Imagine waking up to a breakfast that’s warm, cozy, and packed with comfort — that’s what these Baked Oatmeal Cups bring to the table. They’ve become my go-to for busy mornings and cozy weekend brunches alike! Made with simple pantry staples, sweetened naturally with banana and maple syrup, and totally customizable with your favorite add-ins, these Baked Oatmeal Cups are a family-friendly favorite that will keep you full and energized, no matter what your day holds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make these—just simple, wholesome ingredients that combine to create pure magic. Every component offers a little something special, from the heartiness of oats to the natural sweetness of bananas. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: They form the base of these Baked Oatmeal Cups, offering a chewy texture and lasting energy.
- Baking powder: Gives the oatmeal cups a light lift so they don’t turn out dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, aromatic warmth that’s irresistible in breakfast recipes.
- Salt: Just a touch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Eggs: Help bind the mixture together so the cups hold their shape perfectly.
- Mashed ripe banana: Brings natural sweetness and moisture—overripe is best!
- Maple syrup: Gives a gentle, earthy sweetness that feels comforting and familiar.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds everything out with a fragrant, mellow flavor.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Keeps the oats tender—use your favorite!
- Mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional): For a fun, delicious crunch or melty chocolate pockets.
- Fresh or frozen berries (optional): A juicy pop of tartness and color in every bite.
How to Make Baked Oatmeal Cups
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), the perfect baking temperature for these Baked Oatmeal Cups. Give your standard 12-cup muffin tin a good coating with non-stick spray or line it with paper liners. This helps ensure your oatmeal cups pop out effortlessly when they’re done.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir them together so that every oat gets a little kiss of spice and leavening—you’ll appreciate this in every bite!
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, mashed banana, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and milk. Mixing them well here guarantees your Baked Oatmeal Cups will be evenly moist and subtly sweet.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture over your dry ingredients and give everything a gentle stir until just combined—don’t overmix! At this point, fold in any of your chosen add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or berries to personalize each batch.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Divide the oatmeal batter evenly between the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the Baked Oatmeal Cups cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. This little wait makes them easier to handle and helps set their shape for perfect, grab-and-go breakfasts.
How to Serve Baked Oatmeal Cups
Garnishes
A handful of toppings can make these Baked Oatmeal Cups feel extra special. Try a drizzle of warm maple syrup, a dollop of nut butter, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon right before serving. A scoop of Greek yogurt or a scattering of fresh berries also adds a lovely finishing touch and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
Round out your breakfast plate with fresh fruit, a crisp green apple, or a creamy smoothie. If you’re feeling extra, serve your oatmeal cups alongside scrambled eggs or a fruit salad for a breakfast that keeps you fueled for hours.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch spread, arrange the Baked Oatmeal Cups on a pretty platter and let everyone pick their favorite flavor. Or, set up a DIY oatmeal cup bar with bowls of roasted nuts, chopped fruit, and fun drizzles so everyone can add their own toppings. They’re also perfect tucked into lunchboxes for an anytime snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Baked Oatmeal Cups have cooled completely, stash any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to five days, ready to grab whenever hunger strikes.
Freezing
These oatmeal cups are born for batch cooking! Place completely cooled cups in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—just remember to label and date your container for easy meal planning.
Reheating
For a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste, pop a Baked Oatmeal Cup in the microwave for about 30 seconds. If you’re reheating several at once, you can arrange them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Quick oats will work in a pinch, but the texture will be much softer, almost cake-like. For the best chewy bite, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats!
What can I use as an egg substitute?
If you need a vegan version, replace each egg with a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2 1/2 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). The oats will still hold together nicely!
Do I have to use bananas?
No banana? No problem! You can swap the mashed banana for unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree. The flavor will change, but the Baked Oatmeal Cups will still be moist and tasty.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe easily doubles if you want to fill two muffin pans or make enough for a crowd. The baking time will remain about the same—just keep an eye on those golden tops.
Are these good for meal prep or grab-and-go breakfasts?
Yes! Baked Oatmeal Cups are practically designed for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ve got healthy, satisfying breakfasts or snacks ready to go all week long.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch of these seriously satisfying Baked Oatmeal Cups. They’re endlessly customizable, delightfully wholesome, and truly a joy to have on hand. Give them a try and let them bring a little extra warmth and goodness to your mornings!
Print
Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 oatmeal cups
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and nutritious baked oatmeal cups that are perfect for a quick and easy breakfast on the go. These oatmeal cups are customizable with your favorite mix-ins and can be made ahead for a convenient meal option.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Optional:
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, mashed banana, maple syrup, vanilla, and milk until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Add optional ingredients: Fold in any chocolate chips, nuts, or berries.
- Fill muffin cups: Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can customize with dried fruit, coconut flakes, or seeds.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat in the microwave for a quick, healthy breakfast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oatmeal cup
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
