Start your morning on a bright, nourishing note with baked oatmeal cups, a cozy favorite that’s bursting with customizable flavors and wholesome ingredients. These hand-held delights offer all the heartiness of classic oatmeal, but packaged conveniently for busy mornings or snacking on the go. Whether you love your oats sprinkled with chocolate chips or brimming with blueberries, this recipe is your ideal blend of convenience, taste, and nutrition—all in a perfectly portioned cup.

Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these baked oatmeal cups couldn’t be simpler or more rewarding. Each element brings something special to the table, adding up to a breakfast that’s as delicious as it is nourishing.

Old-fashioned rolled oats: Provide that irresistible chewy texture and are the backbone of these cups.
Baking powder: Lends just the right rise for a tender bite.
Ground cinnamon: Warms up every morsel with a cozy, fragrant note.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor.
Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Binds ingredients and keeps the oatmeal cups moist—choose your favorite variety!
Unsweetened applesauce: Adds gentle sweetness and makes these wonderfully soft without extra fat.
Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweeteners for just the right touch of richness—pick whichever you prefer.
Large egg: Helps everything hold together and gives the cups structure.
Vanilla extract: A subtle background note that brings everything together with marvelous aroma.
Add-ins (chocolate chips, blueberries, chopped nuts, or dried fruit): This is where you personalize—add whatever your heart (or pantry) desires!

How to Make Baked Oatmeal Cups

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin lightly with oil or nonstick spray, or pop in some paper liners for simple removal later. This little prep step ensures your baked oatmeal cups come out of the tin with ease.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the old-fashioned oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Giving these dry ingredients a whirl ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, which means consistent texture throughout your cups.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate, medium bowl, whisk the milk, applesauce, maple syrup or honey, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and all the wet ingredients come together into a creamy mixture. This step helps distribute flavor and moisture evenly in every bite.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined—don’t over mix! Overworking oats can make the cups dense, and you want them tender and fluffy.

Step 5: Fold in Your Add-ins

Here’s where the fun really starts. Gently fold in your chosen add-ins, whether you’re a fan of melty chocolate chips, juicy blueberries, crunchy chopped nuts, or tangy dried fruit. Each variation gives baked oatmeal cups a unique flair!

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, aiming to fill each cup about 3/4 full. Try to get an even distribution of oats and add-ins, so each baked oatmeal cup feels special.

Step 7: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the center of your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of a cup comes out clean. Be patient—these minutes are where the magic really happens and your kitchen fills with a cozy, inviting aroma.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the oatmeal cups rest in the pan for five minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. This little waiting period helps them finish setting up and makes removing from liners a breeze. Now, get ready to savor each wholesome bite!

How to Serve Baked Oatmeal Cups

Garnishes

Give your baked oatmeal cups an extra pop by topping them with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of warm honey or maple syrup, or a dusting of chopped nuts right before serving. A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt never hurts, either—just pure morning bliss in every bite!

Side Dishes

Balance your breakfast by pairing baked oatmeal cups with a crisp fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or a refreshing smoothie. The cups themselves are filling, but these accompaniments turn breakfast into a spread that’ll keep you energized and happy well past noon.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange a variety of baked oatmeal cups on a platter for brunch, with little signs labeling each flavor. If you’re packing lunches, tuck a cup or two into a container with fresh fruit and a small wedge of cheese for a satisfying snack. For special mornings, serve them in pretty muffin papers with a side of whipped ricotta or almond butter to spread on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your baked oatmeal cups are cooled completely, pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days, making meal prep a breeze and ensuring a grab-and-go breakfast is always waiting.

Freezing

Baked oatmeal cups are freezer rockstars! Simply cool the cups, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to three months. When hunger hits, just pull out what you need—no waste, just convenience.

Reheating

When it’s time to eat, you can warm baked oatmeal cups in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. If reheating from frozen, zap them for about 60 seconds or until heated through. For a tender, freshly-baked feel, add a splash of milk before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make baked oatmeal cups gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, and the entire recipe will be safe for anyone following a gluten-free diet—no other tweaks needed.

What are some good add-in combinations?

The options are nearly endless. Try chocolate chips and walnuts for a classic combo, blueberries and lemon zest for something bright, or dried cranberries and chopped pecans for a fall-inspired twist. Mix and match based on what you love and have on hand!

Can I omit the egg?

Yes, you can make these egg-free by swapping in a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit to gel) or your favorite egg replacer. The texture will be slightly different but still hearty and delicious.

Are baked oatmeal cups kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love these because they’re easy to eat and can be tailored to their tastes with different add-ins. Plus, they’re perfect for little hands and school lunchboxes.

How can I make these cups nut-free?

Just skip any nut add-ins if allergies are a concern, and use oat or rice milk for the liquid. You’ll still get a fantastic batch of baked oatmeal cups with your choice of fruit or chocolate add-ins.

Final Thoughts

If breakfast routines are getting a bit dull, give these baked oatmeal cups a try—they’re full of flavor, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to make mornings feel special. With just a little prep, you’ll have a breakfast that’s as joyful as it is wholesome. Happy baking!

Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 oatmeal cups 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

These Baked Oatmeal Cups are a perfect make-ahead breakfast option that’s customizable and delicious. Packed with oats, warm spices, and your choice of add-ins, they are great for meal prep or a quick morning meal on the go.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-Ins:

1/2 cup add-ins of choice (chocolate chips, blueberries, nuts, dried fruit, etc.)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Blend Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), egg, and vanilla.
Combine and Fold: Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture, stir until combined. Fold in add-ins.
Fill and Bake: Divide mixture into muffin cups, bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and set.
Cool and Serve: Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

These oatmeal cups are freezer-friendly. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
Customize with different fruits, spices, or nut butters for variety.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American