If you’re anything like me, you know that breakfast can sometimes feel like a bit of a rushed chore. That’s why I absolutely adore this Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe—because it’s not only incredibly simple to prepare, but it also tastes like a warm, comforting hug first thing in the morning. The blend of juicy strawberries with creamy richness makes every bite feel like a little celebration, and the best part? You can prep it the night before and wake up to a delicious, homemade breakfast waiting for you.
When I first tried this Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe, I was amazed at how it transformed a humble bowl of oats into something truly special and satisfying. It’s perfect for weekend brunches or when you want a cozy breakfast that doesn’t feel like all carbs and sugar. Plus, it’s flexible enough to fit plant-based or dairy diets, which is a lifesaver in my kitchen where options count. Trust me, you’ll find that once you make this, it becomes a go-to for easy, crowd-pleasing mornings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Prep and Make-Ahead: You can mix everything in advance and just bake when ready—perfect for busy mornings.
- Balanced Flavors: The natural sweetness from strawberries combined with creamy oats never feels too heavy or too bland.
- Family-Friendly: My kids ask for this regularly and it sneaks in wholesome ingredients without complaints.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs or what’s in season without losing the magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe plays a role to create that cozy, creamy texture and fresh fruity pop. I always try to pick ripe, flavorful strawberries and use whole milk or a creamy plant-based milk for richness. Plus, a little natural sweetener ties it all together beautifully.
- Eggs: These help bind everything and add a nice lift for a fluffy baked texture.
- Whole milk or plant-based milk: I love the creaminess it brings, but almond or oat milk works great too!
- Butter or coconut oil, melted: Adds moisture and richness, don’t skip it for that homemade feel.
- Maple syrup or honey: For natural sweetness, and you can drizzle extra on top after baking.
- Chopped strawberries: Fresh is best here—half goes in the mix, half for topping after baking.
- Vanilla extract: A little splash enhances the flavors without overpowering.
- Quick cooking oats: These bake up soft and tender, perfect for a creamy baked oatmeal.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and deepen flavors.
- Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise and prevents it from getting too dense.
- Cream for drizzle: Optional but adds a decadent, silky finish.
Variations
I love mixing things up depending on the season or mood—this Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe is versatile enough to handle lots of tweaks. Feel free to swap in different berries, use alternative sweeteners, or even add a handful of nuts for some crunch.
- Berry Blend: My family goes crazy for a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries instead of just strawberries—it adds such a fun burst of flavor.
- Plant-Based: Using coconut oil and almond milk keeps it vegan-friendly, and I discovered it tastes just as comforting without dairy.
- Nutty Add-In: Adding chopped walnuts or almonds gives a lovely texture contrast and a little boost of protein.
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle in cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy twist during cooler months.
How to Make Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While that warms up, grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or a little oil to make sure your baked oatmeal doesn’t stick and is easy to serve. I find using a bit of coconut oil here adds a lovely subtle flavor if you want a tropical vibe.
Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, crack in the eggs and whisk until the yolks and whites blend smoothly. Then stir in your milk, melted butter (or coconut oil), maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients first helps create a smooth base for the oats to soak up all the moisture evenly.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Strawberries
Into your wet mixture, add the oats, baking powder, salt, and only one cup of the chopped strawberries. I learned the hard way that adding all the strawberries at once can make the oatmeal too watery, so holding some out for the topping keeps the texture perfect.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set
Pour the whole mixture into your prepared dish, smoothing out the top gently. Pop it in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top turns just golden and the oats have set but still feel soft. A toothpick in the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Serve Warm with Cream and Extra Strawberries
Scoop the baked oatmeal into bowls and dress with the remaining fresh strawberries, a drizzle of cream, and an extra splash of maple syrup or honey if you like it sweeter. This finishing touch makes it feel extra special and creamy—my favorite part every time!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Use Quick Oats: They bake up softer and creamier than old-fashioned oats, giving the perfect overnight texture without getting mushy.
- Hold Back Some Berries: Adding strawberries after baking helps keep freshness and adds a lovely color pop.
- Don’t Overbake: Check at 40 minutes to avoid drying out the oatmeal; it should be just set and lightly golden.
- Prep the Night Before: Mix everything, cover your dish, and refrigerate overnight; bake fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
How to Serve Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with extra fresh strawberries and a generous drizzle of cream or coconut cream, which adds that perfect silky mouthfeel. Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle a bit of toasted coconut or chopped nuts on top for some crunch, which makes every bite more interesting.
Side Dishes
This baked oatmeal pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy bacon or turkey sausage for a savory balance. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a simple green smoothie or fresh fruit salad, which keeps the meal light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special brunch, I like to bake individual portions in ramekins and serve them directly, garnished with a sprig of mint and a dusting of powdered sugar. It creates a lovely, elegant presentation that’s still super cozy and approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for 3-4 days. When I reheat it, I usually zap a portion in the microwave for about 90 seconds or warm it in a small oven-safe dish at 350°F until piping hot.
Freezing
If I’m making a big batch, I sometimes freeze individual servings after the oatmeal cools completely. I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, removing as much air as possible. They keep nicely up to 3 months and thaw quickly in the fridge or gently in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheating works best in the oven set to 350°F — cover with foil to prevent drying out and heat for 15-20 minutes. For speed, the microwave’s fine but I add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it moist and creamy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work fine but I recommend thawing and draining any excess juice before mixing to prevent the oatmeal from becoming too watery.
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Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use certified gluten-free oats, and ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified for the safest result.
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Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?
You can try flax or chia egg substitutes, but the texture will be a little different. I haven’t tested it extensively, so if you try, let me know how it turns out!
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How do I make the baked oatmeal sweeter?
Increasing maple syrup or honey slightly in the batter or adding an extra drizzle on top after baking is the best way to adjust sweetness to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become one of my favorite comfort breakfasts—it feels indulgent without being over-the-top and is so easy to make ahead. I love sharing it with friends and family because it’s an honest-to-goodness crowd-pleaser that feels like a treat but uses simple ingredients you probably already have. Give it a try next weekend—I promise it’ll make your mornings sweeter and your kitchen smell heavenly.
PrintStrawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal is a delightful and comforting breakfast dish, combining wholesome oats with juicy strawberries and a creamy drizzle. It’s easy to prepare, baked to a golden finish, and perfect for meal prep or family breakfasts. The recipe uses simple ingredients like eggs, milk, maple syrup, and fresh strawberries, making it both nutritious and naturally sweetened.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (plant-based milk can be used as a substitute)
- 1/3 cup butter or coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey, plus more for drizzling
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups quick cooking oats
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Fruit
- 2 cups chopped strawberries, divided
Toppings
- Cream for drizzle
- Additional honey or maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 9 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, crack the 2 large eggs and whisk until well combined. Add the 2 cups of whole milk, melted butter or coconut oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together to create a smooth mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Strawberries: Into the egg and milk mixture, add the quick cooking oats, kosher salt, and baking powder. Stir gently until fully incorporated. Then fold in 1 cup of chopped strawberries, reserving the other cup for topping after baking.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the combined oat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is just golden and the oatmeal is set.
- Serve and Garnish: Once baked, scoop portions into bowls. Drizzle with fresh cream, sprinkle the remaining chopped strawberries on top, and add additional honey or maple syrup to taste for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for freezing. It will keep up to 3 months frozen. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven until hot.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the oat mixture in the baking dish ahead of time and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight and bake fresh the next day for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of the recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg