If you’re looking for a delightful breakfast or snack that’s both wholesome and irresistibly tasty, the Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine warm, golden, muffin-shaped bundles packed with cozy oats, a hint of cinnamon, and tender applesauce that give each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and heartiness. These cups are not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough to satisfy any craving, whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a slow weekend morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe calls for a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together in harmony to create texture, flavor, and a touch of natural sweetness. Each component is essential in making these cups perfectly moist, tender, and fragrant.
- Oats: The base of the recipe, providing natural fiber, chew, and a comforting heartiness.
- Baking powder: Ensures your oatmeal cups rise just enough for a light, fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm spice that’s classic and comforting in oatmeal recipes.
- Brown sugar: Offers a gentle sweetness and deep caramel notes.
- Applesauce: Brings moisture and a subtle fruitiness while keeping the cups tender.
- Milk: Helps bind the ingredients and add creaminess.
- Eggs: Give structure and a little richness to each cup.
- Melted butter: Adds buttery flavor and ensures a soft crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic touch.
How to Make Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your muffin tin well. This step is important to make sure your baked oatmeal cups come out cleanly and have a beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the baking powder evenly, which will contribute to the perfect rise and texture.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture, flavor, and richness, making every bite of these oatmeal cups soft and delicious.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing so your baked oatmeal cups stay tender instead of dense or chewy.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Using a spoon, fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full with the oatmeal mixture. This allows space for the cups to rise without spilling over.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the tops turn a lovely golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. You’ll know your Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe is ready when they have a slightly crisp crust but remain soft and moist inside.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cups to cool in the tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a handful of fresh berries for a breakfast treat that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
How to Serve Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top to bring out fresh flavors and add texture. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey lends a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and oats.
Side Dishes
Serve your oatmeal cups alongside creamy yogurt or a dollop of nut butter for added protein and richness. A hot cup of coffee or tea wonderfully complements this breakfast treat as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering these baked oatmeal cups with yogurt and fruit for a parfait-style breakfast, or pop one in your lunchbox for a handheld mid-day snack that feels indulgent but stays wholesome.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They stay moist and flavorful, making them a grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
Freezing
You can freeze these oatmeal cups for up to 2 months. Just wrap each one individually or stack them with parchment paper between to avoid sticking, then thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Reheat your baked oatmeal cups in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a warm oven. They heat evenly and regain their delightful soft texture without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Yes! Rolled oats work wonderfully in this Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe, offering a slightly chewier texture that many people love. Just be sure not to substitute steel-cut oats as they won’t soften enough during baking.
Is it possible to make these cups dairy-free?
Definitely. Swap the milk for any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter or coconut oil instead of melted butter for a perfect dairy-free version.
Can I add fruit or nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Folding in blueberries, chopped apples, or chopped nuts before baking adds extra flavor and texture to your oatmeal cups. Just don’t overload the batter to keep them baking evenly.
How sweet are these oatmeal cups?
The sweetness comes mostly from the brown sugar and applesauce, making them mildly sweet and naturally flavored. You can adjust the sugar up or down based on your preference.
Are these oatmeal cups good for meal prep?
Yes, they are fantastic for meal prep since they store well and reheat easily. Making a batch on the weekend can save time during busy weekday mornings.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and satisfying about the Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe. It’s an easy, wholesome choice that warms you up from the inside out and makes breakfast feel special even on the busiest days. Give this recipe a try—you might find yourself looking forward to morning oatmeal in a whole new, delicious way.
Print
Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 oatmeal cups
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and wholesome baked oatmeal cups that are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. These moist and flavorful cups combine oats with warm spices, applesauce, and a hint of sweetness, baked to golden perfection and best served with maple syrup and fresh berries.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
To Serve
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the oatmeal cups.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry oat mixture and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the texture light and tender.
- Fill muffin cups: Spoon the oatmeal mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full to allow space for rising during baking.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the baked oatmeal cups cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries for a delightful, nutritious breakfast.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, replace milk with almond or oat milk and substitute butter with melted coconut oil.
- You can add nuts or dried fruits to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- These oatmeal cups can be reheated in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds before serving.
