As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, there’s nothing like the comforting aroma of a warm breakfast to start the day. This Ultimate Blueberry Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal is a delicious blend of fall’s best flavors. Combining the heartiness of oats with sweet blueberries and spiced pumpkin, this dish is both nourishing and cozy. It’s perfect for a family breakfast or a solo morning treat, with leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture and mix well. Stir in the dried cranberries.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, until the top turns golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
Nutritional Values
Total Nutritional Values for Entire Recipe | Calories: 3144 | Total Fat: 120g | Saturated Fat: 64g | Cholesterol: 632mg | Sodium: 4016mg | Total Carbohydrates: 472g | Dietary Fiber: 32g | Total Sugars: 288g | Protein: 56g | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 1120mg | Iron: 16mg | Potassium: 1736mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of fruit in this baked oatmeal recipe?
- Absolutely! You can switch the dried cranberries with any other dried fruit like blueberries or raisins. Fresh fruits like diced apples, pears, or peaches can also be used when they are in season.
- Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk alternative. You can also replace the melted butter with applesauce or a dairy-free butter substitute.
- How can I make this recipe less sweet?
- To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar to 3/4 cup or even 1/2 cup, depending on your preference. You might also consider using a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
- Can I prepare this baked oatmeal in a different-sized pan?
- Definitely! If you prefer a thicker oatmeal, you can use a 9×9-inch baking dish instead of a 9×13-inch dish. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly.
- What are some additional flavors I can add to this recipe?
- You can experiment with adding spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or ginger for extra flavor. Additionally, try sprinkling some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top before baking for a delicious twist.
Tips
- Experiment with Fruit Varieties: While dried cranberries are a staple in this recipe, feel free to swap them out for other dried fruits like blueberries or seasonal fresh fruits like apples, pears, or peaches for a different flavor profile each time you bake.
- Adjust Sugar to Taste: The recipe calls for one cup of brown sugar, but you can reduce this to 3/4 cup or even 1/2 cup if you prefer a less sweet oatmeal. Alternatively, consider using a sugar substitute for a healthier option.
- Customize with Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or ginger along with the cinnamon. This can add warmth and depth to the oatmeal.
- Prevent Dryness: To avoid the baked oatmeal becoming too dry, you can bake it for a shorter time, around 30 minutes, or increase the milk content slightly for a softer consistency.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: While many people have baking dishes, the specific size might not be available in every household.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Though common, some people might need to purchase a larger one specifically for recipes like this.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for precise measurements, and not everyone might have a complete set.
