If you love starting your day with a nutritious breakfast but are seeking a twist on your regular oats, then Blended Baked Oats might just be the perfect solution. These soft, cake-like oats offer a dessert-like texture, making them an indulgent yet healthy morning option. Unlike traditional baked oatmeal, which can often be chewy, Blended Baked Oats produce a fluffy, moist consistency that is both satisfying and customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Best of all, these baked oats are quick and easy to prepare, using simple ingredients that are commonly found in your pantry. This article will guide you through the process in three straightforward steps and provide several delicious variations to inspire your creativity in the kitchen.
How to Make Blended Baked Oats: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Base Batter
Start by adding the following ingredients to a high-speed blender:
- ½ cup rolled oats (avoid steel-cut oats as they will not yield the desired texture)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (for a light and fluffy texture)
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 egg (helps bind the ingredients together; for a vegan version, you can omit the egg)
- ½ ripe banana (preferably spotted or brown for natural sweetness; you can substitute with ¼ cup of applesauce if you prefer)
Blend these ingredients for about 30 seconds, until the mixture is smooth and runny.
Step 2: Add the Mix-Ins
Now, you can get creative with the additions. Whether you prefer berries, chocolate chips, nuts, or spices, the options are endless. For the base recipe, I recommend adding:
- Fresh or frozen blueberries (or any other fruit you love)
- Crushed nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
- A drizzle of maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
Once your mix-ins are added, give the batter a quick stir to incorporate them evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Oats
Next, you’ll need an oven-safe ramekin (8 oz is ideal) for baking. Grease it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then pour in the prepared batter.
For baking, you can use either an air fryer or a conventional oven:
- Air fryer: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) for 3 minutes and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes.
The baked oats are done when they have risen and are slightly golden around the edges. Let them cool for a few minutes before digging in.
Tips for a Perfect Batch
- Consistency: If you want to skip using a blender, you can replace the oats with oat flour (⅓ cup), which saves you time on prep. Simply whisk the flour with the other ingredients.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients, such as different fruits, nuts, spices, and sweeteners.
- Storage: If you want to enjoy your baked oats later, refrigerate them for up to 5 days and reheat before serving.
4 Delicious Variations to Try
Now that you know the basics of Blended Baked Oats, here are four unique flavor combinations to elevate your morning routine:
1. Double Chocolate Baked Oats
For chocolate lovers, this variation is a must-try. In addition to the base recipe, add:
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Blend until smooth, then pour the batter into a greased ramekin. Add 1 tbsp chocolate chips to the batter and top with another ½ tbsp before baking. This version tastes like a rich, fluffy brownie and is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
2. Peanut Butter & Jelly Baked Oats
This nostalgic combo is sure to please. Blend the base ingredients, then pour half the batter into the ramekin. In the middle, add:
- 1 tbsp of jam (your choice of flavor)
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
Top with the remaining batter and bake as usual. After baking, drizzle a bit more peanut butter and jam for an extra indulgent touch. The combination of warm peanut butter and fruity jam inside the oats creates a wonderfully comforting breakfast.
3. Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats
Perfect for fall, this variation is full of cozy spices. Instead of the banana, use ¼ cup applesauce. Add:
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
Top with ¼ cup diced apples and 1 tbsp chopped pecans. After baking, drizzle with a little more maple syrup. The result is a deliciously gooey, spiced oatmeal that’s comforting and sweet.
4. Carrot Cake Baked Oats
For a healthy twist on classic carrot cake, blend the base ingredients with:
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Grate 1 small carrot to yield about ¼ cup of shavings and add them to the batter, along with 1 tbsp chopped pecans. Stir well, then bake. Once done, drizzle with a touch of maple syrup and top with additional grated carrots and chopped pecans. The result is a soft, fluffy baked oat that perfectly captures the flavor of carrot cake.
Blended Baked Oats are a versatile, healthy, and fun way to enjoy oats in the morning. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or explore one of the variations, these oats offer a nutritious and customizable breakfast or snack option. With minimal effort and ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious, cake-like oat treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Give it a try, and feel free to experiment with your own favorite flavors!