
Blended Baked Oats: The Ultimate Customizable Breakfast Recipe
Blended baked oats have taken the breakfast world by storm, and for good reason! They’re incredibly easy to make, endlessly customizable, and taste like a delicious cake or pudding disguised as a healthy breakfast. This recipe offers a fantastic way to pack in nutrients, fiber, and flavor all in one convenient and satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday breakfast, a make-ahead brunch option, or a healthier dessert alternative, blended baked oats are a winner. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect blended baked oats, from the basic recipe to exciting variations and helpful tips.
What are Blended Baked Oats?
Blended baked oats are essentially oatmeal that’s been blended into a smooth batter and then baked in the oven. This process transforms the typically chewy texture of oatmeal into a soft, cake-like consistency. The blending step allows you to incorporate a variety of ingredients seamlessly, adding both flavor and nutritional value. The result is a warm, comforting, and surprisingly healthy breakfast (or dessert!) that’s ready in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love Blended Baked Oats
* Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
* Customizable: The flavor possibilities are endless! You can adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
* Healthy and Nutritious: Blended baked oats are packed with fiber, protein, and healthy carbohydrates. You can also add in fruits, vegetables, and nuts for an extra boost of nutrients.
* Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy a delicious and convenient breakfast all week long.
* Freezer-Friendly: Blended baked oats freeze well, making them a great option for busy mornings.
* Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the cake-like texture and sweet flavor of blended baked oats.
* Versatile: Enjoy them warm or cold, for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
The Basic Blended Baked Oats Recipe
This recipe serves as a foundation for all your blended baked oats adventures. Feel free to experiment with different variations and add-ins to create your own signature flavor combinations.
Ingredients:
* 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats or quick oats)
* 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* 1 egg (or flax egg for a vegan option)
* 1 ripe banana (mashed)
* 1/4 cup sweetener (maple syrup, honey, agave, or sugar)
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt
Equipment:
* Blender
* Baking dish (8×8 inch or similar)
* Oven
* Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the baking dish: Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the oats from sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. Combine ingredients in the blender: Add the rolled oats, milk, egg (or flax egg), mashed banana, sweetener, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt to the blender.
4. Blend until smooth: Blend the ingredients until completely smooth. This may take a minute or two, depending on the power of your blender. Make sure there are no large pieces of oats remaining.
5. Pour into the baking dish: Pour the blended mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Add toppings (optional): If desired, sprinkle your favorite toppings over the batter. Some popular options include berries, chocolate chips, nuts, seeds, or shredded coconut.
7. Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool slightly: Let the baked oats cool in the baking dish for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success:
* Don’t over-blend: Over-blending can result in a gummy texture. Blend just until the ingredients are smooth.
* Adjust sweetness to your liking: The amount of sweetener can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. If you’re using a sweeter banana, you may need to reduce the amount of added sweetener.
* Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the recipe.
* Experiment with different flours: For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats. You can also add a tablespoon or two of almond flour or coconut flour to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
* Watch the baking time: The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes and adjust the baking time as needed.
* Let it cool: Letting the baked oats cool slightly before slicing makes them easier to handle and prevents them from falling apart.
Variations and Add-Ins
This is where the fun begins! The possibilities for blended baked oats variations are truly endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:
* Chocolate Chip: Add 1/4-1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking. For an extra decadent treat, use dark chocolate chips.
* Berry Blast: Add 1/2-1 cup of mixed berries (fresh or frozen) to the batter. Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are all great options.
* Peanut Butter: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (or any nut butter) to the batter. You can also swirl a spoonful of peanut butter on top before baking.
* Apple Cinnamon: Add 1/2 cup of diced apple and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top before baking.
* Pumpkin Spice: Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter. This is a perfect fall breakfast!
* Banana Nut: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the batter. You can also add a sprinkle of nuts on top before baking.
* Coconut Mango: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut and 1/2 cup of diced mango to the batter. This creates a tropical and flavorful breakfast.
* Coffee Cake: Add a streusel topping made with flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon to the top of the batter before baking. This will give your baked oats a delicious coffee cake flavor.
* Protein Power: Add a scoop of protein powder to the batter for an extra boost of protein. Vanilla or chocolate protein powder works well.
* Green Goodness: Add a handful of spinach or kale to the batter for a hidden dose of greens. You won’t even taste them!
