Name: Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 chai tea bag (contents only) or 1½ teaspoons chai spice blend; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1½ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy); ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; ¼ cup maple syrup or honey; 2 large eggs; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ cup chopped nuts or seeds; ¼ cup raisins or chopped dried fruit

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If you’re craving a breakfast that’s as comforting as it is energizing, Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal is about to be your new favorite go-to. This dish brings together the cozy spices of chai tea with the inviting sweetness of vanilla, all nestled in tender, hearty oats for a bake that the whole family will love. Whether you enjoy it warm straight from the oven or chilled on a busy morning, Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal is guaranteed to make mornings brighter and infinitely more delicious.

Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things simple but absolutely irresistible. Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, from the creamy milk that binds everything together to the sprinkle of chai spice that takes each bite to a whole new level of flavor. You don’t need anything fancy, just a handful of wholesome staples that combine for a showstopping breakfast casserole.

Old-fashioned rolled oats: The heart of the dish, they soak up flavor beautifully and result in a perfectly hearty texture.
Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds creaminess and ensures the baked oatmeal stays moist; use any milk you love.
Unsweetened applesauce: Naturally sweetens the oatmeal and helps keep it soft without extra oil.
Maple syrup or honey: Provides just the right touch of sweetness and gorgeous depth of flavor.
Large eggs: Help bind everything together, giving the oatmeal a slightly custardy finish.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and sweetness while balancing the bold chai spices.
Chai tea bag (contents only) or chai spice blend: The star of the show, infusing every bite with that lovely, aromatic chai flavor.
Baking powder: Gives the oatmeal a gentle lift, so it’s not too dense.
Cinnamon: Enhances the chai spices and adds extra coziness.
Salt: Just a pinch to make all the flavors pop.
Chopped nuts or seeds (optional): Add some crunch and healthy fats—choose your favorites.
Raisins or chopped dried fruit (optional): Little bursts of sweetness that pair so well with the spices.

How to Make Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then give an 8×8-inch baking dish a quick grease or line it with parchment paper. This tiny step makes serving and cleanup a breeze, and it ensures that none of your precious Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal goes to waste.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and stir together your oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and those wonderful chai spices (either from a tea bag or your favorite blend). Mixing these first helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the oatmeal, which means every bite will have that signature chai warmth.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk your milk, applesauce, maple syrup or honey, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. This step ensures that the sweetness and vanilla are perfectly balanced before mingling with those spiced oats.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients and stir until everything is thoroughly combined. Fold in any nuts, seeds, or dried fruit at this stage for bursts of texture and flavor in your Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is gloriously golden. Your kitchen will fill with the fragrance of chai spice—just a little preview of the treat to come.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the texture set, making it easier to serve neat, delicious squares. Savor the sight (and smell) of your beautiful baked masterpiece!

How to Serve Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal

Garnishes

Take your Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal to the next level with a generous splash of your favorite milk, a dollop of creamy yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Sprinkle on a few extra nuts or a dusting of cinnamon for extra flair and texture—they don’t just add visual appeal, but each garnish brings additional flavor to the party.

Side Dishes

Pair a warm square of Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal with fresh fruit like sliced apples, pears, or berries, and you’ll have a balanced, energizing breakfast spread. If you’re serving it to guests or prepping ahead, offering some hard-boiled eggs or a smoothie on the side will round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the oatmeal into bite-sized cubes and serving on a platter for brunch gatherings, or use mason jars for an adorable single-serve option—just layer squares of baked oatmeal with yogurt and fruit. For an extra-special twist, reheat a portion and top it with a scoop of non-dairy ice cream for a secretly nutritious dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal couldn’t be easier to store! Once it’s cooled completely, cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. This breakfast holds up perfectly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it a meal prep hero for busy weeks.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal freezes wonderfully. Cut into portions, wrap tightly, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or give it a quick zap in the microwave straight from the freezer.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze—just pop a square in the microwave for 30–60 seconds until steamy, or warm several slices together in a covered baking dish at 325°F for about 10 minutes. Add a splash of milk before reheating to revive that just-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I make Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal vegan?

Absolutely! Use your favorite non-dairy milk, swap out the eggs for flax eggs or another egg substitute, and stick to maple syrup. The texture will be just as cozy, and the chai vanilla flavor will shine through.

Is it possible to prepare Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal the night before?

You sure can. Mix everything together and pour it into your baking dish, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pop it in the oven to bake fresh, or bake ahead and simply reheat. Either way, mornings just got easier.

Can I use quick oats or steel cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats are best for this recipe because they hold their shape and create that perfect baked texture. Quick oats might get a bit mushy, and steel cut oats require more liquid and a longer cooking time, so stick with rolled oats for optimal results.

What’s the best way to add more protein?

To bump up the protein, mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder, swap some of the milk for Greek yogurt, or add extra nuts and seeds. You can even serve with a side of eggs for a super-filling start to your day.

How do I adjust the sweetness of Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal?

This oatmeal is lightly sweetened to balance the strong chai flavors, but you can use more or less maple syrup or honey to match your personal taste. Adding fresh fruit or sweeter dried fruit is another great way to naturally boost the sweetness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting, wholesome breakfast that’s anything but boring, give Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal a try. It’s simple, flexible, and packed with inviting flavors that’ll draw everyone to the table. Be sure to make extra—this is one recipe friends and family will ask for again and again!

Vanilla Chai Baked Oatmeal Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of vanilla and chai in this delicious baked oatmeal recipe. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, this dish is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for a quick and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 chai tea bag (contents only) or 1½ teaspoons chai spice blend
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1½ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
2 large eggs
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

¼ cup chopped nuts or seeds
¼ cup raisins or chopped dried fruit

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and chai spices or tea contents.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.
Combine and Bake: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until fully combined. Fold in nuts or dried fruit if using. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden. Let cool slightly before serving.