them in while still frozen to avoid extra moisture that can make the oatmeal too wet.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to keep it fully vegan without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this baked oatmeal?
Definitely. Adding chopped walnuts, almonds, or chia seeds gives a lovely crunch and boosts nutrition. Just sprinkle them on top or fold them into the batter before baking.
How sweet is this Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe?
The sweetness is balanced and natural, mainly coming from maple syrup and the fresh or frozen berries. You can adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste or omit it entirely if you prefer a less sweet dish.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap dairy milk for almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter. The flavors stay just as delicious while accommodating dairy-free diets.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a warm dish filled with wholesome oats and juicy berries, and this Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe hits that spot perfectly. It’s simple, nourishing, and bursting with fresh flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing way to start your morning or a satisfying snack, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. Give it a try soon—you’ll love how it brightens your day!
Print
Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A wholesome and comforting Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal recipe perfect for a nutritious breakfast or brunch. This baked oatmeal features old-fashioned oats soaked in milk and sweetened with pure maple syrup, combined with fresh or frozen mixed berries, and baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and great for meal prep, it offers a delightful balance of fiber, protein, and natural sweetness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cups milk (dairy or nut milk)
- â…“ cup pure maple syrup or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruits
- 1½ cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen; strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 11×7-inch baking dish and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the oats, milk, maple syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined to form the oatmeal base.
- Add Berries: Gently fold in 1 cup of the mixed berries into the oatmeal mixture, taking care not to crush the berries to maintain their texture and burst of flavor.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal and berry mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of berries evenly over the top for added fruitiness and visual appeal.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden, indicating the oatmeal is fully cooked and firm.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Serve warm, optionally drizzled with extra maple syrup or a splash of milk for added moisture and sweetness.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen mixed berries; if using frozen, no need to thaw before adding.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or brown sugar depending on preference.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil and nut milk.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Adding a handful of chopped nuts or seeds on top before baking adds extra crunch and nutrition.
