baked oatmeal

baked oatmeal
Originally uploaded by greenclogs.

I was asked ever so nicely for this recipe, so I'm putting it here.

We do mix this up, depending on what I have in the fridge (applesauce is often not there) and in the pantry for dried fruit, but this is the standard that I use. Feel free to mix it up and experiment for yourself!

Baked Oatmeal (or Oatmeal Cake - the kids' preference)

3 cups rolled oats (I use old fashioned but quick oats are fine)
1 cup dried fruit (raisins, chopped dates, cranberries, apples, whatever)
1/4 cup sugar or honey - I usually use honey
2 tsp baking powder
1-1/2 tsp cinnamon, or more if you're a big fan like me
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup plain yogurt (I like nonfat greek yogurt)
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup canola oil (I have skipped this the last couple of times and no one noticed)
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350

Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another, combine. Pour into an oiled 8" square or round baking dish. If desired, sprinkle top with 2T brown sugar mixed with 1/4 tsp of cinnamon for a crunchy sweet top.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Serve with sweetened yogurt on top, as well with any fruit you may want to add. I like to mix plain yogurt with a really dark honey, like pecan honey for this.

Proven modifications - I have substituted an extra 1/4 cup each of milk and yogurt when I had no applesauce, and added chopped apple. We have used dates, dried mango, raisins, dried cherries, dried cranberries, etc. and they're all quite good. I usually use old fashioned oats, which gives a nice chewy texture, but quick oats are also good, and make it more cakey. Using the canola oil makes it more tender. Without the oil, it is almost like a soft granola bar and is easier to pack along. The kids prefer it with the added sweetness of the topping or the yogurt (especially if you didn't add the oil).

Enjoy!

Comments

[Account Deleted]

Yum, I'm going to try this for tomorrow morning. I may even try and soak the grains tonight.

It's so funny, I've been dreaming of something sort of like this for a while. I tried to invent an oatmeal breakfast cookie last summer with mixed results (we were gluten free at the time). I may still try and perfect that recipe.

[caroline thornewill]

Ooh! That looks even better than mine!

[melissa]

oh, I'm going to make this. How well does it keep? I'm thinking calling it granola bars when we're responsible for snacks at preschool next week.

[gold]

I am going to have to try and make this for my son who is away at college.This sounds like something he would like.

[Molly Irwin]

Yum! Thanks Sarah. Straigt to my bookmarks.

I do love that smell in the house, too :)

[Grace]

mmm! thank you, sarah! maybe you have solved my family's breakfast problem!!!

[Michelle]

YUMMY! Thanks for posting this!! :)

[Mary-- The Yellow Door Paperie]

O this looks so good! We eat tons of granola and I love the idea of this recipe... going to try it this weekend.

[leslie]

oh, man. my mouth is watering!!!!
i can't wait to make that!

[Megan]

Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing.

[Amy]

Good idea. Yum. Breakfast cake!

[emily]

Interesting. I've never heard of this, but I do love oatmeal.

[Anne]

I've never heard of this either, but I'm going to try it. Thank you!

[Habit Blog]

oh me oh my. i'm so whipped that i could flop into bed, but of course now i'm thinking about getting up early to make this yumminess. thanks, sarah!

[molly]

ooh yummy! i think i'll make it for tomorrow morning - power us up for farmer's market and t-ball game.

we've been making sleepover oats (from the book you sent me - dang it i still haven't posted about it!). i make a big pot sunday night and it lasts til friday morning (ok, thursday morning this week; it was a hungry week). we love it!

[Kristena]

We're big fans of baked oatmeal around here. Your take on it sounds great! And little bit healthier than we've been making it too... :)

[julochka]

made this today. it was much more cake-like than i thought, but perhaps that was my package of organic oatmeal. :-) but we loved it! thank you!!

[Katharyn]

Great recipe, I will definitely try it.

[Lin]

Looks great...Illike the addition of yogurt to th ebase. What is sleepover oatmeal that lasts almost a wekk??? I need that recipe or book?