1 Bowl Baked Oatmeal

• servings: Serves 9
• active time: 5 min
• total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 and 3/4 cups (420ml) milk (dairy or nondairy)

2 large eggs*

1/2 cup (120ml) pure maple syrup*

1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled*

1/4 cup (60g) unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana

3 cups (255g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats*

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 and 1/2 cups (225g) fresh or frozen mixed berries, (do not thaw & see note)

optional for topping: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9×9 inch or 11×7 inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Any similar size or shape pan works, though 8×8 inch would be too small. See recipe note for 9×13 inch pan.

Whisk all of the ingredients together in 1 large bowl. Pour into prepared baking pan. Top with nuts, if desired. (Or stir into the oatmeal.) Bake for 35 minutes or until the center appears *almost* set, which gives us a soft oatmeal as pictured above. For drier and more solid baked oatmeal, bake until center has set.

Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon or slice and serve with yogurt, if desired. Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Notes

Make Ahead Instructions: Bake the oatmeal, cool completely, and store in the refrigerator all week for easy breakfasts. Reheat in the microwave or cover and bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10 minutes. To freeze, bake and cool oatmeal. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Warm to your liking. I love cutting the cooled baked oatmeal into bars or servings and freezing them individually for a quick breakfast to thaw. Wrap each in plastic wrap and place in a large freezer bag or container.