Blueberry Baked Oatmeal with fresh blueberries and lemon zest

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal – The Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast

Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and blueberries wafting through your kitchen. This Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is like dessert for breakfast, but packed with nourishing ingredients that will keep you satisfied all morning. With bursts of juicy blueberries in every bite and a tender, cake-like texture, this baked oatmeal is a game-changer for busy mornings.


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Perfect for meal prep, family breakfasts, or weekend brunch, this recipe comes together in minutes and yields delicious leftovers that reheat beautifully all week long. It's naturally sweetened, easily customizable, and sure to become a household favorite.


Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for meal prep – makes breakfast for the whole week
  • Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and fruit
  • Packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants
  • Customizable with your favorite fruits and nuts
  • Great for serving a crowd or family breakfast
  • Delicious served warm or cold
  • Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved

Tools You'll Need

  • 8x8 inch or 9x9 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Aluminum foil or baking spray

Ingredients

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional but recommended)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • For serving: yogurt, extra maple syrup, milk, or cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking dish with butter, oil, or cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, egg, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Gently fold in 1½ cups of the blueberries and the lemon zest if using.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup blueberries over the top, along with chopped nuts if using.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, or cool completely and store for later.

Pro Tips

  • Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture (not quick oats)
  • If using frozen blueberries, don't thaw them first
  • Let the baked oatmeal cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices
  • For extra flavor, toast the oats and nuts before mixing
  • Double the recipe and bake in a 9x13 inch dish for a crowd
  • The oatmeal will continue to set as it cools
  • For a crispier top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking

Recipe Variations

  • Apple Cinnamon: Replace blueberries with 2 cups diced apples
  • Banana Nut: Add 2 mashed bananas and use walnuts
  • Mixed Berry: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries
  • Peach Cobbler: Use diced peaches and add almond extract
  • Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup chocolate chips (reduce maple syrup slightly)
  • Pumpkin Spice: Add 1 cup pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice
  • Tropical: Use coconut milk and add mango, pineapple, and coconut flakes
  • Protein Boost: Add ½ cup vanilla protein powder (adjust milk as needed)

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?
Old-fashioned oats give the best texture. Quick oats will make it mushy.

How long does baked oatmeal last?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions.

Can I freeze baked oatmeal?
Yes! Cut into squares, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite plant-based milk and oil instead of butter.

Can I reduce the sweetener?
Yes, you can reduce the maple syrup to ¼ cup. The blueberries add natural sweetness.

What size baking dish should I use?
8x8 or 9x9 inch square dish works best. A 9-inch round pie dish also works.

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 50 mins

Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 280 per serving

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups milk
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups blueberries
  • Lemon zest (optional)
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease 8x8 baking dish.
  2. Mix dry ingredients in large bowl.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients in separate bowl.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
  5. Fold in 1½ cups blueberries and lemon zest.
  6. Pour into dish, top with remaining berries.
  7. Bake 35-40 minutes until golden and set.
  8. Cool 5-10 minutes before serving.

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This Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is more than just breakfast – it's a solution to busy mornings, a healthy treat that tastes indulgent, and a versatile recipe that can be adapted to whatever fruits are in season. The lemon zest brightens the blueberries perfectly, creating a flavor combination that will make you look forward to breakfast.

Whether you're serving it fresh from the oven on a lazy Sunday or reheating squares on hectic weekdays, this baked oatmeal delivers comfort and nutrition in every bite. It's proof that healthy eating can be delicious, convenient, and absolutely crave-worthy.

Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and family and if you try this recipe, let me know in the comments what you loved about it.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The content on this website was created with the help of AI. Thanks for supporting my blog!




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