Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe

Baked oatmeal cups are the perfect way to enjoy a wholesome and satisfying breakfast, and they’re incredibly easy to make. These oatmeal cups are not only delicious but also customizable, allowing you to add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or fresh berries. With the natural sweetness of overripe bananas, the richness of almond or peanut butter, and the subtle hint of vanilla, these oatmeal cups offer a balanced combination of flavors and textures. They are a fantastic option for meal prepping, as they can be made ahead of time and stored for a quick and nutritious breakfast throughout the week.

The best part about these baked oatmeal cups is how adaptable they are. Whether you’re looking for a healthy grab-and-go breakfast or a filling snack, these cups check all the boxes. They’re naturally sweetened with bananas and maple syrup, which means there’s no need for refined sugars. The oats provide fiber and long-lasting energy, while the eggs and milk make them moist and satisfying. Whether you’re following a specific dietary preference or just looking for a convenient, tasty breakfast, these oatmeal cups are a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthy and Wholesome

These oatmeal cups are packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, bananas, and almond or peanut butter, offering a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

2. Perfect for Meal Prep

Baked oatmeal cups can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a quick and easy breakfast during busy mornings.

3. Naturally Sweetened

With the use of ripe bananas and pure maple syrup, these oatmeal cups are naturally sweetened without any added refined sugars, making them a healthier option.

4. Customizable

You can add a variety of mix-ins like chocolate chips, berries, dried fruit, or nuts to suit your personal preferences, or stick to a simple classic.

5. Great for On-the-Go

These oatmeal cups are portable, making them a perfect choice for people who need a healthy and filling snack or breakfast that’s easy to take with you.

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Ingredients

For the Oatmeal Cups:

• Overripe bananas, mashed
• Almond butter or peanut butter
• Pure maple syrup (honey can be substituted)
• Large eggs
• Milk (plant-based or dairy milk)
• Vanilla extract
• Old-fashioned oats
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Mix-ins (chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or fresh berries)

Variations

• Berry Oatmeal Cups: Add fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a burst of fruity flavor.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups: Add a few spoonfuls of peanut butter, along with chocolate chips, for a decadent, yet healthy, combination.
• Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups: Dice up an apple and mix in a pinch of cinnamon for a fall-inspired variation.
• Nutrient Boost: Add chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp hearts for an extra nutritional boost.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with muffin liners.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas until smooth. Add the almond or peanut butter, maple syrup, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

To the banana mixture, add the oats, baking powder, and salt. Stir everything together until fully incorporated. If you’re using any mix-ins (chocolate chips, dried fruit, chopped nuts, or fresh berries), fold them into the oatmeal mixture.

Step 4: Portion the Mixture

Spoon the oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. If you like, sprinkle some extra chocolate chips or nuts on top of each cup for added texture and flavor.

Step 5: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the oatmeal cups are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the oatmeal cups to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for later.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Overripe Bananas: Overripe bananas are naturally sweeter and provide the best flavor and texture for these oatmeal cups.
• Don’t Skip the Baking Powder: Baking powder helps the oatmeal cups rise and gives them a light, fluffy texture.
• Customize the Mix-ins: Get creative with your mix-ins, whether you prefer dried cranberries, chopped dark chocolate, or walnuts. Just be sure not to overload the batter with too many add-ins to maintain the structure.
• Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so check the oatmeal cups at the 20-minute mark. If they’re golden on top and firm to the touch, they’re done.
• For Extra Moisture: If you want a slightly softer texture, consider adding a tablespoon of yogurt or applesauce to the batter.

How to Serve

Baked oatmeal cups can be enjoyed on their own as a quick breakfast or snack. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for an easy, satisfying morning routine. If you like, serve them with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of almond butter for an extra boost of creaminess and flavor. These oatmeal cups are also great for meal prep and can be served at room temperature or warmed in the microwave for a few seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover oatmeal cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warmer climate or want them to stay fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

Freezing

You can freeze these oatmeal cups for up to 3 months. Place the cooled oatmeal cups on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply microwave the frozen oatmeal cups for 30-60 seconds or thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat the oatmeal cups in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different nut butter?

Yes, you can use any nut butter, such as cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or even peanut butter, based on your preference or dietary restrictions.

2. Can I substitute the maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave syrup works as a great substitute for natural sweetness.

3. Can I make these oatmeal cups without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs for an egg-free version. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water, and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

4. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned oats are preferred for texture, but quick oats can be substituted in a pinch. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.

5. Can I add protein powder to these oatmeal cups?

Yes, you can add a scoop of protein powder to increase the protein content. Reduce the amount of oats slightly to balance the mixture.

6. How do I make these oatmeal cups vegan?

To make these oatmeal cups vegan, simply substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based milk like almond milk or oat milk.

7. Can I freeze the batter?

While you can freeze the batter, it’s best to bake the oatmeal cups first and then freeze the individual cups. The batter may not hold up as well after freezing and thawing.

8. Can I make these oatmeal cups without any sweetener?

Yes, you can omit the sweetener, but the oatmeal cups may be less sweet. If you prefer a naturally sweet flavor, use extra ripe bananas.

9. Can I make these oatmeal cups gluten-free?

Yes, you can use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.

10. How long can I store these oatmeal cups?

Stored in an airtight container, these oatmeal cups will last for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Baked oatmeal cups are a delicious and versatile breakfast option that can be enjoyed on the go or as part of a relaxed morning. With natural sweetness from bananas and maple syrup and the option to add a variety of mix-ins, these cups are a great way to start your day. Whether you make them ahead for meal prep or bake them fresh for a cozy breakfast, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. So grab your ingredients, customize them to your taste, and enjoy these healthy, flavorful oatmeal cups all week long!

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