Mixed Berry and Apple Baked Oatmeal

Mixed Berry and Apple Baked Oatmeal is a satiating healthy breakfast that comes together in a flash! Make it for meal prep during the week or serve it up on the weekend for breakfast or brunch with friends and family.

For me, baked oatmeal is one of those feel-good make ahead breakfast recipes the whole family can enjoy!

My Vegan Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal disappears remarkably quickly in my household.

I had a sultry love affair with Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal many years ago, and am always up for Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal to use up any ripe banana in the house and Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is an epic crowd pleaser as well.

Well here we are with Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal, which is not surprisingly a favorite sharable brunch recipe on this site. It turns out almost like bread pudding with an amazing custardy filling bringing it all together.

What I love about this recipe, in addition to the fact that it’s so easy to prepare, is that it has so much incredible flavor and almost a custard like texture! I would categorize it as one of the more decadent approaches to oats, perfect for livening up a special occasion.

Using the full-fat coconut milk as the liquid results in a moist and creamy texture and makes the breakfast taste like dessert in spite of being completely healthful.

I use a combination of blueberries and raspberries for this recipe, but you could also add (or substitute) strawberries or blackberries.

The pop of the fresh berries and the sweetness of the apple adds vibrance and natural sweetness to make the oatmeal taste fresh.

Ingredients for Berry Baked Oatmeal:

Oats: Old fashioned rolled oats make for amazing baked oatmeal! They are a great source of fiber and complex carbohydrates and are one of the most satiating whole foods you can eat. I use Gluten-Free Sprouted Oats (the sprouting process helps make the nutrients more bioavailable), but pick your favorite brand.

I prefer the robust texture of whole rolled oats over instant oats or quick oats, but quick oats may also be used in a pinch.

Because steel cut oats require much more time to cook, I don’t recommend using them as a replacement for this recipe as I haven’t tested it myself yet.

Eggs: In combination with coconut milk, eggs make for the liquid and custard portion of this baked oatmeal recipe. Eggs help fluff up the baked oatmeal and keep it held together nicely when you slice it. You can replace the eggs with flax egg to make the baked oatmeal vegan, but note that it will take slightly longer to bake.

Coconut Milk: Full-fat canned coconut milk brings incredible richness to this easy baked oatmeal recipe. I love the flavor and texture it lends to to meal but if you’re looking to keep the calories lower, you can replace it with your favorite non-dairy milk such as almond milk, soy milk, light coconut milk, oat milk, or use regular whole milk.

Vanilla Extract: Bringing warmth to the mix, a little vanilla extract makes this healthy breakfast extra enticing. If you don’t typically keep it on hand, no worries. You can skip it and the oatmeal will still turn out great.

Coconut Sugar, Cane Sugar, or Pure Maple Syrup: In order to sweeten the baked oatmeal, you can use coconut sugar, cane sugar, or pure maple syrup. If using pure maple syrup, reduce the amount to 1/3 cup and add an additional 1/2 cup of oats. Brown sugar or sugar substitutes like monk fruit sweetener or stevia works too!

Because the apple and fresh berries add sweet flavor to the mix, you can leave sweetener out altogether if you’d like!

Berries and Apple: Fresh fruit brings an incredible tangy flavor and also a natural sweetness for bright flavors. You can use any combination of berries you love – you’ll just need 2 cups. I recommend using fresh berries as frozen berries leach a lot of liquid when thawed and cooked. If you do use frozen berries, simply thaw them first to allow any excess liquid to come out.

Recipe Adaptations:

You can use this easy berry baked oatmeal recipe as a base recipe for your other oatmeal adventures. Change up the milk, fruit, and more to make it your own.

Back when I first started making baked oatmeal, I used baking powder to help leaven the recipe but after a number of tests without it, I learned baking powder isn’t really necessary. If you’re into it, you can add 2 teaspoons.

How to Make Berry Baked Oatmeal:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9″ x 9″ baking pan with parchment paper. Note: you can also lightly spray the baking pan with cooking oil if you don’t have parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, and vanilla extract (the wet ingredients).

Stir the remaining dry ingredients into the egg mixture until everything is well combined. This oat mixture will be very wet – this is normal.

Transfer the oatmeal mixture to the baking pan and bake on the center rack of the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the baked oatmeal has set up and is lightly golden-brown. Note: If you use a different milk other than full-fat coconut milk, the oatmeal may require less time to bake due to the lower fat content. For instance, if using a lower fat non-dairy milk, bake for 35 minutes then continue checking on the oatmeal until it’s ready.

Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing it into individual portions and serving.

Serve with your choice of fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or chocolate chips.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. As an alternative, you can cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.

Health Benefits of Berry Baked Oatmeal:

Let’s talk about the health benefits of this baked deliciousness, starting with them berries.

Berries are high in antioxidants and fiber, and are a great way of sweetening up a dish while still being low in sugar.

Did you know that aside from being considered a brain food, blueberries are also known for lowering stress? In addition, strawberries help regulate your blood pressure and have been touted as having cancer fighting properties.

So, berries, folks! Add them to your everything!

And now the health benefits of oatmeal.

Oats are a whole grain that lower your risk of developing high blood pressure, increases your serotonin production (happy food!), and is full of fiber and protein, helping you stay fuller longer. As I mentioned before, I use sprouted rolled oats for this recipe, but you can use regular oats as well. Combining the oats with berries makes for a satisfying low-glycemic breakfast that is tasty both hot and cold.

Old-fashioned oats are my personal favorite, but all forms of oats do the body good.

I enjoy this mixed berry and apple baked oatmeal as is, or with a healthy glob of plain yogurt and more fresh berries.

You can also add full-fat coconut milk, almond milk, melted butter, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

If you’re into brunching, brunch on this recipe ASAP! It takes hardly any time or effort to make and can easily feed a crowd.

More Recipes with Oats:

• 4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Bars 
• 5-Ingredient Healthy Granola Bars
• Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats
• Strawberry Overnight Oatmeal
• 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies

There you have it! An easy healthy baked oatmeal recipe for busy mornings or a true delight for serving guests.

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