Simple vegan baked oatmeal recipe with bananas, frozen mixed berries and almond butter center. Meal prepped plant-based breakfast!
This vegan baked oatmeal with an ooey-gooey almond butter center and berry topping is my go-to make-ahead breakfast. It is yummy, filling and so easy to make in the blender. And my favorite part of this recipe is that it’s completely plant-based.
Most baked oatmeal recipes use egg as a binder, so I decided to change it up with a “chia egg”. This vegan breakfast recipe is great for meal prep, and it comes out looking super impressive.
The best part is that it tastes like you’re eating cake, but in fact, it is a healthy and well-balanced breakfast.
What is baked oatmeal?
Baked oatmeal is rolled oats blended with various flavor combinations and toppings. Usually, baked oatmeal contains banana, milk, egg and oats, and it’s baked until fluffy. It really is that simple!
There are endless flavor and topping combinations for baked oatmeal (more on that below). Plus, having a new baby in the house means my hands are pretty full these days, and I don’t have as much time to spend in the kitchen.
Baked oats are perfect for meal prepping ahead of time and eating throughout the week. And they are nutritious!
This vegan baked oatmeal recipe uses nutrient-dense ingredients like chia seeds, oats, banana and almond butter. The combination of complex carbs, fiber, protein and healthy fats will keep you full all morning long.
Ingredients
The obvious ingredient in this recipe is OATS! If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, make sure you buy gluten-free rolled oats. Although oats do not contain any gluten, they may be tainted with gluten in the processing facility. Those that say “gluten freen” on the label are safe for those who don’t consume gluten.
To make this, you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 banana
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
- Dash of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- ¼ cup frozen mixed berries
How to make baked oatmeal
This recipe is as simple as blending all the ingredients together (except for the almond butter and berries), pouring the batter an ovenproof dish and baking for 20 minutes. It does not get much easier than that! You will also need to make a chia egg before you start blending.
Here are the simple steps:
- Combine the chia seeds and water in a small bowl and stir well. Set aside.
- Add the oats, banana, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, chia egg and baking powder to a blender. Blend all the ingredients until you get a smooth and creamy texture.
- Spray a baking dish or ramekin with cooking spray, then pour the mixture into the dish.
- Place the almond butter on top of the mixture, and using a spoon, push it into the center of the mixture.
- Top with mixed frozen berries.
- Bake!
Swaps and Substitutions
This recipe has an almond butter center, and it’s topped with mixed frozen berries. But feel free to change it up or add other ingredients.
Here are some substitutions you can make:
- Banana: Not a fan of bananas? No problem! Try applesauce instead
- Almond butter: Use peanut butter, cashew butter or sunflower butter instead
- Maple syrup: Feel free to use honey or leave out the maple syrup all together.
- Almond milk: Any plant-based milk will work, like oat, soy or rice milk
Here are some things you can throw into the oat mixture to spice things up:
- Add cinnamon to the mixture
- Throw cacao nibs or semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter
- Sprinkle in nuts, like walnuts, almonds, pecans or hazelnuts.
- Add chopped Medjool dates to the batter for an extra dash of sweetness
- Make it tropical–top with coconut flakes, sliced pineapple or mango chunks
- Top with other fruit, like sliced bananas or peaches
Serving Suggestions
Baked oats are delicious as is, but they also taste great with these foods:
- Yogurt (plant-based or dairy)
- Tangerine Strawberry Creamsicle Smoothie
- Green Eggs & Quinoa Muffins
- Blueberry Chia Jam
Frequently Asked Questions
I have not tested this recipe using a microwave, but I think it will work! I suggest making a single serving of baked oats (half the recipe) in a mug and microwaving it on high for 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready if you prick it with a toothpick and it comes out clean.
Technically, yes! Instead of using ¾ cup rolled oats, use ¾ cup oat flour. Mash the banana with a fork before adding it to the mixture to make for easier mixing. Once you’ve added all the ingredients, mix with whisk until you get a smooth batter.
The baked oats mixture will start to rise during the cooking process and will turn golden brown. To test if the mixture has fully set, put a toothpick into the middle and if it comes out clean, you’re good to go. If not, pop it back in the oven and heat for 3-5 more minutes. Repeat the process until the toothpick comes out clean
Baked oats definitely taste best when they are hot out of the oven. However, if you want to meal prep these oats, store them in an airtight container for 2-3 days. When you’re ready to eat, microwave for 1-2 minutes. Avoid overheating it as it may dry out the oat mixture.
A chia egg is easy to make. Just mix one tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside for 5-10 minutes or until it becomes a gel. Use it in place of eggs in any recipe.
Vegan Baked Oatmeal
A delicious vegan baked oatmeal with bananas, berries and an almond butter center
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 banana
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
- Dash of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1/4 cup frozen mixed berries
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 F.
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Combine the chia seeds and water in a small bowl and set aside until it becomes gelatinous.
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Add the chia seed mixture, oats, banana, almond milk, maple syrup, baking powder and vanilla extract to a blender and blend until smooth.
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Pour the mixture into one small casserole dish or two oven-proof ramekins.
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Add a spoonful of almond butter and gently push it into the center of the oat mixture. Top with frozen berries.
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Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.
I am looking forward to making this. I eat oats most every morning. I do a lot of overnight oats but have made baked as well, especially in the winter.
Question, Can you use ground flax in substitution for the chia seeds?
Or would I have to use an egg?
Thanks so much. Can’t wait to make this!
Yes, I think a flax egg would work. Mix 1 tablespoon of flax meal with 3 tablespoons of warm water and let it sit for a few minutes.