If you’re craving a breakfast that’s comforting, healthy, and wonderfully portable, you’re going to love this Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe. These individual servings capture all the cozy goodness of classic oatmeal, but package it into neat, muffin-like bites that are ready for your busiest mornings or anytime snacking. They’re incredibly simple to whip up, super customizable, and—best of all—utterly delicious, making them a fantastic addition to your meal prep routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe is in how just a handful of pantry staples come together to create something so satisfying. Each ingredient plays a special role in the flavor and texture that make these oatmeal cups such a hit.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Bring heartiness and a chewy, wholesome texture that holds everything together.
- Baking powder: Just a touch lifts the oatmeal cups, making them lighter.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with oats and fruit.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out all the best flavors.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Keeps the oatmeal moist and tender—use your favorite type!
- Eggs: Help bind everything into a perfect, muffin-sized bite.
- Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweeteners that lend depth and gentle sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with lovely aromatic notes.
- Melted coconut oil or butter: Adds richness and ensures a soft, moist crumb.
- Mashed banana or applesauce: Provides moisture and a hint of natural fruit flavor—choose whichever you love!
- Add-ins (blueberries, chocolate chips, or nuts): This is where you personalize: add fruit, chocolate, or nuts for extra flavor and fun texture.
How to Make Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, either lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with silicone muffin liners. This tiny bit of prep work guarantees that your baked oatmeal cups pop out easily and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give everything a good stir, making sure the cinnamon gets evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil or butter, and mashed banana or applesauce. Whisk until everything is well blended and smooth—your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until well combined. The oats should soak up a lot of the moisture, creating a thick, spoonable batter.
Step 5: Add Your Mix-Ins
Now is the fun part! Fold in your favorite add-ins, whether it’s a handful of fresh blueberries, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, or some crunchy chopped nuts. Don’t be shy—this is where you can make the Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe truly your own.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Spoon the mixture evenly into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the oatmeal cups to rest in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before removing. This little pause helps them hold their shape, and then you can enjoy them warm or let them cool completely for meal prep and grab-and-go goodness.
How to Serve Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your freshly baked oatmeal cups with a drizzle of extra maple syrup, a sprinkle of sea salt, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt. These finishing touches not only look inviting but also add a delightful contrast to the cozy, nutritious base.
Side Dishes
Pair your Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe with a vibrant fruit salad, a smoothie packed with greens, or a cup of hot coffee or tea for a balanced breakfast spread. For something a bit more filling, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch buffets or family breakfasts, arrange the oatmeal cups on a rustic wooden board with bowls of fresh berries, nut butters, and honey so everyone can build their own plate. Or, pack them up as a snack for road trips, lunchboxes, or hiking adventures—these little bites are unstoppable wherever you take them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. They’ll stay moist and flavorful, ready to grab whenever you need a quick, hearty snack or breakfast.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe! Wrap individual cups in parchment or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months—just grab as many as you need for an instant, wholesome breakfast solution.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, microwave oatmeal cups for about 20 to 30 seconds straight from the fridge. Frozen cups can be thawed overnight, or reheated gently in the microwave or a warm oven until soft and tender. Top with a little jam or nut butter for an extra treat!
FAQs
Can I make the Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite non-dairy milk and use coconut oil instead of butter. The cups will turn out just as moist and delicious—perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.
What are the best add-ins for oatmeal cups?
The sky’s the limit! Blueberries, raspberries, chopped apples, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, or even shredded coconut all work beautifully in this ultra-customizable recipe. Mix and match to suit your cravings!
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats are ideal for their structure, but quick oats will work if that’s what you have. Just be aware the texture of your Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe will be a bit softer and less chewy.
How can I make these cups gluten-free?
Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats and check all your added ingredients. This way, everyone can safely enjoy this wholesome breakfast bite!
Are these oatmeal cups suitable for kids?
Kids adore them! They’re subtly sweet, easy to eat with little hands, and you can mix in all sorts of flavors or fun toppings to keep young eaters excited. Plus, you know exactly what’s inside—win-win!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll treat yourself and your loved ones to this Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe soon. It’s a perfect blend of comfort, nutrition, and make-ahead convenience that never fails to brighten up my mornings. Happy baking!
Print
Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 oatmeal cups
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Oatmeal Cups are a convenient and delicious make-ahead breakfast option. Packed with wholesome ingredients and customizable add-ins, these oatmeal cups are perfect for a quick and nutritious meal on the go.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
- 1/2 cup mashed banana or applesauce
Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup of your choice (blueberries, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, melted coconut oil, and mashed banana or applesauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well. Fold in the add-ins.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the mixture among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool in the pan before serving.
Notes
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
- Customize with different fruits, seeds, or spices for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oatmeal cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
