Strawberry Baked Oatmeal

This Strawberry Baked Oatmeal is studded with sweet and juicy strawberries and packed with nutrients, a wholesome breakfast casserole that will keep you energized for hours! It’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep. Gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free with grain-free, vegan, low-carb, keto and paleo-friendly options.

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Updated February 2023

Healthy Oatmeal Bake with Strawberries

Baked oatmeal is always a treat – who doesn’t love a healthy breakfast that tastes like a cookie? This Strawberry Baked Oatmeal is easy to make and can be customized however you’d like. Filled with fresh, juicy strawberries and freeze-dried fruit, this particular baked oatmeal might just be our favorite! It makes a perfect cozy breakfast for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day or any morning, plus it stays good in the fridge all week.

This crave-worthy breakfast casserole is made with gluten-free oats and almond milk to ensure that it works with your diet plan. Maple syrup and applesauce are used to sweeten the oats without adding any refined sugar! On top of that, you can make your baked oatmeal grain-free, vegan, low-carb, keto and paleo-friendly if needed.

Not only does it taste like heaven on a plate, but this baked oatmeal is also a healthy breakfast option. It’s sweetened with pure maple syrup, which makes it both vegan and refined sugar-free and we’ve also included options to make it grain-free, low carb, keto and paleo-friendly.

Are Baked Oats Healthier Than Oatmeal?

Oatmeal on its own is incredibly healthy, but this baked oatmeal definitely takes the lead when it comes to nutrition. It incorporates eggs for an extra punch of protein and ground flaxseeds for added fiber. And because it’s sweetened naturally, there’s no need to load it up with a bunch of brown sugar!

What You’ll Need

If you’d like to use another kind of milk or natural sweetener instead of what’s listed below, go right ahead. Here are out go-to ingredients for strawberry baked oatmeal with diet-friendly substitution options included:

• Eggs: If you’re vegan, you can make a fail-proof egg substitute by combining a tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2 ½ tablespoons of water.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Use Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup or yacon syrup to make low-carb baked oatmeal.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: We like Malk Organic since it doesn’t contain any fillers.
• Melted Coconut Oil: Use refined if you want to avoid any coconut flavor or sub with avocado oil or any neutral-tasting oil of your choice.
• Pure Vanilla Extract
• Baking Powder: This contributes to the chewy texture of the oatmeal.
• Ground Cinnamon: Feel free to toss in a dash of nutmeg as well if you’d like.
• Ground Flax Seeds: For an extra boost of fiber. You can omit this if desired. Hemp seeds, chia seeds and plant-based protein powder also make wonderful additions.
• Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: If you need grain-free or paleo-friendly oatmeal, swap the oats with equal parts roughly chopped coconut flakes and sliced almonds. You’ll need about 1 ¾ cups of each.
• Strawberries: You’ll need 1/3 cup of fresh strawberries. Fresh is best but if you prefer or only have frozen, be sure to thaw and drain the berries before getting started on your casserole. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid and cooking time.
• Ground Cinnamon: How could you not add cinnamon to a warm, comforting dish like this?
• Sea Salt: Just a pinch.

How to Make Strawberry Baked Oatmeal

This oatmeal casserole is as easy as it gets! You just have to combine the ingredients and bake.

• Prep for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan, greased muffin tin or silicone muffin liners with the batter. Set the prepared pan aside.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, vanilla and milk in a large mixing bowl until combined.
• Add Dry Ingredients: Add the baking powder, cinnamon and flax seeds, stirring to combine.
• Add Oats & Strawberries: Stir in the oats and strawberries.
• Transfer Batter to Baking Dish: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top it with additional fresh strawberries or freeze-dried strawberries.
• Bake: Bake the oatmeal in the preheated oven until it’s just set and no longer jiggly, about 30-35 minutes.
• Let Cool: Cool your baked oatmeal for at least 5 minutes before you serve it.
• Add Toppings & Enjoy! Top the oatmeal bake with some extra maple syrup, a splash of almond milk and more fresh strawberries if desired.

Can You Use Fresh or Frozen Berries?

Yes! Either fresh or frozen strawberries will work for this recipe. We definitely suggest using fresh ones if strawberries are in season, but otherwise, frozen berries will taste equally delicious. Just use whatever you have on hand! Be sure to thaw and drain the berries before getting started on your casserole and you may also need to adjust the amount of liquid and the cook time.

Tips For Success

Be sure to check out the tips below before you start working on your oatmeal. You’ll be an instant pro!

• Do Not Use Quick Oats! Quick oats are not ideal for baking. They do not have the proper texture – nor do steel-cut oats. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the best results.
• Wash & Drain the Berries: Don’t forget to wash and rinse your strawberries with water to remove any potential dirt or pesticides. If you’re using frozen strawberries, thaw them out ahead of time. Drain the berries well to avoid adding excess moisture to your oatmeal.
• Don’t Over-Bake: Over-baking your oatmeal could cause it to become hard rather than chewy. Once it’s done and lightly browned, remove it from the oven.
• The Cooling Time is Key: It’s important to let your baked oatmeal cool for at least 5 minutes before you cut and serve it. Otherwise, you won’t be able to cut it into clean slices.

