Baked oatmeal cups are a fun and tasty way to enjoy breakfast! They’re soft, chewy, and filled with wholesome oats, plus your favorite add-ins like fruits or nuts.
These little cups are perfect for a busy morning. Just pop them in the oven, and in no time, you’ll have warm treats to grab on the go. Trust me, your mornings will thank you! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the base of the recipe, giving the oatmeal cups their chewy texture. Quick oats work too, but they’ll have a softer texture. Try gluten-free oats if you’re avoiding gluten!
Baking Powder: Essential for helping the oatmeal cups rise. Make sure it’s fresh for best results. If you don’t have baking powder, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar instead.
Cinnamon: This adds a warm flavor that pairs well with oats. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin spice can be nice substitutes!
Milk: Any milk works great here, whether it’s cow’s milk or a plant-based option like almond or oat milk. Yogurt can also be used for a creamier texture, just thin it out with a bit of water.
Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup adds natural sweetness. For a lower-sugar option, use mashed bananas or applesauce. Adjust sweetness to your taste!
Berries: Fresh berries add flavor, but frozen works too! If you prefer, you can swap with chopped apples, peaches, or even chocolate chips for a different twist.
How Can I Ensure My Oatmeal Cups Are Perfectly Baked?
Getting the baking right is crucial for great oatmeal cups. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
- Be sure to mix the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Filling the muffin cups too full can lead to overflow. Aim to fill them about 2/3 full for the best rise.
- Keep an eye on the time! The cups might cook quicker or slower depending on your oven. Start checking them at 25 minutes.
Let them cool slightly before removing from the pan. This will help prevent any breakage and let the flavors settle!
How to Make Baked Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Wet Mix:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
For the Extras:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries (like raspberries, blueberries, etc.)
- Sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
- Additional fresh berries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in under an hour, you’ll have delicious baked oatmeal cups, perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure your oatmeal cups bake evenly. While it’s warming up, grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, take the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir so that everything is mixed together nicely.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them well. Add the milk, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil or butter. Mix until everything is combined and smooth.
4. Combine Both Mixtures:
Now pour the wet mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is combined into a nice batter. Don’t forget to mix in your berries (set aside some for the top)!
5. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Take the mixture and divide it evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. This allows them to rise without spilling over!
6. Add Toppings:
Top each oatmeal cup with a few extra berries and some sliced almonds if you like a little crunch. They add a lovely touch!
7. Bake:
Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops look golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the oatmeal cups sit in the pan for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm, or at room temperature, and feel free to drizzle some honey or add nut butter for extra flavor!
Enjoy your amazing baked oatmeal cups filled with goodness and topped with your favorite fruits!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats! Just keep in mind that they will produce a softer texture compared to rolled oats, so the baked cups may not hold their shape as well.
How Do I Store Leftover Oatmeal Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months! Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Absolutely! To make these oatmeal cups vegan, simply replace the eggs with 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Use plant-based milk and maple syrup, and you’re all set!
What Other Mix-ins Can I Add?
You can customize these oatmeal cups with various mix-ins! Consider adding chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a treat. Just be mindful of the overall moisture if you add too many juicy ingredients.
