Delicious Strawberry Almond Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal: Your Ultimate Healthy Breakfast & Meal Prep Solution
This delightful recipe for Strawberry Almond Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal was lovingly crafted in partnership with Bob’s Red Mill, a brand renowned for its high-quality grains and commitment to healthy eating.
For as long as I can remember, the concept of baked oatmeal has intrigued me. I’d come across countless recipes online, each promising a unique texture and flavor experience that I instinctively knew I would adore. While I typically gravitate towards savory breakfast options – give me eggs any day! – I also truly appreciate a comforting bowl of oatmeal or the convenience of overnight oats. Oats, in general, are incredibly nourishing, packed with fiber and essential nutrients, and I’m fortunate that my children share my enthusiasm for them. This baked version, however, takes oatmeal to an entirely new level, transforming it into a hearty, satisfying, and wonderfully cake-like breakfast treat that’s perfect for any day of the week.
What Exactly is Baked Oatmeal?
Baked oatmeal is precisely what its name implies: oatmeal that is prepared and then baked in the oven rather than cooked on the stovetop. This method results in a significantly different texture – less creamy and more akin to a soft, delicious breakfast casserole or a wholesome cake. I particularly enjoy using steel cut oats whenever possible because of their robust texture and nutty flavor. However, I initially harbored some reservations about incorporating them into a baked oatmeal recipe. Their heartier nature and longer cooking time compared to rolled oats suggested they might be tricky to get right in a baked format. After delving into some research and discovering Lisa’s ingenious method for baking steel cut oatmeal, I decided to give it a try. The results were nothing short of wonderful – a perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful baked oatmeal that exceeded all my expectations.
The Simple Steps to a Wholesome Baked Breakfast
While there is a short, crucial prep step involved with this dish, the overall process remains incredibly straightforward. The key to achieving the perfect texture with steel cut oats in this recipe is soaking them in boiling water for about 45 minutes until they have fully absorbed the liquid. This initial soak softens them beautifully, ensuring they cook through evenly in the oven and achieve that delightful, tender bite. Once the oats are prepped, the rest is remarkably easy. You simply combine all the remaining ingredients in a large bowl, mix them well, and then pour the mixture into a casserole dish to bake. In less than an hour, you’ll be rewarded with a generous, aromatic breakfast that’s ideal for feeding a large family or for convenient meal prep that lasts several days. This makes it an absolute lifesaver for busy mornings, providing a nutritious and delicious start without any fuss.
Enjoying Your Strawberry Almond Baked Oatmeal
The beauty of this Strawberry Almond Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal lies in its versatility and its fantastic texture. Personally, I love to enjoy my serving – typically one-eighth of the casserole – warmed gently in the microwave. I then top it with a drizzle of honey vanilla kefir and a generous handful of fresh, juicy strawberries. The combination of the warm, comforting oats with the cool, creamy kefir and sweet fruit is simply heavenly. My kids, on the other hand, often opt for Greek yogurt and a variety of their favorite fresh fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas, alongside their portion. It’s important to note that the texture of baked oatmeal is distinctly more “cake-like” or “bread pudding-like” rather than the creamy consistency of traditional stovetop oatmeal. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can easily add a splash of your milk of choice – whether it’s more coconut milk, almond milk, or regular dairy milk – to your warmed serving before diving in.
The Ultimate Meal Prep Hero
Having pre-portioned servings of this baked oatmeal ready to go in the fridge is a true game-changer, especially during the summer months or any period when schedules are a bit more relaxed (or chaotic!). In my house, it means that even if everyone wakes up at different times, a healthy, delicious, and satisfying breakfast is just minutes away. No need to cook individual meals; simply grab a square, heat it up, add your favorite toppings, and you’re set. This level of convenience ensures that everyone gets a wholesome start to their day, making mornings smoother and much more enjoyable. It’s not just about convenience, though; it’s about providing sustained energy and nutrients that keep you full and focused throughout the morning, thanks to the whole grains, healthy fats, and protein packed into every bite.
A Flavor Profile to Savor
This recipe brings together a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are simply irresistible. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of fresh strawberries burst through, complemented beautifully by the nutty crunch of sliced almonds. Shredded coconut adds a subtle tropical note and a pleasant chewiness, while almond butter and pure maple syrup contribute richness and a balanced sweetness. Vanilla extract enhances all these flavors, creating a harmonious and comforting taste experience. Using Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats ensures a quality foundation, providing a hearty, wholesome base that stands up to the baking process, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and invigorating. It’s a breakfast that feels indulgent but is genuinely good for you, offering a fantastic balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber to fuel your day.
I hope you are all enjoying a fantastic start to “summer” or whatever season you find yourselves in. My kids are officially on summer vacation, which means more relaxed mornings – and more opportunities to enjoy delicious, easy breakfasts like this one. Cheers to wonderful food and happy times!
Print Recipe
Strawberry Almond Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 1 hour (includes crucial soaking time)
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats
- 3 cups boiling water
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse or kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened (or sweetened, your choice) shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk, found in dairy aisle (or other milk of choice like almond milk or regular milk)
- 1 heaping cup chopped fresh strawberries
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large, heat-proof bowl, combine the steel cut oats and 3 cups of boiling water. Let this mixture soak for 45 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the oats to fully absorb the water, softening them sufficiently for baking and ensuring a tender, not chewy, result.
- Once the oats have soaked, stir in the sliced almonds, almond butter, maple syrup, salt, shredded coconut, pure vanilla extract, and coconut milk until all ingredients are well combined. Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries, being careful not to mash them too much.
- Pour the entire mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set, golden around the edges, and bubbling slightly at the sides. The center should look firm but still moist.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving immediately for a warm, comforting breakfast. Alternatively, let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once fully cooled, you can slice it into 8 individual square or rectangle portions and refrigerate them in an airtight container for easy meal prep throughout the week.
- Individual portions can be reheated in a bowl by microwaving for about 2 minutes, or until warmed through. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and additional fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas for a nutritious and delicious breakfast.
This exceptional recipe was adapted from a method developed by Garnish With Lemon, providing the perfect foundation for our strawberry almond creation.
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(Disclosure: I am proud to be a brand ambassador for Bob’s Red Mill, and I have received compensation for our partnership. It’s a joy to collaborate with brands I genuinely believe in and use regularly in my kitchen. Thank you for continuing to support the wonderful brands that make Aggie’s Kitchen possible!)
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