Variation Ideas

One of the things we love about baked oatmeal is its versatility! Here are some swaps you can make and some overall flavor variations:

• Substitutions: Feel free to substitute the maple syrup for liquid monk fruit sweetener, regular organic sugar or another sweetener of choice. You can also use regular milk and butter instead of almond milk and coconut oil if you’re not dairy-free/vegan.
• Add More Berries! Why not make this a mixed berry oatmeal bake? That would be berry delicious! Keep in mind that frozen berries will take a little longer to cook than fresh ones, so adjust your bake time accordingly.
• Add Nuts: A handful of chopped nuts or toasted coconut flakes would add a yummy crunch to this oatmeal casserole.
• Use Freeze-Dried Berries: If you want a more intense, sweet berry flavor in your oatmeal, just use your favorite freeze-dried berries!
• Make Strawberry Banana Oatmeal: Try mixing a mashed banana into your oatmeal to add a ton of extra flavor and nutrients. The riper the banana, the better!

Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways to serve strawberry baked oatmeal – you really can’t go wrong! Try one of the following options if you need some inspiration.

• Top with Greek Yogurt: We usually top our baked oatmeal with a scoop of Greek yogurt (use dairy-free yogurt if needed). It adds a creamy element that beautifully complements the chewy oats.
• Serve with Nut Butter: Another thing we love adding to baked oatmeal is Homemade Nut Butter. Whether it’s almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter or pecan butter, it’ll add an irresistible finishing touch.
• Care for Dessert? This dish truly tastes like a dessert, so why not make it one! Serve it after dinner with a scoop of No-Churn Ice Cream to end your day on a delicious note.

How to Store and Reheat Extras

Refrigerate any leftover oatmeal in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make sure you let it cool completely before you store it. If you’ve already cut the oatmeal into slices, store them in a single layer to prevent sticking.

You can warm up your oatmeal in the microwave or the toaster oven. Microwave it in 30-second intervals or toast it at 300°F until it’s nice and warm.

Can I Freeze Baked Oatmeal?

Go ahead! Once it’s done cooling, wrap the oatmeal tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, your baked oatmeal will last for up to 3 months! Thaw it out in the fridge before you reheat it.

More Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas

Meal prep is a total game-changer for busy families. These recipes are the best of the best!

• Low-Carb Egg Casserole
• Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

5 from 3 votes

Print

Strawberry Baked Oatmeal

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

35 mins

Total Time

45 mins

 

This Strawberry Baked Oatmeal is studded with sweet and juicy strawberries and packed with nutrients, a wholesome breakfast casserole that will keep you energized for hours! It's easy to make and perfect for meal prep. Gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free with grain-free, vegan, low-carb, keto and paleo-friendly options.

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: breakfast casserole, oatmeal bake recipe, strawberry baked oatmeal, strawberry recipes

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 246 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk or any other milk
• 2 large eggs (or use flax eggs for vegan) (For each flax egg - 1 tablespoon flax seed + 2.5 tablespoons water)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup or other liquid sweetener of choice, plus more depending on preferred sweetness – you can always serve with more maple syrup once baked. Use Lakanto Sugar-Free maple syrup or yacon syrup for lower sugar/low-carb.
• 4 teaspoons melted coconut oil , use refined to avoid any coconut flavorOR you can sub with avocado oil or any neutral tasting oil *coconut oil will harden with any cold liquids - this is totally normal and will melt down once baked
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 1/2 cups gluten-free old fashioned rolled oats. for grain-free + paleo-friendly oatmeal, swap oats with equal mix of roughly chopped coconut flakes and sliced almonds (about 1 3/4 cups of each).
• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries chopped, plus more for topping
• 2 tablespoon freeze-dried strawberries chopped (feel free to leave out and add more fresh strawberries instead) (plus more for topping)

Serving Suggestions:

• yogurt
• banana slices
• milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13 baking pan or a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or line baking sheet with silicone liners. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add the maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the oats and the strawberries.

3. Spread batter into a casserole dish or divide batter evenly into prepared muffin tin or silicone muffin liners. Sprinkle with additional strawberries, if desired.
4. Bake in preheated oven until just set and no longer jiggly - about 30-35 minutes in a baking pan or 20-25 minutes in muffin tins.
5. Enjoy immediately or freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave when ready to enjoy.

Nutrition Facts

Strawberry Baked Oatmeal

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 246 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Carbohydrates 42g14%

Fiber 4g16%

Sugar 15g17%

Protein 6g12%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.