* Lemon Poppy Seed: Add the zest of one lemon and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Specific Flavor Combinations with Detailed Instructions:
1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Blended Baked Oats:
* Ingredients:
* 1 cup rolled oats
* 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* 1 egg (or flax egg)
* 1 ripe banana (mashed)
* 1/4 cup maple syrup (or other sweetener)
* 2 tablespoons peanut butter
* 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt
* 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
* Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. In a blender, combine rolled oats, milk, egg (or flax egg), mashed banana, maple syrup, peanut butter, cocoa powder, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top (optional).
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
2. Blueberry Almond Blended Baked Oats:
* Ingredients:
* 1 cup rolled oats
* 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* 1 egg (or flax egg)
* 1/4 cup maple syrup (or other sweetener)
* 1 teaspoon almond extract
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* Pinch of salt
* 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
* 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
* Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. In a blender, combine rolled oats, milk, egg (or flax egg), maple syrup, almond extract, baking powder, and salt.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Gently fold in the blueberries.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top (optional).
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
3. Apple Cinnamon Walnut Blended Baked Oats:
* Ingredients:
* 1 cup rolled oats
* 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* 1 egg (or flax egg)
* 1/4 cup maple syrup (or other sweetener)
* 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* Pinch of salt
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for topping)
* 1 medium apple, peeled and diced
* Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. In a blender, combine rolled oats, milk, egg (or flax egg), maple syrup, applesauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Gently fold in the diced apple.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top (optional).
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Vegan Blended Baked Oats
It’s easy to make blended baked oats vegan by making a few simple substitutions:
* Egg: Replace the egg with a flax egg. To make a flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to the blender.
* Milk: Use your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
* Sweetener: Use maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar as a vegan-friendly sweetener.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Blended Baked Oats Recipe:
* Ingredients:
* 1 cup rolled oats
* 1 cup almond milk
* 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, sit for 5 min)
* 1 ripe banana (mashed)
* 1/4 cup maple syrup
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt
* 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
* Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the flax egg and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
3. In a blender, combine rolled oats, almond milk, flax egg, mashed banana, maple syrup, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Sprinkle vegan chocolate chips on top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for Meal Prepping Blended Baked Oats
Blended baked oats are a fantastic option for meal prepping. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this convenient breakfast:
* Make a large batch: Double or triple the recipe to make enough for the entire week.
* Store in the refrigerator: Once cooled, store the baked oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* Reheat before serving: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
* Freeze for longer storage: For longer storage, cut the baked oats into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* Individual servings: Bake in muffin tins for perfectly portioned single-serving baked oats. This is great for on-the-go breakfasts.
Serving Suggestions
Blended baked oats are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your breakfast experience:
* Toppings: Add fresh fruit, berries, nuts, seeds, granola, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
* Warm milk: Pour a little warm milk (dairy or non-dairy) over the baked oats for extra moisture.
* Nut butter: Spread a spoonful of nut butter on top for added protein and healthy fats.
* Whipped cream: For a more indulgent treat, top with whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
* Fruit compote: Serve with a homemade fruit compote for a burst of flavor.
Troubleshooting
* Baked oats are too dry: Add a little more milk to the batter next time, or reduce the baking time.
* Baked oats are too wet: Add a tablespoon or two of flour to the batter next time, or increase the baking time.
* Baked oats are gummy: Avoid over-blending the batter. Blend just until the ingredients are smooth.
* Baked oats are not sweet enough: Add more sweetener to the batter next time, or top with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
* Baked oats are sticking to the baking dish: Grease the baking dish thoroughly or line it with parchment paper.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information for blended baked oats will vary depending on the ingredients used. However, a basic serving of blended baked oats made with the recipe above is typically a good source of:
* Fiber: Oats are a great source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and lower cholesterol levels.
* Protein: The egg and milk provide protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
* Carbohydrates: Oats are a complex carbohydrate that provides sustained energy.
* Vitamins and minerals: Bananas are a good source of potassium, and milk is a good source of calcium and vitamin D.
By adding different ingredients, you can further enhance the nutritional profile of your blended baked oats. For example, adding berries will increase the vitamin and antioxidant content, while adding nuts and seeds will provide healthy fats and protein.
Conclusion
Blended baked oats are a delicious, healthy, and versatile breakfast option that’s perfect for busy mornings. With endless flavor possibilities and easy customization, you can create a breakfast that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, grab your blender, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate customizable breakfast!
Enjoy experimenting with different variations and discovering your own signature blended baked oats creations! This recipe is all about having fun and creating a breakfast that you truly love.