Introduction
Baked oatmeal cups trace their origins to the traditional Scottish oatmeal, a staple dish that has nourished generations with its simple yet sustaining ingredients. These portable cups offer a modern twist on this age-old classic, making it easy to enjoy a wholesome breakfast even on busy mornings. Culturally, oatmeal has long been celebrated for its versatility and ability to incorporate a wide range of flavors, from sweet to savory, allowing each household to put their unique spin on this comforting dish.
Ingredients
• 2 cups (180g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey or maple syrup
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (75g) fresh or frozen fruit (berries, diced apples, etc.)
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped nuts or seeds (almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, etc.)
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or ramekins with non-stick cooking spray or line with paper liners.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce (or mashed banana), honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract.
Step 4:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the fresh or frozen fruit and chopped nuts or seeds.
Step 5:
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups or ramekins.
Step 6:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the oatmeal cups are set and lightly golden on top. If using ramekins, the baking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
Step 7:
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Q: Can these oatmeal cups be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, these oatmeal cups are perfect for meal prepping. Bake them in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the oatmeal cups?
A: Yes, the baked oatmeal cups can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually or place them in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
A: No, steel-cut oats require a longer cooking time and may not cook through properly in this recipe. Rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking) are recommended for the best texture.
• For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats.
• For vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer.
• Adjust the sweetener to taste preference.
• Use any combination of fresh or dried fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, diced apples, cranberries, or raisins.
• Chopped nuts or seeds can be replaced with coconut flakes or omitted for nut-free.
• Baking time may vary depending on the size of the cups or ramekins used.
Serve the oatmeal cups warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed as a grab-and-go breakfast or a nutritious snack.
Store leftover oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Prepare the wet and dry ingredients separately while the oven is preheating to save time. The oatmeal cups can be baked ahead of time and reheated as needed.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle the oatmeal cups with additional chopped nuts or seeds before baking.
- Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of honey or maple syrup to suit your preference.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough or dense oatmeal cups.
For a heartier version, add a scoop of protein powder or nut butter to the batter. You can also experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or pumpkin spice, for a twist on the flavor.
Serve the oatmeal cups with a glass of milk, a smoothie, or a cup of hot coffee or tea for a complete breakfast. They also pair well with yogurt or fresh fruit on the side.
These oatmeal cups can be enjoyed year-round, but they are particularly delightful in the fall and winter months when warm and comforting breakfast options are most appealing.
This recipe contains oats, milk, eggs, and nuts (if using chopped nuts or seeds). It can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and vegan by substituting the egg with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer.