This Berry Baked Oatmeal checks all the boxes: it’s healthy, easy, and obviously delicious. You’re getting a fiber fueled, protein packed breakfast, that will keep you feeling full and provide you with sufficient energy all morning. It’s easy to prepare the night before and pull out for a quick breakfast before the day gets hectic. It’s no Cocoa Krispies, but still a big hit with the kids. This way you can rest assured, knowing they are putting good, nutritious food in their bodies that will support their energy, mood and concentration throughout the day. As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? Why not start it out right!?
Ingredients for Berry Baked Oatmeal:
Oats- Quick or traditional oats can be used in this recipe. Oats are a great source of fiber and can help with our heart health. They also help keep us feeling fuller for longer.
Unsweetened Almond Milk- The oats have to soak up the almond milk and expand. We use unsweetened almond milk here as to avoid excess sugar.
Maple Syrup- A more natural alternative to white sugar. We only use a minimal amount to add just a bit of sweetness.
Unsweetened Applesauce- This is going to give the oatmeal a bit more natural sweetness without adding more maple syrup or white table sugar. It’s also going to assist in making the texture a bit more moist.
Cinnamon- A tricky addition to make your brain think what you’re eating is sweeter than it actually is! It’s also high in antioxidants and numerous other health benefits. This little spice is going to give the oats good flavor.
Chia Seeds- These little seeds are going to soak in the almond milk and expand, contributing to the texture of the oatmeal, but more importantly, really adding to the nutritional value of the meal. Chia seeds contain fiber, protein, omega 3’s and more. It’s a great source for a vegetarian or vegan to get their omega 3’s in their diet.
Frozen Berries- Really the star of the show. The berries really make this oatmeal bake, delicious! They add natural sweetness and flavor along with fiber and nutrients. Kids love this part of the dish!
Sliced Almonds- A small source of protein and a great little texture addition, adding a nice crunch to each bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Oats (quick or traditional)
- 2 cups Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 2 tbsps Maple Syrup
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 2 tbsps Chia Seeds
- 2 cups Frozen Berries
- 1/4 cup Sliced Almonds
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Grease a baking pan with coconut oil.
- Add all ingredients except the sliced almonds to a mixing bowl and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer to baking pan and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Sprinkle with sliced almonds before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
- Leftovers- Refrigerate in an air-tight container up to 3-5 days. Freeze if longer.
- No Applesauce- Use mashed banana instead.
- No Almonds- Replace with pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Serving Size- A 9 x 9-inch baking pan (23 x 23 cm) was used to make six servings. One serving is one square.
Health Insights:
- Dietary Fiber- This recipe is rich in dietary fiber, primarily from the oats and chia seeds. Dietary fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain a healthy weight, and lowers the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
- Antioxidants- Berries and cinnamon in this recipe are packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
- Plant-Based Protein- The oats, chia seeds, and almond milk provide a good amount of plant-based protein. Protein is an essential nutrient needed for muscle growth and repair, and also helps to keep you feeling full.
