You only need about 10 minutes of prep to pull together a delicious and healthy breakfast casserole! This Cranberry Baked Oatmeal is full of seasonal ingredients, applesauce, and warm spices for an easy make-ahead breakfast or a special holiday brunch!
It's officially the season for toasty, comforting breakfast casseroles! While I love a cold and refreshing protein shake or smoothie in the summer, I consistently find myself craving a warmer option when the seasons change. I am SO excited to share this gem of a recipe with you today, because it is officially one of my new favorite breakfasts. You guys, this baked oatmeal recipe is SO GOOD and it's SO healthy!
It's perfect for meal prep since you can bake a pan over the weekend and enjoy it all week long, or you can prepare it the night before and have a beautiful feast to serve house guests in the morning.
How do you cook oats in the oven?
First, mix together the dry ingredients: oats, baking powder, chopped pecans, spices, and salt.
Next, whisk together the wet ingredients: maple syrup, milk, applesauce and egg.
Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, fold in the cranberries, and pour it into an 8-inch square baking dish.
The oatmeal bakes in a 375-degree F oven for about 30-35 minutes, or just until the center is set (but it's still moist). Allow it to cool on the counter for about 10 minutes before slicing, topping, and serving!
Can baked oatmeal be made the night before?
Definitely! This is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast! Bake the casserole, allow it to cool to room temperature, and then store to enjoy later.
How to store baked oatmeal:
You have a couple of different options for storing this baked oatmeal breakfast recipe -- either in the refrigerator or in the freezer.
Should baked oatmeal be refrigerated?
Once the oatmeal has been baked and cooled to room temperature, you can slice it into squares, place each square in individual containers, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can allow the oatmeal to cool to room temperature, and then just place the entire dish (covered) in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Will baked oatmeal freeze?
Yes! To freeze the baked oatmeal, prepare the casserole according to the recipe instructions. Allow the baked oatmeal to cool to room temperature, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To Reheat Baked Oatmeal:
If reheating the entire pan of baked oatmeal, cover with foil and reheat in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on HIGH for 45 seconds - 1 minute.
Is baked oatmeal healthy?
Absolutely! This baked oatmeal with applesauce and fruit is loaded with fiber, whole grains, anti-inflammatory warm spices, and antioxidant-rich cranberries. The pecans add some healthy fat (and you can increase the nuts for even more satiating fat, if desired).
Recipe Variations:
- Garnish with a variety of toppings. I love adding some creaminess to the dish, as well as bit of crunch. If you're serving guests, it's fun to set up a "breakfast bar" and let your friends add all of their favorites. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- A pat of butter
- Additional drizzle of maple syrup
- A splash of milk (or cream)
- Whipped cream
- Extra chopped nuts
- Fresh berries
- Greek yogurt (try vanilla flavor or even a pumpkin spice flavor when available)
- Coconut
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- A dollop of almond butter or peanut butter
- This recipe yields 4 very large servings, or 6-8 smaller servings. If you're serving a larger crowd, I recommend doubling the ingredients and baking in a 9 x 13-inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time to 35-40 minutes.
- Use sweetened dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen berries.Use blueberries (or other fresh or frozen berries of choice) instead of cranberries. It's a dish that you can adjust with the seasons!
- Omit 2 tablespoons of the applesauce and replace with 2 tablespoons of melted butter for a richer dish.
- Increase the amount of pecans in the recipe for more crunch, or substitute with almonds, walnuts, or chopped hazelnuts.
Looking for more delicious breakfast ideas that are perfect for the season? Try these favorites:
Cranberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked Old Fashioned oats (do not use quick oats or steel cut oats for this recipe)
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup maple syrup (or substitute with low sugar syrup of choice)
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or other milk of choice)
- ½ cup plus 2 Tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg beaten
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries (or substitute with dried cranberries) (if using frozen, do not thaw first)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, coconut, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, additional chopped pecans, fresh fruit, butter, cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine oats, pecans, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a large bowl.
- Combine syrup, milk, applesauce and egg in a separate bowl.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; stir until combined. Fold in cranberries.
- Pour oat mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish that has been coated with cooking spray.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes (or until center is just set, but it’s still moist).
- Allow oatmeal to cool slightly for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving in individual dishes. Garnish with toppings of choice.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published in October, 2015. It was updated in October, 2018.
Oh this oatmeal is just calling my name, Blair! I love the crumb topping. And the cranberries are just perfect for the season, too. Sounds like such a filling breakfast!
Thanks, Gayle! It's so easy, too...you've just GOT to try it! 🙂
Oh my goodness Blair...this looks outstanding!! So many delicious flavors packed into this dish...the perfect fall breakfast!
Thanks so much, Anna!
You totally get mom of the year! all these amazing recipes! LIke whoa! Love that combo here
Thanks, Lindsay!! Definitely NOT mom of the year, but certainly a mom with a lot of hungry boys to feed! 🙂
I only have quick cook oats. I know the recipe said not to use them. How will the dish be affected if I DO use the quick oats? I get them from my local food pantry and I’m trying to be creative when using them.
Hi, Tracey! The old fashioned oats give the dish a chewy, nuttier texture, while the quick oats would result in a finished product that's softer, more moist, and maybe a little bit mushy. They will still work here, the texture will just be different. 🙂
Thanks for the reply. I’m going to make this tomorrow morning and I’ll let you know how it comes out! You never know until you try, right? ????
Exactly! 🙂 Enjoy!
Delicious!!
I have never baked anything in my life, but needed a change from the overnight oats that i usually make for breakfast This is perfect, and so easy to make!
I add on peanut butter ice cream on top, and just couldn't get enough. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
I'm so glad that you liked it, Tita! Thanks for your note. 🙂
I have a fructose intolerance and can't eat apples or applesauce. Any suggestions for a substitute? (I also can't eat more than a 1/3 of a banana.)
Hi, Julie! Yes, you can sub with melted butter in lieu of the applesauce. Enjoy!