Baked Oatmeal

Baked oatmeal is a great weekend treat! I often make it the night before, and bake it in the morning. It is great to bring to brunches or during the holidays. 

Strawberry Baked Oatmeal

Ingredients 

• 2 cups (175 grams) old fashioned rolled oats (I used gluten free oats)
• 1/3 cup (70 grams) packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon  cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (55 grams) walnuts, chopped
• 1 cup (125 grams) sliced strawberries
• 1/3 cup (58 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups (473 ml) reduced-fat (2%) milk (I used almond milk)
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ripe banana, peeled, 1/2-inch slice

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Generously spray the inside of a 10-1/2 by 7 inch baking dish (or 8-inch by 8-inch square baking dish) with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, sugar, baking powder,  cinnamon, salt, half the walnuts, half the strawberries and half the chocolate. Add to prepared baking dish. Arrange the remaining strawberries, walnuts and chocolate on top of the oats. Then, scatter the banana slices.
3. In another large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, butter and vanilla extract. Then, pour over oats and fruit. Gently shimmy and shake the baking dish to help the milk mixture go throughout the oats.
4. Bake oatmeal for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the milk mixture has set.
5. For an extra tasty top, sprinkle a tablespoon or so of extra brown sugar on top then place back in the oven under the broiler and broil for 20-30 seconds.

Baked Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal

ingredients:

2 cups rolled oats (I used gluten free oats)
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups skim milk (I used almond milk)
1 large egg
3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted and cooled slightly
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)

directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8x8 square baking dish and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, coconut, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In another medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, coconut oil, and vanilla. The coconut oil might get a little lumpy, but that is ok. It will melt when baking.

4. Arrange two-thirds of the blueberries on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the oat mixture evenly over the berries. Pour the milk mixture over the oats. Gently shake the baking dish to make sure the milk covers the oats evenly. Sprinkle the remaining blueberries on top of the oats.

5. Bake for 40 minutes, until the top is golden and oatmeal is set. Let cool for 5 minutes and serve warm.