Strawberry Oatmeal Bake
Highlighted under: Home-Style Dessert Bakes
I absolutely love making this Strawberry Oatmeal Bake for breakfast or a snack! The combination of juicy strawberries and hearty oats creates a deliciously satisfying dish that feels incredibly wholesome. It's perfect for lazy weekends, and it fills the house with a delightful aroma as it bakes. I love that I can prep this bake ahead of time and enjoy warm slices throughout the week. Trust me, it's a breakfast that can brighten your day!
When I first tried making this Strawberry Oatmeal Bake, I was amazed at how simple yet delicious it turned out! I remember using fresh strawberries from my garden, and the burst of flavor was sensational. The key to a great bake is letting it cool a bit before serving; this allows the oats to set and makes for a perfect slice.
I also discovered that you can easily customize this recipe. Adding in nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon can really enhance the flavors. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. It quickly became a family favorite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and filling for breakfast or snack
- Naturally sweetened with fresh strawberries
- Can be made ahead and stored for easy servings
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Using high-quality rolled oats is essential for achieving the best texture in your Strawberry Oatmeal Bake. They provide a hearty and slightly chewy element, which contrasts beautifully with the softness of the fresh strawberries. It’s best to avoid instant oats, as they can result in a mushy texture that won’t hold up during baking.
Equally important is the choice of sweetener used. Honey adds a floral sweetness, while maple syrup provides a deeper, earthy note. If you prefer a sugar-free version, consider using a ripe banana or unsweetened applesauce as a natural sweetener, but remember this may slightly alter the bake's consistency.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Texture
To ensure your Strawberry Oatmeal Bake is perfectly cooked, keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven can be slightly different, and a good indicator for doneness is the visual cue of golden edges to the bake. If you notice that the top is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Allow the bake to rest for at least 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This cooling time helps it set, making it easier to slice into neat portions. If you desire a softer middle, you can lightly cover it with a kitchen towel while it cools to retain moisture.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to get started!
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (or almond milk)
- 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Now that you have everything ready, let's move on to the steps!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake your Strawberry Oatmeal.
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, honey, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
Add Strawberries
Fold in the sliced strawberries and nuts if using, ensuring they are mixed evenly.
Bake
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Allow the bake to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Slice and serve this wholesome treat!
Pro Tips
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and use almond milk. You can also experiment with different fruits based on the season.
Storage and Reheating
For make-ahead convenience, store the cooled Strawberry Oatmeal Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to five days, making it a great option for prepping ahead for busy mornings. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to three months.
To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 30 seconds on high for a quick warm-up, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. This gentle reheating helps maintain its original texture and flavor.
Creative Serving Suggestions
There’s no limit to how you can enjoy your Strawberry Oatmeal Bake! Serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spoonful of almond butter for added creaminess and protein. A sprinkle of additional fresh strawberries on top before serving can also enhance presentation and flavor.
You might consider adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chia seeds for a nutritional boost. For an extra flair, garnish with mint leaves for a fresh touch. Each of these additions complements the bake delightfully, taking your breakfast or snack experience to the next level.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the mixture.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
→ Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Blueberries or bananas are great alternatives or additions.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe can be made gluten-free.
Strawberry Oatmeal Bake
I absolutely love making this Strawberry Oatmeal Bake for breakfast or a snack! The combination of juicy strawberries and hearty oats creates a deliciously satisfying dish that feels incredibly wholesome. It's perfect for lazy weekends, and it fills the house with a delightful aroma as it bakes. I love that I can prep this bake ahead of time and enjoy warm slices throughout the week. Trust me, it's a breakfast that can brighten your day!
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (or almond milk)
- 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, milk, honey, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
Fold in the sliced strawberries and nuts if using, ensuring they are mixed evenly.
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Allow the bake to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and use almond milk. You can also experiment with different fruits based on the season.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 6g