Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

Chewy oatmeal scented with honey and cinnamon baked over a bed of bananas and blueberries makes this blueberry baked oatmeal worthy of a permanent spot at the breakfast table. It’s a simple one-pan recipe that transforms a classic breakfast favorite—oatmeal—into a sweet treat thanks to a crisp brown sugar pecan topping. A hybrid between a good ol’ bowl of oatmeal and a fruit-filled crumble, it’s no surprise that this blueberry oatmeal bake recipe is award-winning.

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Ingredients

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• Almond milk: This dairy-free milk helps bind the ingredients together and hydrate the oatmeal for a chewier consistency.
• Honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt: These ingredients work together to enhance the subtle flavor of the baked oatmeal. The honey adds a touch of sweetness, while the vanilla extract and cinnamon offer warmth and comfort. A small amount of salt brings it all together and balances the sweetness while highlighting the aromatic ingredients.
• Old-fashioned oats: The oats give this baked oatmeal with blueberries recipe its noteworthy texture and heartiness, making it a filling yet nourishing dish. Old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats, tend to have a chewier, firmer consistency and cook more quickly than steel-cut oats. However, old-fashioned oats cook more slowly than quick oats. For the appropriate chewy consistency, avoid swapping the old-fashioned oats for another option.
• Bananas and blueberries: These two ingredients work together to add sweetness and a pop of color to this simple recipe.
• Brown sugar, all-purpose flour and butter: The recipe wouldn’t be complete without a crunchy, crispy topping made from a combination of brown sugar, flour and softened butter.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans give the topping another layer of crunchiness to contrast the textures of the warm, soft baked fruit and oatmeal underneath.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the filling

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, whisk the first five ingredients until blended. Stir in the oats.

Step 2: Bake the oatmeal 

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Arrange the banana slices in a single layer in a greased 9-inch square baking pan and sprinkle with the blueberries. Pour the oatmeal mixture over the top, spreading it evenly. Bake it until set, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and preheat the broiler.

Step 3: Add the topping

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For the topping, in a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour and butter with a fork until crumbly, and stir in the pecans. Sprinkle the topping over the oatmeal. Broil it 7 to 8 inches from the heat until it’s lightly browned, about two to three minutes. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Editor’s Tip: Watch carefully as you broil the baked oatmeal to prevent it from burning. It may take less than two to three minutes to brown.

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Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Variations 

• Swap the fruit selection: Rather than featuring blueberries and bananas, swap the fruit for another seasonal favorite, such as apples or peaches, depending on the time of year.
• Reduce the sweetness level: For a slightly less sweet rendition of this recipe, minimize the amount of honey or sugar. Keep in mind that the natural sugars in the fruit will slowly render and become sweeter as they bake.
• Omit the pecans: Although the pecans add a nice crunchy touch to the recipe, they aren’t necessary. You can choose to omit them altogether or opt for another type of nut, such as walnuts or almonds.
• Drizzle the bake with frosting: Turn this breakfast item into a dessert by drizzling the surface with a homemade batch of vanilla frosting.

How to Store Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

Store the baked oatmeal with blueberries in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to seven days.

Can you freeze blueberry baked oatmeal?

Store the baked oatmeal in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to two to three months. When ready to consume, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven in a baking pan covered with foil until warm.

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Tips

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Why is my baked oatmeal dry?

Insufficient amounts of liquid ingredients can result in a dry batch of baked oatmeal. As the oatmeal cooks, it absorbs moisture to achieve a chewier, softer consistency. However, if the recipe doesn’t have enough liquid ingredients—in this case, unsweetened almond milk—it can cause the oatmeal to become dry and clumpy. To prevent this, add more liquid to the oatmeal batter as needed.

What should I serve with baked oatmeal?

Although a slice of warm, nourishing baked oatmeal usually does the trick, pairing it with a heaping scoop of yogurt can add even more richness to the dish. For a sweet and savory combination, serve it along with one of our favorite breakfast egg recipes, such as an easy breakfast scramble.

Can you leave oatmeal bake out overnight?

Oatmeal baked goods tend to have excess moisture, which can make them prone to spoilage if left out at room temperature for extended periods. As such, we recommend refrigerating any leftovers as soon as possible.