This beloved recipe was originally published in February 2021 and has since been thoughtfully updated in [Current Year, e.g., 2024] with an enhanced recipe, vibrant new pictures, and clear step-by-step photos to ensure your baking success.

While weekends often call for indulgent breakfasts like brioche cinnamon rolls, weekdays demand something more practical yet equally delicious. This fluffy baked oats recipe is designed to keep you feeling full and energized until lunch. It’s a fantastic canvas for your favorite toppings, from fresh fruit and crunchy nuts to decadent chocolate chips or creamy peanut butter. It truly feels like having a wholesome cake for breakfast!

Why You’ll Love This Single-Serving Baked Oatmeal

There are countless reasons why this individual baked oatmeal will become a staple in your breakfast routine. It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that’s incredibly easy to achieve. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe stand out:

• Lightning-Fast Prep: With only 5 minutes of hands-on preparation, this recipe fits perfectly into even the busiest morning schedules. You’ll likely find all the necessary ingredients already in your pantry, eliminating the need for a last-minute grocery run.
• Effortless Blending for a Dreamy Texture: All the core ingredients are simply tossed into a blender and whizzed for about a minute until smooth. This blending step is key to achieving that wonderfully light, fluffy, and cake-like texture that distinguishes baked oats from traditional oatmeal. The batter is then poured into an oven-safe ramekin, ready for baking.
• Perfectly Portioned & Easily Scalable: This recipe is specifically designed for one, ensuring you get a fresh, warm breakfast every time without any leftovers. However, it’s incredibly easy to double or even triple the recipe if you’re cooking for two or planning a small breakfast gathering. Simply divide the batter into additional ramekins.
• Minimal Cleanup: Who wants to deal with a pile of dishes first thing in the morning? This recipe requires hardly any cleanup – just your blender and the single dish you use to bake the oats. It’s a true win-win!
• Endless Customization Options: The versatility of this recipe is one of its biggest advantages. We’ve included four delicious flavor variations to inspire you, but don’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits, nuts, spices, and spreads to create a unique baked oat creation every time.
• Smart Overnight Prep: For those mornings when every second counts, you can prep all the dry ingredients the night before. This makes your morning routine even smoother; just add the wet ingredients, blend, and bake!

Essential Ingredients for Your Baked Oats

Crafting these delectable baked oats requires a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and some helpful tips:

• Oats: For this recipe, I highly recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats. These oats provide a wonderful chewiness and structure to the baked oatmeal. If you prefer a smoother, more uniform texture, you could also use oat flour, which will create an even more cake-like result. Avoid steel-cut oats, as they require a much longer cooking time and a different liquid ratio, and quick oats can result in a mushier texture.
• Egg: This recipe calls for 1 standard egg. The egg acts as a binder, helping the oats hold their shape, and contributes to the richness and fluffy texture. While I haven’t personally experimented with a flax seed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), it’s a common vegan egg substitute, so feel free to try it if you need an egg-free option! If you’re looking for an entirely egg-free baked oats recipe, be sure to check out my delightful chocolate orange baked oats recipe.
• Banana: A ripe banana is a star ingredient here, providing natural sweetness and essential moisture. I typically use about 1 medium to small banana. Don’t worry if you’re not a huge banana fan; once baked, the banana flavor is incredibly subtle, simply adding to the overall sweetness and moistness without overpowering the dish. For those who prefer no banana at all, unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree can be used as alternatives, though you might need to adjust the sweetener slightly.
• Honey: I use honey as a natural sweetener in this recipe, adding a lovely depth of flavor. If you’re following a vegan diet, or simply prefer another sweetener, maple syrup or agave nectar are excellent replacements. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of sweetness.
• Baking Powder: This is the crucial leavening agent that gives these baked oats their signature rise and airy, fluffy texture. Don’t skip it! It transforms dense oatmeal into a light and enjoyable breakfast cake.
• Vanilla Extract: While optional, a touch of vanilla extract significantly enhances the overall flavor, especially when you’re making a plain version without many additional toppings. It adds a warm, comforting aroma and taste that elevates the oats.
• Pinch of Salt: A tiny pinch of salt might seem insignificant, but it’s a flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness and brings out the best in all the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Baked Oats

Making these single-serving baked oats is incredibly straightforward, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps to ensure a perfectly delicious result every time:

Step 1: Prepare and Blend Your Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready. Next, prepare your ramekin or small baking dish. Lightly spray it with baking spray, or use a pastry brush to evenly coat the inside with a thin layer of vegetable oil. Proper greasing is essential to prevent the baked oats from sticking, making cleanup much easier. Now, add all your wet ingredients (egg, banana, honey/maple syrup, vanilla extract) and dry ingredients (rolled oats, baking powder, salt) into your blender or food processor. Blend everything for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. The goal is to achieve a uniform batter with no visible oat flakes, which contributes to the delightful cake-like texture.

Step 2: Pour, Top, and Bake to Perfection

Carefully pour the smooth batter into your prepared ramekin. At this point, if you have any extra mix-ins like nut butter, cocoa powder, or cookie butter, gently fold them into the batter or swirl them in. For toppings like chocolate chips, fresh berries, or a dollop of jam, sprinkle them generously over the top of the batter in the ramekin. Place the ramekin in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. The baked oats are ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This cooling period is important as it allows the oats to set slightly, making them easier and safer to eat. Then, grab a spoon and enjoy your warm, fluffy breakfast!

Exciting Flavor Variations to Try

The beauty of this baked oats recipe lies in its incredible versatility. It serves as a perfect base for countless flavor combinations. Here are some of my favorite ways to customize your single-serving baked oatmeal:

Classic Chocolate Chip Baked Oats

For a timeless treat, add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite chocolate chips directly to the batter just before pouring it into the ramekin. You can also sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top of the batter right before baking for a delightful melted chocolate finish. Dark, milk, or white chocolate chips all work wonderfully!

Sweet & Savory Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oats

Transform your breakfast into a nostalgic delight. Add 1 tablespoon of creamy or crunchy peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter of your choice) to the blender along with the other ingredients before mixing. Once the mixture is poured into your ramekin, dollop a spoonful of your favorite fruit jam or jelly on top. You can swirl it gently with a knife for a marbled effect or leave it as a distinct layer. Bake and enjoy a warm, comforting twist on a classic sandwich.

Indulgent Double Chocolate Baked Oats

Chocoholics rejoice! For an extra rich and decadent breakfast, incorporate 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder into the blender with the dry ingredients before blending. This deepens the chocolate flavor. Then, sprinkle a small handful of chocolate chips over the top of the batter just before baking for a double dose of chocolatey goodness.

Cozy Cookie Butter Biscoff Baked Oats

If you’re a fan of the unique spiced flavor of Biscoff cookies, this variation is a must-try. Add 1 tablespoon of cookie butter or Biscoff spread to the blender before mixing. The cookie butter melts into the oats, infusing them with its distinct flavor. For an extra special touch, place a whole Biscoff cookie on top of the batter just before baking; it will soften slightly and add a wonderful crunch.

Fruity Berry Blast Baked Oats

For a burst of freshness, fold in a quarter cup of fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries work well) into the batter after blending, just before pouring into the ramekin. You can also press a few extra berries into the top of the batter for a beautiful presentation. Berries add natural sweetness, a slight tang, and antioxidants.

Warm Spiced Apple Baked Oats

Chop a small apple into tiny pieces and mix them into the batter. Add a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon and a tiny pinch of nutmeg for a comforting, autumnal flavor. A drizzle of extra maple syrup on top after baking can enhance the experience.

Baked Oats for One

Ella Gilbert

Nutrition