Blueberry Baked Oatmeal – The Almond Eater

Make a batch of this Blueberry Baked Oatmeal for a filling and flavorful breakfast! Packed with wholesome rolled oats, crunchy pecans, and fresh blueberries, it’s a nutritious way to start the day and makes enough for a crowd or meal prep. 

If you know me, you know I’ve got a soft spot for oats in all of their delicious forms, from convenient microwave oatmeal and overnight oats to wholesome sweet treats like oatmeal cookies, granola, and this warm and gooey blueberry baked oatmeal.

 

I’ve already happily tested my way through other baked oatmeal recipes, like my pecan pie and banana baked oatmeal, so rest assured, this blueberry version is just plain perfect. Imagine plump and juicy blueberries, hearty old-fashioned oats, and the satisfying crunch of pecans baked into a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

The best part? This easy baked blueberry oatmeal works for any occasion, whether you need an impressive centerpiece for Sunday brunch, a kid-friendly breakfast, or healthy meal prep. One serving will satisfy and satiate you for hours, so you can say goodbye to your morning slump and hello to feeling fueled and focused until lunchtime.

Recipe features

• There’s a comforting balance of crave-worthy flavors in every bite, thanks to the sweet blueberries, warm vanilla and brown sugar, and cozy, nutty pecans. 
• This baked oatmeal is a nutritional powerhouse! Blueberries load it with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins; old-fashioned oats are a wonderful source of carbs and protein; and pecans add healthy fats.
• It’s a win-win for both your taste buds and your busy schedule. With only 15 minutes of hands-on work, you get to spend less time in the kitchen and more time savoring the delicious rewards.

Ingredients

Pecans – Finely chopped pecans add a delicate crunch and a rich, nutty flavor to this easy breakfast. If you don’t have pecans, you can use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts instead.

Old-fashioned oats – The star ingredient! Remember to use certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats if you need this breakfast to be gluten-free.

Brown sugar – This makes the baked oatmeal slightly crispy while lending sweet, caramel-like flavors. Cane sugar, coconut sugar, or white sugar all work well as substitutes.

Spices – You need cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

Eggs – These help bind the oatmeal together.

Milk – Use regular cow’s milk or opt for non-dairy milk instead, like almond, oat, or cashew milk.

Fresh blueberries – The co-starring ingredient! Just like these blueberry scones, they add a burst of sweetness and a vibrant pop of color to every bite. Opt for fresh, ripe berries for the best taste and texture, or use frozen blueberries for a convenient substitute.

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients. Stir some of the pecans, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg together in a large bowl.

Step 2: Whisk the wet ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla together.

Step 3: Add the blueberries. Gently stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the blueberries.

Step 4: Assemble, then bake. Pour the oat mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining pecans and brown sugar on top. Bake the oatmeal until the top is slightly browned. 

Step 5: Cool, then slice. Let the baked oatmeal cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Tips and FAQs

• Fold the blueberries gently into the oatmeal mixture to avoid mashing or breaking them. Many of the berries will burst when baking, but it’s nice to have beautiful, whole berries throughout the dish as well. 
• To help prevent sogginess, distribute the berries evenly throughout the oatmeal mixture. This also ensures every bite is bursting with fruity flavor. 

Variations

• Nut-free – Swap the pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas).
• Berry options – Get creative by mixing and matching the blueberries with fresh raspberries, strawberries, and/or blackberries. 
• More mix-ins – Customize your blueberry oatmeal bake with shredded coconut, dark chocolate chips, or a swirl of almond butter.
• Protein oatmeal – Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the oat mixture, or enjoy the slices of baked blueberry oatmeal topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• A la mode – Turn this into a dessert by serving the slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or nice cream!).  

Is baked oatmeal good for you?

Absolutely! This healthy blueberry baked oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, plant-based protein, antioxidants, and a long list of other health benefits.

What type of oats are best for baked oatmeal?

Old-fashioned rolled oats (AKA rolled oats) work the best in baked oatmeal because they’re hearty and absorb the liquid evenly during baking. That said, you can experiment with steel-cut oats for a chewier texture or quick oats for a softer consistency, but you’ll have to adjust the liquid accordingly.

Why are my baked oats soggy?

Oh no! Sogginess in baked oats can happen if the liquid-to-oats ratio is off, so make sure you’re following the recipe measurements accurately. Also, don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a softer texture.

Can I make baked oatmeal with frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh. I do, however, recommend adding them to the “batter” while they’re still frozen because thawed berries may make the baked oatmeal soggy. Keep in mind that you may also need to add an extra 3 to 5 minutes to the baking time.

Storage

Make ahead: Baked oatmeal with berries is an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare the batter, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it fresh in the morning. You can also bake it as normal, refrigerate it, and reheat the slices throughout the week for a convenient breakfast or snack.

Refrigerator: After the blueberry baked oatmeal is cool, store the whole batch or individual slices in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. 

Freezer: Baked oatmeal also freezes well for 2 to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave the next day.

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