I absolutely love this Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe because it’s like a cozy hug on a plate — sweet, comforting, and easy to make ahead for busy mornings. The juicy strawberries combined with creamy oats create a breakfast that feels indulgent yet nourishing. Whether you’re packing school lunches or need a weekend brunch winner, this recipe never disappoints.
When I first tried this baked oatmeal, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could transform into something so special. You’ll find that it’s versatile, wholesome, and perfect for anyone who wants a delicious start to the day without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you get the hang of it, it’ll become one of your go-to family favorites too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: You mix everything in one bowl and bake — perfect for busy mornings or overnight prep.
- Naturally Sweet: The fresh strawberries and maple syrup add fruity sweetness without processed sugar.
- Family Favorite: Both kids and adults ask for seconds, making it great for crowds or meal prepping.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can swap milk or butter for dairy-free options easily, making it allergy-friendly too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that balance creamy richness with bright strawberry flavor. When shopping, look for ripe, sweet strawberries—they really make a difference here.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and add protein for a filling start to your day.
- Whole Milk: Adds creaminess; you can swap for plant-based milk if you prefer.
- Butter or Coconut Oil: Melted and mixed in for moisture and richness.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: These natural sweeteners bring just the right touch of sweetness, and you can drizzle extra on top.
- Chopped Strawberries: Divided to mix in the batter and reserve some for topping—freshness is key.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that rounds out the oatmeal.
- Quick Cooking Oats: These bake up tender and soft, perfect for a baked oatmeal texture.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor depth and balances the sweetness.
- Baking Powder: Gives the oatmeal a light, fluffy lift in the oven.
- Cream for Drizzle: Optional but highly recommended — adds a luscious finishing touch.
Variations
I love how flexible this Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe is—you can easily make it your own depending on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. I often switch up the fruit or add a touch of spice to keep things interesting.
- Berry Medley: Once, I mixed in blueberries and raspberries along with strawberries, and the burst of different berries made it even more vibrant.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a creamy vegan version that still feels rich.
- Add Some Spice: A teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg adds a cozy warmth I adore during cooler months.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for a delightful texture contrast.
How to Make Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish—this ensures the oatmeal won’t stick and will brown beautifully. Then, chop your strawberries, reserving about 1 cup for mixing into the batter and keeping the rest for topping after baking.
Step 2: Whisk and Combine the Wet Ingredients
Crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk until smooth. Next, stir in the milk, melted butter or coconut oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Mixing these first helps ensure a smooth, uniform batter and avoids clumps of dry oats later on.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Strawberries
To the wet mixture, add your quick cooking oats, kosher salt, and baking powder. Stir everything gently until just combined, then fold in the 1 cup of chopped strawberries. The berries will keep their juicy bite rather than turning to mush, which I love.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set
Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden top with slightly crisp edges while keeping a tender, custardy center. If the top starts browning too much, loosely tent with foil.
Step 5: Serve Warm with Cream and Fresh Strawberries
Once baked, scoop the oatmeal into bowls and drizzle generously with cream along with the remaining fresh strawberries and a little extra maple syrup or honey if you like it sweeter. This finishing touch brings everything full circle and is downright addictive.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Use Ripe Strawberries: I learned that juicy, ripe berries make a huge difference in flavor and texture—avoid underripe or too soft berries.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir gently to combine ingredients; overmixing can make the texture dense instead of tender and fluffy.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Oven temps vary, so start checking around 40 minutes to avoid drying it out.
- Let It Rest Briefly: After baking, allow the oatmeal to set for 5-10 minutes before serving—it firms up beautifully.
How to Serve Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this bake with a swirl of heavy cream or a creamy non-dairy alternative—it just melts perfectly into the warm oatmeal. Fresh strawberry slices not only add brightness but also make it look gorgeous on the plate. Sometimes, a sprinkle of toasted almonds gives a lovely crunch that’s a personal favorite touch.
Side Dishes
Pair the baked oatmeal with a side of Greek yogurt or a small serving of scrambled eggs if you want extra protein in your breakfast. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie also complements it well for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like baking this in individual ramekins or mason jars—it feels a bit more special and perfect for brunch gatherings. You can also layer it in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and berries for a stunning dessert twist everyone raves about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days. I always reheat individual portions in the microwave until just warmed through—this keeps the texture tender and the strawberries juicy.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, I cut it into squares and store them in a freezer-safe container. It lasts for up to 3 months, and you can thaw in the fridge overnight or pop it straight into a warm oven to refresh.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer using the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes covered with foil to keep moisture in. This method preserves that lovely baked texture better than microwaving, especially if you’re serving multiple portions.
FAQs
-
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick cooking oats?
Absolutely! Using rolled oats will give your baked oatmeal a chewier texture and a heartier bite. Just be aware that the baking time might increase slightly, so keep an eye on the edges and center by the 45-minute mark.
-
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free oats and make sure other ingredients are gluten-free, then yes! Otherwise, standard oats might contain trace gluten, so swap with gluten-free oats for safety.
-
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Definitely! One of my favorite tricks is to mix everything, pour it into the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Then bake it fresh the next morning—perfect for a stress-free breakfast.
-
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply replace the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use melted coconut oil instead of butter. For the cream drizzle, try coconut cream or any non-dairy creamer to maintain that luscious finish.
-
Can I add other fruits?
Yes! This recipe is super adaptable. Blueberries, blackberries, or sliced peaches work wonderfully. Just be mindful of the moisture content — fruits like peaches can make it wetter, so consider reducing the milk slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal Recipe holds a special place in my morning routine because it’s a comforting yet simple dish that feels made with love. Whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself, it’s a delightful way to enjoy fresh strawberries in a wholesome, satisfying way. Give it a try—I’ll bet it’ll become a beloved breakfast staple in your home just like it is in mine.
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
Strawberries and Cream Baked Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast dish featuring quick-cooking oats baked with fresh strawberries, eggs, and milk to create a creamy, golden casserole. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey and finished with a drizzle of fresh cream and extra berries, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients for a wholesome, flavorful start to your day.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (plant based works too)
- 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
Fruits and Toppings
- 2 cups chopped strawberries, divided
- Cream for drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 9 inch baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the 2 large eggs until combined. Stir in the milk, melted butter or coconut oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Strawberries: To the wet mixture, add the quick cooking oats, kosher salt, and baking powder. Stir thoroughly to blend. Fold in 1 cup of the chopped strawberries, reserving the other cup for topping.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Place in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is just golden brown and the oatmeal is set.
- Serve: Remove from oven and scoop portions into bowls. Drizzle with fresh cream, add the remaining chopped strawberries on top, and drizzle with extra honey or maple syrup to taste for added sweetness and creaminess.
Notes
- To store: Place baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best flavor. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- To freeze: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the oatmeal mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it covered in the baking dish. Bake it fresh the next day as directed for easy mornings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg