Oat Almond Breakfast Bake (Printable Version)
A wholesome morning dish with hearty oats, crunchy almonds, warm cinnamon, and a touch of natural sweetness.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1/2 cup sliced almonds
03 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
04 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
05 - 1/2 tsp baking powder
06 - 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 cups milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
09 - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
10 - 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter or coconut oil
11 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
→ Add-ins
12 - 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (cranberries, apricots, or raisins)
13 - 1 small apple, diced (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, add rolled oats, sliced almonds, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Whisk briefly to distribute the spices and leavening evenly throughout the oats.
03 - In a separate medium bowl, crack the eggs and add milk, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, ensuring no dry pockets remain at the bottom of the bowl. The mixture will appear slightly loose.
05 - Gently fold in the chopped dried fruit and diced apple if using. Take care not to overmix, as this can affect the final texture of the bake.
06 - Pour the batter into the prepared 8x8-inch baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to spread the mixture evenly, ensuring it reaches all corners.
07 - Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The bake is done when the center feels firm to the touch and the top has developed a golden-brown color.
08 - Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the structure to set for cleaner slices. Serve warm, optionally topped with additional sliced almonds or an extra drizzle of maple syrup.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in about ten minutes of actual hands on time, leaving you free to sip coffee while the oven does all the heavy lifting
- The texture is somewhere between a comforting bread pudding and a granola bar, with just enough sweetness to feel like a treat without the sugar crash
02 -
- I once tried making this with quick oats because that was what I had on hand, and the texture turned into a strange mushy pudding that never quite set properly
- The baking powder might seem like an unusual addition for an oat dish, but it creates those tiny air pockets that keep the final bake from being dense or heavy
03 -
- Set out your ingredients the night before, and you can have this in the oven within five minutes of waking up
- Use a glass baking dish if you have one, as it conducts heat more evenly and you can see exactly how golden the bottom is getting