Our extra easy baked oatmeal recipe with fresh strawberries, bananas and chocolate is such a crowd-pleaser. You could make this in the morning or if you’re short on time, prepare it the night before and bake in the morning. There are lots of substitutions you can make, here. A few ideas: replace the milk with soy milk, remove the egg, reduce sugar a little, or change up the fruit, nuts and chocolate to something you love. We talk a bit more about recipe substitutions in the article, but you can also read below in the comments to see what others have done.
2 cups (175 grams) old fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup (70 grams) light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon Chinese five spice or substitute cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup (55 grams) walnuts, chopped
6 ounces strawberries, sliced
1/3 cup (60 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups (470 ml) milk, dairy or non-dairy
1 large egg, see notes for egg-free version
3 tablespoons butter, melted (substitute melted coconut oil)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ripe banana, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Generously spray the inside of a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, sugar, baking powder, orange zest, Chinese five spice, salt, half the walnuts, half the strawberries, and half the chocolate. Add to prepared baking dish.
Scatter the remaining strawberries, walnuts, chocolate, and the banana on top of the oats. In another large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, butter, and vanilla extract, then pour over the oats and fruit. Gently shimmy and shake the baking dish to help the milk mixture go throughout the oats.
Bake oatmeal until the top is golden brown and the milk mixture has set, about 35 minutes. For an extra tasty top, sprinkle a tablespoon or so of brown sugar on top of the oatmeal, and then place back in the oven under the broiler and broil for 20-30 seconds.
Store the baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or a warm oven.
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