Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake
Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Meals Ideas
I can't tell you how much I enjoy starting my day with this Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake. The combination of sweet strawberries and hearty oats creates a deliciously warm and nutritious meal that keeps me going for hours. It’s incredibly easy to make and can even be prepped the night before, making mornings a breeze. The subtle hints of vanilla and cinnamon elevate this simple dish, making each bite a delightful experience. If you love fruit-infused breakfast options, this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite in your home!
When I first tried making this Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to whip up. I love the fact that I can use fresh or frozen strawberries, adjusting it to what's available in my kitchen. The balance of flavors was spot on, especially with the addition of a bit of maple syrup to sweeten it up just right.
One tip that I found particularly helpful is to let the bake sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the oats to set, making for cleaner slices and enhancing the overall texture. It’s such a satisfying dish that I can easily enjoy it any day of the week!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and filling, perfect for busy mornings
- Versatile recipe that allows for seasonal fruit variations
- Can be made ahead of time for meal prep convenience
Ingredient Insights
Rolled oats are the star of this breakfast bake, providing a hearty base that is both nutritious and filling. They absorb liquid beautifully, resulting in a creamy texture once baked. Opt for gluten-free rolled oats if needed; just ensure they are certified gluten-free. The oats' fiber content also promotes sustained energy throughout the morning, making this dish ideal for busy days.
Fresh strawberries add a delightful burst of flavor, but you can easily swap them for other fruits like blueberries or diced apples. If using frozen strawberries, there's no need to thaw them first—just chop them while still frozen before incorporating them into your mixture. This method helps prevent excess moisture from making the bake too soggy.
Baking Tips
To ensure even baking, spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish, and be vigilant towards the end of the baking time. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
After baking, letting the dish cool for a few minutes allows it to set, making slicing more manageable. This resting time helps the flavors meld while still keeping the delightful strawberry and cinnamon aroma wafting through your kitchen. Cut into squares or rectangles to serve, and consider pairing them with a drizzle of yogurt or a sprinkle of nuts for added texture.
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients listed below to prepare this delightful breakfast bake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
Once you have everything ready, you can begin the baking process!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the oats, milk, strawberries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and the egg. Stir until well mixed.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Enjoy your warm Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake!
Pro Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts or seeds on top before baking. They add a delightful crunch and additional nutrition.
Make-Ahead Strategies
One of the best aspects of the Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake is its make-ahead convenience. You can prepare the mixture the night before, cover it tightly in the baking dish, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply preheat the oven and bake straight from the fridge—this method saves you valuable time during those busy weekday mornings.
Alternatively, if you want to enjoy this dish throughout the week, consider baking it on the weekend and storing portions in the refrigerator. Just reheat a slice in the microwave for about 30 seconds before serving. It retains its delicious flavor and texture, ensuring you have a wholesome breakfast ready to go.
Variations and Pairings
Feel free to experiment with various flavor combinations! For an extra layer of flavor, add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds to the mix; these seeds not only enhance nutrition but also provide a slight crunch. You might also consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or seeds on top before baking for added texture and nutrition.
In terms of serving, this breakfast bake pairs beautifully with Greek yogurt, a dollop of almond butter, or a sprinkle of granola for extra crunch. For a comforting twist, serve it warm with a drizzle of additional maple syrup or a scoop of your favorite ice cream as a special weekend treat.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute with any fruit you prefer, such as blueberries, raspberries, or even bananas.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this breakfast bake?
Yes, you can freeze portions of the bake for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake
I can't tell you how much I enjoy starting my day with this Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake. The combination of sweet strawberries and hearty oats creates a deliciously warm and nutritious meal that keeps me going for hours. It’s incredibly easy to make and can even be prepped the night before, making mornings a breeze. The subtle hints of vanilla and cinnamon elevate this simple dish, making each bite a delightful experience. If you love fruit-infused breakfast options, this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite in your home!
Created by: Olivia Martin
Recipe Type: Clean Healthy Meals Ideas
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, milk, strawberries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and the egg. Stir until well mixed.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Extra Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts or seeds on top before baking. They add a delightful crunch and additional nutrition.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 39g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 7g