Baked oatmeal cups are a fun and tasty breakfast option! Packed with oats, fruits, and a touch of honey, they are soft, chewy, and delicious. Plus, they are super easy to grab on busy mornings!
Making these cups feels like baking sweet little muffins. I love adding my favorite fruits and some nuts for a crunch. They are so good you might want to eat them all at once—trust me, I’ve tried! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-fashioned rolled oats: These oats are essential for texture and structure. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats can work, but the texture might be softer. Steel-cut oats won’t work well here since they require a longer cooking time.
Milk: You can use any milk you like, including almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free option. I often choose almond milk for its flavor. Just ensure it’s unsweetened so you control the sweetness.
Maple syrup or honey: Both sweeteners add flavor and moisture. If you need a vegan option, stick with maple syrup, or you could use agave syrup. Also, you can reduce the amount if you’re using very ripe bananas.
Mixed berries: Fresh berries are fantastic, but frozen ones also work well—just remember to thaw and drain them first. Other fruits like chopped apples or peaches can also be a delightful twist!
How Do I Get the Oatmeal Cups to Rise and Set Perfectly?
Getting your baked oatmeal cups perfectly risen and set is all about balance in your mixing technique and baking time!
- Blend wet ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps. This ensures even moisture throughout the mixture.
- Don’t overmix once you combine wet and dry ingredients; just stir until incorporated to keep them fluffy.
- Keep an eye on the baking time—overbaking can lead to dryness. When set, they should look slightly golden and firm to the touch.
Lastly, allow them to cool a bit in the pan before transferring—this helps them hold their shape! Enjoy your baked treats! 😊
How to Make Baked Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oatmeal Cups:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen; plus extra for garnish)
- Sliced almonds for topping (optional)
- Maple syrup or honey, for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then 25 to 30 minutes of baking. After baking, allow about 10 minutes to cool before enjoying. In total, you can have these delicious baked oatmeal cups ready in a little under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure even baking. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with silicone liners for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and chopped nuts (if using). Stir well until everything is evenly mixed together. This gives your oatmeal cups a nice, hearty base!
3. Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, grab your whisk and combine the eggs, milk, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, mashed banana, and applesauce. Mix these together until smooth and well-blended. It should be creamy and fragrant!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine. Make sure to mix just enough so there are no dry oats left—overmixing can make your oatmeal cups tough.
5. Add the Berries:
Carefully fold in the mixed berries. This adds a burst of flavor and sweetness to each cup. If you’re using frozen berries, no need to thaw—just toss them in!
6. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the oatmeal mixture very carefully into the muffin tin cups, filling them nearly to the top. They won’t rise too much, so you can fill them generously.
7. Add Toppings:
If you like, sprinkle some sliced almonds on top of each cup for crunch and added flavor. They look pretty too!
8. Bake Them:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. They should be set and lightly golden at the edges when done. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cups cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool further.
10. Enjoy!
Finally, serve the oatmeal cups warm or at room temperature. Top with extra fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness. Enjoy your delicious, wholesome breakfast cups!
Happy baking! 🥣✨
Can I Use Other Sweeteners Instead of Maple Syrup or Honey?
Absolutely! You can substitute agave nectar, brown sugar, or even a sugar-free syrup if you prefer a lower-sugar option. Just keep in mind that adjusting the sweetness may change the overall flavor slightly, so taste as you go!
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs for a Vegan Version?
If you’re looking to make these oatmeal cups vegan, you can replace each egg with a “flax egg.” To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. You can also use unsweetened applesauce as an alternative—about 1/4 cup per egg!
Can I Make These Oatmeal Cups Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble the oatmeal cups and keep the mixture in the fridge overnight. Just give it a good stir before filling the muffin tin and baking the next morning. You can also bake them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days—just reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast!
How to Prevent the Oatmeal Cups from Sticking to the Muffin Tin?
To ensure easy removal, make sure to grease the muffin tin well or use silicone muffin liners. If you’re using a metal muffin tin, consider lining it with parchment paper for extra protection against sticking!
