Oatmeal bake

Oatmeal bake

30 min
Enjoy the comfort and goodness of our oatmeal bake, a blend of sweet bananas, vibrant berries and oats, all brought together with a sprinkle of chia seeds. This satisfying bake is a nod to a beloved classic, offering a delightful crunch and sweetness that will light up any time of your day. Crowned with a spoonful of smooth skyr or yogurt and a drizzle of honey, this dish is more than a snack – it's a warm welcome in a bowl. Look forward to the simplicity of making it and the happiness it brings with every bite.
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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
  • Grease 2 bowls with butter.
  • Mash the banana and mix it with the oats, chia seeds and milk.
  • Divide the porridge into the bowls and sprinkle frozen berries and coconut flour over the porridge.
  • Bake the porridge (approx. 25 minutes).
  • Top with skyr and a drizzle of honey and serve immediately.
Enjoy!

Questions about baked oats

Are you a long-time oat lover or just discovering this comforting dish? You might be wondering how to prepare, store or add your own twist to it. Below, we've answered some common questions to help you make your oatmeal bake stand out.

Can I reheat my baked oats?
Definitely! Reheating baked oats is easy and convenient for a quick, warm meal. Simply heat in the microwave until thoroughly warm. If you're reheating a large batch, cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at 180 °C for about 20 minutes. For a single serving, reheat for 5-10 minutes in the oven at the same temperature, or simply microwave for a minute. Remember to top the warm oats with a generous spoonful of creamy skyr or yogurt and a sweet honey drizzle to enhance the flavours, combining warmth, creaminess, and sweetness in every spoonful.
How do I create the perfect baked oats consistency?
For a perfectly soft and chewy oatmeal bake, choose whole rolled oats. They don't absorb too much moisture, preventing a dry result. Watch your bake and take it out when it turns golden and feels slightly soft. Mix your ingredients right before baking to stop the oats from getting too soggy. Consider adding a bit of melted butter which will incorporate extra flavour and keep your bake from turning rubbery. These tips will help you make a tender, moist and delicious oatmeal bake, every time.
Can I use steel cut oats in this recipe?
If you like the nutty taste and chewy feel of steel cut oats, they can be a great choice. Remember, the final dish will be heartier and less cake-like. When adapting the recipe, soak the steel cut oats in milk for 20 minutes before you mix them with other ingredients. Also increase the bake time by 20-30 minutes and watch the texture, adding liquid as needed.

Ingredients

Natural Arla® Skyr
50 ml
Arla Cravendale Semi-skimmed milk
100 ml
Large banana
1
Rolled oats
50 g
Chia seeds
1 tbsp
Frozen berry
100 g
Coconut flour
25 g
Liquid honey
1 tbsp
Butter (for greasing bowls)

Achieving cake-like baked oats

To get that soft, cake-like texture in your baked oats, blend the banana, oats, milk and chia seeds in a high-speed blender until smooth. This step changes the usual baked oats feel into a more cake-like consistency. Let the mix sit after blending to let the chia seeds thicken. Then, stir in any extra flavours or textures you like. Watch the oats as they bake for a golden colour and firm feel.

Experiment with different toppings and flavourings

Enhance your baked oats with a mix of flavours that cater to your liking. Add slices of ripe bananas for sweetness and a soft texture, or blueberries for a tangy kick. Nuts like pecans offer crunch and protein, while chocolate chips or cocoa powder bring a rich, chocolatey taste. For something different, mix in peanut butter and jam, or add a welcome crunch with crumbled spelt-, banana- or even matcha cookies.

Monitor baking progress to avoid dryness

Keep a watchful eye on your oatmeal bake to maintain moistness. Aim for a golden-brown colour and a firm texture. If you're using ramekins, muffin tins or a cake pan instead of bowls, check if they're done a bit sooner than the recipe's recommended time. This step helps prevent overbaking and ensures your snack comes out tender and enjoyable.

Is it possible to freeze baked oats?

Yes, you can freeze baked oats once they're cooked. This keeps them fresh for when you need a quick and easy breakfast or snack. Once cooled, tightly wrap each serving in clingfilm. Placed in an airtight container, your baked oats can be kept in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready for your treat, simply defrost in the fridge the night before. Scroll up for tips on reheating your baked oats.

Can I prepare my oatmeal bake ahead of time?

Definitely! You can make the oatmeal bake in advance, which is great for busy mornings or when you have guests. Simply bake as the recipe states, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate for 1-2 days. If you'd rather get a head start without baking, mix the dry ingredients, and cover them overnight at room temperature. Keep the wet ingredients mixed and chilled in the fridge. The next day, combine and bake.

Explore sweet alternatives

Trying different sweeteners can add exciting new flavours to your oatmeal bake. Agave nectar, a plant-based syrup, offers a mild sweetness that blends well with the oats and fruit flavours. Coconut sugar, with its caramel-like taste, comes from coconut palm sap. It has a grainy texture that can give a slight crunch if you sprinkle it on top of the bake. When you use other sweeteners, note that some – like agave nectar – are sweeter than honey, so you might use less. Coconut sugar can usually replace honey in equal amounts but adjust to your liking.

Create individual portions for easy snacking

Creating individual portions is a practical and efficient way to enjoy your favourite treats without the hassle of portioning them out each time. By using tools like muffin tins, you can divide your oatmeal bake into single servings that bake evenly and are simple to grab on the go. This method not only ensures consistent baking but also makes it convenient to store and reheat portions as needed. Whether you keep them in the refrigerator for a quick snack throughout the week or freeze them for longer storage, these individual portions are perfect for those extra busy days.

Select top-notch ingredients

A scrumptious oatmeal bake starts with choosing the best ingredients. Select fully ripe bananas for their deep, sweet flavour that surpasses that of any sweetener. For berries, whether fresh or frozen, pick the highest quality for a juicy addition to each bite. Use old-fashioned oats for their robust texture; they absorb the flavours well and add a pleasing chewiness to your bake.

Expert tips to boost your oatmeal bake flavour

Enhance your oatmeal bake by choosing specific spices and ingredients that offer rich flavours. Cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom not only add aroma but also bring complex flavours to your dish. Level up the spicy notes by matching your oatmeal bake with spicy coffees – our cardamom coffee, pumpkin spice latte or cinnamon coffee are all great additions to enhance your snacking experience.

For a textural upgrade, add nuts and seeds. Walnuts or almonds provide a satisfying crunch while flaxseeds or pumpkin seeds add a unique chewy texture to every bite.

To make your oatmeal bake even creamier, start by soaking the oats in milk. This softens them and leads to a decadent texture in the final dish. Soak for 10-15 minutes for a moist and satisfying result.