Delicious and Easy Vegan Baked Oatmeal Patties: The Ultimate Breakfast or Snack!

Are you looking for a healthy, delicious, and convenient breakfast or snack option? Look no further than these amazing vegan baked oatmeal patties! They’re packed with wholesome ingredients, naturally sweetened, and incredibly easy to make. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prepping, making them a lifesaver on busy mornings or when you need a quick and satisfying bite. This recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to incorporate your favorite fruits, nuts, and seeds. Let’s dive in and learn how to create these delightful treats!

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Baked Oatmeal Patties

* **Healthy and Nutritious:** These patties are made with whole grain oats, which are a great source of fiber and energy. They also include fruits, nuts, and seeds, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
* **Vegan and Gluten-Free:** This recipe is entirely plant-based and can be easily made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats.
* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these patties in no time.
* **Meal Prep Friendly:** These patties are perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding your favorite fruits, nuts, and seeds.
* **Kid-Friendly:** These patties are a great way to get kids to eat their oats! They’re naturally sweet and have a fun, patty shape.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** They freeze beautifully, so you can always have a healthy option on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious vegan baked oatmeal patties:

* **Rolled Oats:** Rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats) are the base of these patties. They provide fiber, texture, and a hearty flavor. Make sure to use rolled oats, not instant or steel-cut oats.
* **Plant-Based Milk:** Any plant-based milk will work in this recipe, such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.
* **Maple Syrup (or other liquid sweetener):** Maple syrup adds sweetness and helps to bind the ingredients together. You can also use other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar or brown rice syrup.
* **Applesauce:** Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and sweetness to the patties. It also acts as a binder.
* **Chia Seeds (or flax seeds):** Chia seeds or flax seeds are used to create a “flax egg” which helps to bind the ingredients together and adds omega-3 fatty acids.
* **Baking Powder:** Baking powder helps the patties to rise slightly and become light and fluffy.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Vanilla extract adds a touch of flavor.
* **Cinnamon:** Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the patties.
* **Salt:** A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Optional Add-Ins:** This is where you can get creative! Some ideas for add-ins include:
* **Fruits:** Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, chopped apples, bananas, cranberries
* **Nuts:** Walnuts, pecans, almonds, chopped
* **Seeds:** Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds
* **Chocolate Chips:** Vegan chocolate chips (for a sweeter treat)
* **Dried Fruit:** Raisins, chopped dates, dried cranberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the vegan baked oatmeal patties! Follow these simple steps:

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25-30 minutes
**Yields:** Approximately 12-15 patties

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the patties from sticking.
2. **Make the Flax/Chia Egg:** In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of chia seeds (or ground flax seeds) with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it forms a gel-like consistency. This mixture will act as a binder in the patties.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the plant-based milk, maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
4. **Add the Flax/Chia Egg:** Add the prepared chia/flax egg to the wet ingredients and whisk to incorporate.
5. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined.
6. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. **Add Optional Add-Ins:** Gently fold in your desired add-ins, such as fruits, nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips.
8. **Form the Patties:** Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, scoop the oatmeal mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each scoop into a patty shape, about 1/2 inch thick. You can use the back of a spoon to help shape the patties.
9. **Bake the Patties:** Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the patties are golden brown around the edges and set in the center. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
10. **Cool and Enjoy:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the patties cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Baked Oatmeal Patties

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can result in tough patties. Mix until just combined.
* **Use the Right Oats:** Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) work best in this recipe. Instant oats will be too mushy, and steel-cut oats will be too chewy.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** Adjust the amount of maple syrup (or other sweetener) to your liking. If you’re using sweeter add-ins like bananas or chocolate chips, you may want to reduce the amount of sweetener.
* **Add More Moisture if Needed:** If the batter seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of plant-based milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
* **Store Properly:** Store the baked oatmeal patties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them.

Serving Suggestions

These vegan baked oatmeal patties are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

* **Breakfast:** Serve them as a quick and easy breakfast with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a healthy and satisfying snack between meals.
* **Dessert:** Drizzle them with maple syrup or top them with a scoop of vegan ice cream for a simple dessert.
* **On-the-Go:** Pack them in your lunchbox or backpack for a healthy and convenient on-the-go meal.
* **With Toppings:** Add a dollop of nut butter, a sprinkle of seeds, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor and nutrition.

Variations and Customization

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing these vegan baked oatmeal patties! Here are some ideas to get you started:

* **Berry Blast:** Add a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries to the batter.
* **Apple Cinnamon:** Add chopped apples, extra cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
* **Banana Nut:** Add mashed bananas, chopped walnuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter.
* **Chocolate Chip:** Add vegan chocolate chips to the batter.
* **Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip:** Add peanut butter and vegan chocolate chips to the batter.
* **Pumpkin Spice:** Add pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a touch of maple syrup to the batter.
* **Savory Oatmeal Patties:** For a savory option, omit the maple syrup and cinnamon. Add chopped vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and onions, along with herbs like thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper.

Freezing and Reheating Instructions

These vegan baked oatmeal patties freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to freeze and reheat them:

**Freezing:**

1. **Cool Completely:** Allow the baked oatmeal patties to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. **Flash Freeze (Optional):** For best results, flash freeze the patties by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid.
3. **Transfer to Freezer Bag or Container:** Transfer the frozen patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label and date the bag or container.
4. **Freeze:** Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

**Reheating:**

* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Place the frozen patty on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the patty may become rubbery.
* **Toaster Oven:** Place the frozen patty in a toaster oven. Toast on medium heat for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Let thaw overnight:** You can also let the oatmeal patties thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat them up by your preferred method.

Vegan Baked Oatmeal Patties Recipe

**Yields:** 12-15 patties
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25-30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
* 2 cups plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
* 1/2 cup maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
* 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
* 1 tablespoon chia seeds (or ground flax seeds)
* 3 tablespoons water
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Optional add-ins: fruits, nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, etc.

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine chia seeds and water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to form a gel.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together plant-based milk, maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the chia seed mixture to the wet ingredients and whisk to combine.
5. In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Gently fold in your desired add-ins.
8. Scoop the oatmeal mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming patties about 1/2 inch thick.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
10. Let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Enjoy Your Homemade Vegan Baked Oatmeal Patties!

These vegan baked oatmeal patties are a delightful and nutritious way to start your day or satisfy your snack cravings. With endless customization options, you can create a unique and delicious treat that suits your taste preferences. So, get in the kitchen and start baking! You won’t be disappointed.