Name: 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/2 cup mashed banana (about 1 large banana); 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 3/4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds; 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries or chocolate chips

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If you’re searching for a cozy breakfast that’s both simple and endlessly customizable, you’re going to fall head over heels for this 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal. It’s the sort of foolproof, fuss-free recipe you’ll come back to on busy mornings or weekends when you want something satisfying, healthy, and ridiculously delicious. With only a handful of pantry staples and about 10 minutes of prep time, you get all the wholesome flavors of oats, a hint of sweetness, and plenty of room for your favorite toppings or mix-ins. This is a true breakfast hero that everyone should have in their back pocket!

1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a few basic, honest ingredients to create pure breakfast magic! Each element here plays a vital role, from creating creamy texture to adding subtle sweetness or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need to make your 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal shine:

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (2 cups): These hearty oats give your bake a satisfying texture and wholesome flavor. Quick oats will work in a pinch, but rolled oats bring the best chew.
Mashed Banana (1/2 cup, about 1 large banana): Naturally sweetens the oatmeal, adds moisture, and sneaks in some extra nutrients. Try applesauce or pumpkin puree for a fun twist!
Maple Syrup (1/4 cup): A drizzle of pure maple syrup not only sweetens but imparts a lovely, earthy richness you’ll crave every time.
Milk (1 3/4 cups, dairy or non-dairy): Offers creaminess—use your favorite milk for a dairy-free or extra creamy version.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash boosts all the other flavors and gives the oatmeal a delicious bakery aroma.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings fragrant warmth and that classic breakfast comfort we all love.
Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): This ensures your oatmeal is light and cohesive instead of dense or gummy.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A little pinch balances out the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
Chopped Nuts or Seeds (1/2 cup, optional): Add crunch, extra nutrition, and a subtle nuttiness—think walnuts, pecans, or pepitas!
Fresh or Frozen Berries or Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup, optional): Use what you love or have on hand for color, sweetness, and bursts of juicy flavor.

How to Make 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready for baking. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish—this makes serving and cleanup a breeze, plus you’ll get those nice, tidy squares later. If you love crispy edges, use a glass or ceramic dish.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl (the secret to the “1 Bowl” brilliance!). Mash your banana well, then whisk in the maple syrup, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until everything looks smooth and perfectly blended. The cinnamon and vanilla will already have your kitchen smelling irresistible!

Step 3: Stir in the Oats

Add your rolled oats into the bowl with the wet mixture. Stir until all the oats are well coated and everything looks combined—you want a lovely, thick, pourable batter. This is the foundation of your perfect 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal!

Step 4: Fold in Your Add-Ins

If you’re craving a little crunch or a flavor burst, now’s the time! Gently fold in any nuts, seeds, berries, or chocolate chips you like. This step is totally customizable based on what you have tucked away in your pantry or freezer.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the oat mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes—the top should be lightly golden and the center just set. Your kitchen will smell like pure breakfast bliss! Let the oatmeal cool slightly before slicing, so the squares hold together nicely.

How to Serve 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal

Garnishes

This is your moment to shine! Sprinkle your oatmeal squares with extra berries, a handful of toasted nuts, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup. For a pretty touch, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of nut butter adds creaminess and color.

Side Dishes

Pair a comforting square of 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal with a side of fresh fruit salad, a hot cup of coffee, or a frothy matcha latte. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but also plays nicely with anything you’re craving in the morning.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the baked oatmeal into bite-sized bars for on-the-go breakfasts, layer cubes in a parfait glass with yogurt and berries, or serve warmed with a scoop of ice cream for a fun dessert-for-breakfast twist. Don’t be afraid to get playful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal is a true meal prep win. Once cooled, pack individual squares into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to five days. They keep their moist texture and taste just as lovely re-warmed or chilled.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, this baked oatmeal freezes beautifully! Wrap squares in parchment or layer with wax paper in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months—just perfect for planning ahead.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a square in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute, or warm in a low oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk if you like yours extra creamy, and enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven vibe anytime.

FAQs

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

While rolled oats give the best chewy texture, instant oats will work in a pinch. Your oatmeal may be a bit softer and less textured, but it’ll still be delicious and comforting.

Is 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you’re avoiding gluten. All the remaining ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is already plant-based if you use non-dairy milk and stick to maple syrup for sweetening. No eggs required in this 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal—just simple, wholesome ingredients!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. Keep an eye on the bake time; it may need a few extra minutes for the center to set perfectly.

What’s the best way to customize the flavors?

The possibilities are endless! Swap banana for pumpkin puree, play with different spices like cardamom or nutmeg, toss in dried fruits, or load up with your favorite nuts. Each batch of 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal can be totally unique!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the simplest way to enjoy a nourishing, crowd-pleasing breakfast, this 1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal is it. I hope you try it, play with your favorite flavors, and find yourself coming back to this easy, comforting bake again and again!

1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

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Description

This one-bowl baked oatmeal recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a wholesome breakfast. With a base of oats, banana, and maple syrup, this dish is customizable with your favorite mix-ins like nuts, berries, or chocolate chips. Baked to perfection, it’s a comforting and nutritious start to the day.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup mashed banana (about 1 large banana)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 3/4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins:

1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds
1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries or chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, maple syrup, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well blended.
Add oats: Add the oats and mix until fully combined. Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts, berries, or chocolate chips.
Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before serving.