Blended baked oats offer a warm, cake-like option for breakfast, combining rolled oats, ripe banana, egg, and your choice of milk for a naturally sweetened base. Simply blend until smooth, stir in your preferred mix-ins—such as chocolate chips, nuts, cinnamon, or berries—and bake until golden. The oats transform into a soft, tender texture that's both comforting and satisfying. Easily adaptable for dietary preferences, you can swap banana for applesauce or use a vegan substitute. Top with yogurt, nut butter, or fruit for extra flavor. Perfect for a relaxed morning or brunch.
Blended baked oats are my go-to on lazy mornings when I crave something comfortingly sweet yet nourishing. This warm, cake-like breakfast transforms humble oats and a ripe banana into a cozy treat that feels decadent but is ready in about half an hour. Perfect for when you want a breakfast that is both wholesome and inviting, without a mountain of dishes.
I love how the sweet scent fills the kitchen making it feel like a special occasion. When I first tried this on a cold weekend, my partner immediately asked me to double the batch the next day.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: provide the structure and create that fluffy cake texture use old-fashioned oats for best consistency
- Ripe banana: naturally sweetens the batter and adds moisture choose bananas with lots of brown spots
- Large egg: binds everything together creating a soufflé-like rise select fresh pasture-raised eggs for fullest flavor
- Milk: adds creaminess go with dairy or any favorite plant-based milk for variety
- Maple syrup or honey: brings gentle sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor opt for pure maple or mild honey
- Vanilla extract: lifts the flavor with classic bakery warmth use real vanilla if possible
- Baking powder: ensures the oats bake up light and cake-like check for freshness to guarantee a good rise
- Pinch of salt: balances all the sweetness and deepens flavors use a fine sea salt for best results
- Chocolate chips or nuts (optional): for crunch and extra richness pick high-quality dark chocolate or toasted nuts
- Ground cinnamon: for a little spice if desired
- Fresh or frozen berries: for bright pops of flavor and juicy texture pick firm berries if using fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Preparing early ensures even baking and a perfectly set cake
- Blend the Batter:
- Add oats banana egg milk maple syrup vanilla baking powder and salt to your blender. Blend on high for about a minute until completely smooth and creamy. Pause and scrape the sides as needed. The mixture should look like a thick pancake batter
- Mix in Extras:
- Transfer the batter to a mixing bowl if needed and gently fold in mix-ins like chocolate chips nuts cinnamon or berries. Do not overmix just enough to distribute the goodies
- Prepare Ramekins:
- Lightly grease two small ramekins or oven-safe bowls with butter nonstick spray or oil. This step prevents sticking and helps the cakes release easily
- Pour and Bake:
- Evenly divide the blended batter between the ramekins. Place on a baking tray for stability. Bake for about 22 to 25 minutes until the tops are firm and slightly golden
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the ramekins cool for several minutes so the oats set and are easy to eat. Serve warm as-is or topped with yogurt nut butter or a drizzle of maple syrup
I have a soft spot for fresh blueberries tossed in at the last second. Watching my niece poke warm berries out with her fork always makes me smile. The dish has become a quiet weekend favorite everyone looks forward to.
Storage Tips
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating in the ramekin or sealed container. Baked oats keep well for two to three days and reheat best in the microwave or toaster oven. I prefer covering mine with a damp paper towel before reheating so they stay moist.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap banana for unsweetened applesauce if you want a milder flavor or need to avoid banana. For vegan friends use a flax egg instead of a regular egg and select almond oat or soy milk. Maple syrup and honey can be traded for agave or date syrup if needed. Try pecans or walnuts for crunch or skip the nuts for a nut free bake.
Serving Suggestions
Top your warm oat cake with Greek yogurt nut butter extra fruit or even a spoonful of jam for extra indulgence. If you are feeling festive drizzle some more syrup over the top. Serve alongside herbal tea or a crisp white wine for an unexpected brunch twist.
Cultural and Historical Context
Oats have long been a nourishing breakfast staple in American kitchens stretching back to colonial times and beyond as a filling way to start the day. Blending and baking the oats creates something closer to a single-serving breakfast cake perfect for modern tastes and flexible eating routines. This recipe is a clever twist that merges tradition and convenience.
Seasonal Adaptations
Mix in diced apples and cinnamon for a fall version Try fresh strawberries or peaches in summer for juicy bursts Add a pinch of ginger with pears for winter comfort Helpful Notes Bake times may differ based on your oven and ramekin size Letting the baked oats sit for a few minutes helps flavors develop This recipe works doubled or divided into muffin cups for more servings
Success Stories
Friends have made these baked oats for Sunday breakfast clubs sending rave reviews about how easy it is to please both kids and adults. One friend told me her picky eater loved being able to choose his own mix ins. They have even turned up as healthy birthday breakfast treats
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can make a double batch ahead blend and bake them in reusable containers then freeze once cooled. When you are ready to eat pop a portion in the microwave or oven straight from the freezer adding a splash of milk to restore moisture
Enjoy these cake-like oats fresh from the oven for a cozy start to your day. Every bite is comfortingly sweet and easily customized for your favorite flavors.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve a cake-like texture with blended oats?
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Blending oats with banana, egg, milk, and baking powder creates a smooth batter. Baking produces a soft, cake-like result.
- → Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
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Yes, choose plant-based milk and a flax egg substitute to make it vegan and dairy-free.
- → What mix-ins work well for additional flavor?
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Options like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, cinnamon, or berries blend nicely and add texture and taste.
- → How should I serve blended baked oats?
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Enjoy them warm, topped with yogurt, nut butter, or extra fruit. They pair well with herbal tea or light, fruity wine.
- → Are these oats gluten-free?
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Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the dish is gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
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It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the batter ahead and bake when ready for a quick breakfast.