Nothing beats waking up to a warm, comforting dish that’s bursting with berries and wholesome goodness, and this Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe does just that. It’s a beautiful balance of tender oats, sweet and tangy berries, and a subtle hint of cinnamon—all baked into a cozy breakfast treat that feels like a hug from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a vital role in creating that perfect texture, flavor, and color that makes the Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe shine. From creamy milk to fresh berries, every component brings something special to the table.
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats: Provides hearty texture and the perfect chewy base for the dish.
- 1½ cups milk (dairy or nut milk): Adds creaminess and moisture to soak into the oats.
- â…“ cup pure maple syrup or brown sugar: Natural sweetness that complements the berries without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil: Enhances richness and helps bind everything together.
- 1 large egg: Adds structure and a fluffy texture when baked.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives a warm, inviting aroma and subtle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise slightly for a light finish.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy spice that pairs so well with berries.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1½ cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen): Bursts of juicy color and tartness to brighten every bite.
How to Make Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oatmeal begins baking immediately and evenly. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 11×7-inch baking dish, which makes for easy cleanup and helps the edges develop a lovely golden crust as it bakes.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the oats, milk, maple syrup (or brown sugar), melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is well mixed and smooth. This blend is the cozy backdrop for your berries, ensuring every spoonful has a creamy, slightly spiced flavor.
Step 3: Fold in Mixed Berries
Gently fold in 1 cup of the mixed berries. Be tender here because you want those juicy berries to stay intact and not turn your oatmeal purple. Those bright pops of red, blue, and purple will create a beautiful contrast in both look and flavor.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly. Then sprinkle the remaining half cup of berries on top—they’ll roast and soften, adding extra bursts of sweetness and a gorgeous finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center has set and the edges turn lightly golden. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is simply irresistible—a sign of a delicious breakfast to come.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let it cool for about 5 minutes once out of the oven—this helps it firm up just right for easy slicing. Feel free to drizzle with extra maple syrup or a splash of milk to amp up the creaminess and sweetness. Now, dig in!
How to Serve Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or an extra handful of fresh berries turn this baked oatmeal into a true breakfast indulgence. Adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
A Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for those who love a savory touch. For a lighter accompaniment, a dollop of Greek yogurt or fresh fruit salad complements the dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve portions in cute individual ramekins for a charming brunch presentation or layer the baked oatmeal with yogurt and granola in parfait glasses for an elegant twist. You can also top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It tastes great cold or warmed up, making it perfect for quick breakfasts on busy mornings.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes, or warm up the whole dish in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating brings back the creamy texture perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries in the Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen berries work really well and are often more convenient. Just fold them in gently and there’s no need to thaw—though the baking time might be slightly longer due to the extra moisture.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily swap out the milk for any plant-based option such as almond, oat, or soy milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter to make it completely dairy-free without sacrificing taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats, as regular oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated with gluten.
How sweet is this Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe?
It has a pleasant, natural sweetness from the maple syrup and berries. If you prefer it sweeter, a little extra syrup drizzled on top after baking does the trick wonderfully.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this recipe?
Yes, adding chopped almonds, walnuts, or even chia seeds can add a lovely crunch and boost the nutritional value. Just fold them in along with the berries before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become a beloved breakfast staple that’s warm, wholesome, and positively bursting with flavor. It’s easy enough for a weekday treat but special enough to serve on weekends or holidays. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become your go-to recipe for mornings that crave a little extra love and berry-filled happiness.
Print
Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal is a wholesome and delicious breakfast option packed with old-fashioned oats and a medley of fresh or frozen berries. Baked to perfection with warm cinnamon and vanilla, it offers a comforting, naturally sweet start to your day that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
Oatmeal Base
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1½ cups milk (dairy or nut milk)
- â…“ cup pure maple syrup or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Fruits
- 1½ cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen; strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 11×7-inch baking dish and set aside to prepare for baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together the oats, milk, maple syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until you have a uniform oatmeal batter.
- Add Berries: Gently fold in 1 cup of the mixed berries into the oatmeal mixture, taking care not to crush the berries to keep them intact.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal and berry mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mixed berries on top evenly for extra berry goodness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges have turned a light golden brown, signaling it’s done.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, drizzle additional maple syrup or add a splash of milk on top for extra moisture and sweetness.
Notes
- You can substitute dairy milk with any nut milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Frozen berries work just as well as fresh; just thaw slightly before folding into the mixture.
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat before serving.
- Add nuts or seeds on top before baking for an extra crunch.
