Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake
Highlighted under: Light Nutrition Kitchen
I love starting my mornings with something both nutritious and delicious, and this Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake fits the bill perfectly. With juicy strawberries mingling with wholesome oats, the aroma that fills my kitchen is simply irresistible. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a wonderful option for busy weekdays or leisurely weekends. Plus, I can prepare it in advance and enjoy a warm slice each morning, ensuring I’m fueled for the day ahead. If you’re looking for a breakfast that combines convenience with flavor, this is the recipe for you!
When I first experimented with this bake, I was looking for a way to make use of ripe strawberries that were sitting in my fridge. The combination of oats with sweet fruit creates a comforting, filling dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. I especially love that it can be made ahead of time, giving me more time to enjoy my morning cup of coffee.
The best part is how simple it is to customize! I’ve added nuts, swapped in different fruits, and even drizzled a bit of honey on top. This recipe is versatile, ensuring I can enjoy a new twist each time while still keeping it healthy and satisfying.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Deliciously sweet and fruity from fresh strawberries
- Hearty oats create a substantial breakfast that keeps you full
- Make-ahead option lets you enjoy breakfast even on busy mornings
The Importance of Oats
In this Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake, rolled oats play a crucial role in both texture and nutritional value. They provide a hearty base that gives the dish a satisfying chew while also being a great source of fiber, which helps to keep you full and energized throughout the morning. For a gluten-free option, you can easily substitute regular rolled oats with certified gluten-free oats, ensuring everyone at the breakfast table can enjoy this dish.
Additionally, the oats absorb the flavors of the milk and honey, enhancing the overall taste of the bake. When mixed with the liquid, they form a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the juicy strawberries. If you prefer a denser bake, you can reduce the amount of milk slightly, but be careful not to make it too dry.
Fresh Strawberries Make a Difference
The use of fresh strawberries in this recipe not only adds a burst of sweetness but also contributes to the overall health benefits of the dish. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and support skin health. When adding the strawberries, ensure you gently fold them in to prevent them from breaking apart, which could lead to a mushy texture in the final bake.
If you're making this recipe out of strawberry season, you can substitute with frozen strawberries, but keep in mind this may release extra moisture. To mitigate this, you can thaw and drain the frozen strawberries thoroughly before mixing them in, or add a little more oats to balance the texture.
Make-Ahead Convenience
One of the best features of this breakfast bake is its make-ahead convenience. You can easily prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply pour it into the greased baking dish and bake it fresh. This saves you precious time during busy mornings when you need a nutritious breakfast but are short on time.
After baking, leftover slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. For an extra touch, you can top each slice with Greek yogurt, adding a creamy element that complements the sweetness of the strawberries wonderfully.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for this Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake:
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (or almond milk)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (for serving, optional)
Mix all the ingredients together and prepare to bake!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, honey, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well until combined.
Add Strawberries
Gently fold in the sliced strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Bake
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally topped with Greek yogurt.
Enjoy your delicious and wholesome breakfast bake!
Pro Tips
- Experiment with different fruits or sweeteners to make this bake your own. Adding nuts can also provide a nice crunch!
Serving Suggestions
Serving this Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake warm from the oven is always a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with a dollop of Greek yogurt to add creaminess and protein, making it an even more filling breakfast. You might also consider drizzling a bit of extra honey or maple syrup on top for those who prefer a sweeter kick, especially if the strawberries aren’t as ripe or sweet.
If you're entertaining or want to elevate your breakfast experience, serve slices alongside a variety of toppings such as nuts, seeds, or fresh mint leaves. This not only adds different textures but also an appealing presentation that can make your meal feel more indulgent.
Storing and Freezing Tips
To extend the shelf life of your Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake, consider freezing it. After it has cooled completely, slice the bake and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy slices at a later date! It will be good in the freezer for up to three months.
When you're ready to enjoy a slice from the freezer, simply remove it and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can reheat it directly from frozen in the microwave for about a minute, adding additional time as needed. However, make sure to keep an eye on it to prevent overheating and drying out.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you find your bake turns out too dry, it may be a signal that you’ve overcooked it or used too many oats. To prevent this, keep an eye on the bake during the last few minutes in the oven; aim for a golden-brown top while ensuring the center remains slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out clean but not completely dry.
Should you discover the bake is too soggy, it’s likely a result of using too many strawberries, especially if they were particularly juicy. In this case, you can always add a bit more oats in the next batch or cook it for a few extra minutes in the oven to solidify the texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before adding them to the mixture.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
→ Can this be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
→ Is it necessary to add sweeteners?
No, if you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce or omit the honey or maple syrup, especially if your strawberries are very ripe.
Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake
I love starting my mornings with something both nutritious and delicious, and this Strawberry Oat Breakfast Bake fits the bill perfectly. With juicy strawberries mingling with wholesome oats, the aroma that fills my kitchen is simply irresistible. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a wonderful option for busy weekdays or leisurely weekends. Plus, I can prepare it in advance and enjoy a warm slice each morning, ensuring I’m fueled for the day ahead. If you’re looking for a breakfast that combines convenience with flavor, this is the recipe for you!
Created by: Megan Douglas
Recipe Type: Light Nutrition Kitchen
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (or almond milk)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (for serving, optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, honey, vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well until combined.
Gently fold in the sliced strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally topped with Greek yogurt.
Extra Tips
- Experiment with different fruits or sweeteners to make this bake your own. Adding nuts can also provide a nice crunch!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 6g