
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- Milk: 1 and 3/4 cups (420ml) for the smooth base. Pick dairy or plant-based options that suit you.
- Eggs: 2 large ones to hold everything together and make it richer.
- Maple Syrup: 1/2 cup (120ml) to give it that natural sweet kick.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (56g), melted and cooled a bit for extra moisture and flavor.
- Applesauce or Mashed Banana: 1/4 cup (60g) keeps everything moist with a hint of sweetness.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: 3 cups (255g) for that satisfying, chewy bite.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon to help everything puff up nicely.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon for that cozy spice touch.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to boost all the flavors.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon to make the sweet notes pop.
- Mixed Berries: 1 and 1/2 cups (225g), fresh or frozen (no need to thaw), adding juicy fruitiness.
- Optional Toppings: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans if you want some crunch.
HOW TO MAKE IT
- Step 1:
- Move your oven rack to the bottom third and heat it to 350°F (177°C). Cover a 9×9-inch or 11×7-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Step 2:
- Mix milk, eggs, maple syrup, melted butter, applesauce (or banana), and vanilla in a big bowl until they're well combined.
- Step 3:
- Toss in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir it all together until everything's mixed up nice.
- Step 4:
- Add your berries and fold them in carefully.
- Step 5:
- Empty the mixture into your greased pan. Sprinkle nuts on top if you want that extra crunch.
- Step 6:
- Cook for 35 minutes. Take it out when the middle looks mostly set for softer oats, or leave it longer if you want it firmer.
- Step 7:
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before you dig in. Add some yogurt on top if you'd like.
- Step 8:
- Cover any extras well and keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
How to Serve and Store
- Enjoy this dish warm, cut into pieces or scooped into bowls. Try adding a spoonful of yogurt or some extra maple syrup on top.
- Keep leftover portions in your fridge for up to a week. When you want some, just warm it in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds until it's hot.
- For longer keeping, you can freeze this treat too. Cut cooled portions, wrap them tightly, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Warm frozen pieces in your microwave or oven.
Quick Pointers
- Make this dish your own by swapping berries for sliced bananas, apples, or peaches for totally different flavors.
- Need a dairy-free option? Just use almond milk or any plant-based milk you like.
Advice from Cooking Experts
- Jamie Oliver says to dust some cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a tasty, slightly crisp surface.
- Yotam Ottolenghi thinks trying cardamom or nutmeg can make your oatmeal taste more interesting and complex.
WHAT MAKES THIS SO GOOD
- You only need one bowl to make this, so cleanup won't be a hassle.
- It's a nutritious, filling breakfast you can prepare ahead for your busy mornings.
- The mix of oats, berries, and maple creates just the right balance of taste and texture.
MIX IT UP
- Want something sweeter? Throw in some chocolate chips before you bake.
- Try using apples and extra cinnamon instead of berries for a taste that reminds you of fall.
- Toss in some chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch in every bite.