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Oatmeal with Fruits and Nuts Cooked in the Oven – A Healthy, Heartwarming Breakfast
Oatmeal is a timeless breakfast staple, offering a wholesome start to your day. But if you’re looking to elevate your typical bowl of oats, baking it in the oven with fruits, nuts, and a hint of sweetness makes for an irresistible, cozy meal. This oven-baked oatmeal with fruits and nuts is not only a delicious and nutritious way to begin your morning, but it’s also easy to prepare, makes for great meal prep, and can be customized to suit your taste.
This version of oatmeal is loaded with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, ensuring a balanced meal that will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day. Plus, it’s adaptable for those following the Weight Watchers program, providing a hearty breakfast that won’t break your daily points allowance.
In this article, we’ll take you through the detailed recipe, along with nutritional information, Weight Watchers points, and extra tips to make the most out of this wholesome dish.
Why Choose Oven-Baked Oatmeal?
Oven-baked oatmeal is a great alternative to stovetop oatmeal. While stovetop oats tend to be creamy and porridge-like, baking oats gives them a firmer, more custardy texture, similar to a breakfast casserole. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s both a make-ahead meal and a meal that can be served straight from the oven. It is perfect for busy mornings when you want something quick, yet filling and satisfying.
Baking oats with fruits and nuts also adds depth of flavor and texture, making each bite a treat. The natural sweetness from the fruit combined with the crunch of the nuts makes this dish feel indulgent, while still being healthy and balanced.
Oatmeal with Fruits and Nuts Cooked in the Oven Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if necessary)
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice, such as skim milk or coconut milk)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey, or any other natural sweetener)
- 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or a combination)
- 1/2 cup sliced banana (or other fresh fruits like apples or peaches)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, or any variety you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional for extra fiber and omega-3s)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (optional, for added moisture and sweetness)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish with coconut oil or cooking spray to prevent the oatmeal from sticking. - Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, eggs, vanilla extract, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and salt. If you prefer your oatmeal slightly sweeter, feel free to add more maple syrup to taste. For a richer flavor, consider substituting some of the almond milk with coconut milk. - Add the Dry Ingredients:
Once the wet ingredients are combined, stir in the rolled oats and chia seeds (if using). Ensure that all the oats are fully incorporated and coated with the liquid mixture. This will help the oats absorb the flavors as they bake. - Fold in the Fruits and Nuts:
Gently fold in the mixed berries, sliced banana, and chopped nuts of your choice. You can use fresh or frozen berries, depending on what you have available. Be sure to distribute the fruit and nuts evenly throughout the oatmeal mixture for a balanced bite in every scoop. - Pour into the Baking Dish:
Pour the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If you’d like to add a touch more sweetness and texture, sprinkle a few extra berries or chopped nuts on top before baking. - Bake the Oatmeal:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The oatmeal should be firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. - Cool and Serve:
Once the oatmeal is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the oatmeal to set and make it easier to slice into portions. - Optional Toppings:
After baking, you can top your oatmeal with additional fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 12g (from fruit and maple syrup)
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 290mg
- Vitamin A: 6% DV
- Vitamin C: 10% DV
- Calcium: 10% DV
- Iron: 12% DV
Weight Watchers Points Breakdown:
- Green Plan: 7 points per serving
- Blue Plan: 6 points per serving
- Purple Plan: 5 points per serving
Tips and Variations:
- Oats Texture Adjustments:
If you prefer a creamier oatmeal, you can increase the amount of milk or add more applesauce for extra moisture. For a firmer texture, reduce the milk slightly or add a bit more oats. - Vegan Option:
To make this oatmeal vegan, simply replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. You can also substitute maple syrup for any other vegan-friendly sweetener. - Sweetener Alternatives:
If you want to cut back on sugar, you can use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of maple syrup. Just adjust to your preferred sweetness level. - Fruit Combinations:
Feel free to customize the fruit based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. Fresh apples, pears, peaches, or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries also work well in this recipe. - Nuts and Seeds:
If you’re allergic to nuts, you can omit them entirely or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts add a nice crunch and a boost of healthy fats. - Baking Dish Size:
The baking time may vary depending on the size of your baking dish. If you use a larger dish, the oatmeal may bake faster, so keep an eye on it. If you use a smaller dish, it may take longer to cook through. - Meal Prep:
This oatmeal can easily be made in advance. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can be reheated in the microwave for a quick breakfast or served cold. - Add Protein:
For an added protein boost, top your oatmeal with a dollop of Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or a scoop of protein powder mixed into the oatmeal before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
This oven-baked oatmeal is filling enough on its own, but it can also be served with a side of fresh fruit, a hard-boiled egg, or a small handful of nuts if you’re looking to increase your protein intake.
For an even heartier meal, consider pairing it with a warm beverage like herbal tea, coffee, or a smoothie. If you’re meal prepping, this dish makes for a great grab-and-go breakfast that can be enjoyed at home or at the office.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Customizable: The beauty of this oatmeal recipe is its versatility. You can tailor it to fit your taste preferences, dietary restrictions, and what you have available in your kitchen.
- Meal Prep Friendly: You can bake a batch of this oatmeal on the weekend and have a healthy, satisfying breakfast ready to go throughout the week.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with fiber from oats and fruits, protein from nuts and eggs, and healthy fats, this oatmeal will keep you full and fueled for hours.
- Perfect for Weight Watchers: With the Weight Watchers points calculated, this recipe is ideal for anyone following the program, giving you a filling and flavorful breakfast that won’t leave you feeling deprived.
