The Best Ever Baked Oatmeal Recipe
The Best Ever Baked Oatmeal Recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 20. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Lees Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 12 hrs 45 min | Cook: 1 hr 10 min | Total: 14 hrs 15 min
Cost: $12.65 total, $0.63 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 cups Buttermilk (If unavailable, make by adding 3 tbsp white vinegar to 3 cups whole milk, stir and let sit 5 minutes)
- 3 cups Whole Milk (Use 2% or whole milk for richer texture)
- 3 tablespoons White Vinegar (Any distilled white vinegar works)
- 6 cups Rolled Oats (Old‑fashioned rolled oats, not instant)
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon Powder (Ground cinnamon)
- 250 g Unsalted Butter (Melted; no need to cool before adding)
- 1 cup Brown Sugar (Packed; light or dark both fine)
- 6 large Apples (Any variety; peeled and grated)
- 4 Large Eggs (Room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (Double‑acting)
- 3 cups Frozen Raspberries (Can substitute any frozen or fresh berries)
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (For serving; optional)
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (For serving; optional)
- 2 tablespoons Icing Sugar (For berry coulis; optional)
- 1 spray Cooking Spray (Lightly spray parchment bottom)
Instructions
Prepare Homemade Buttermilk
Measure 3 cups whole milk into a small bowl, add 3 tbsp white vinegar, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.
Time: PT5M
Mix Oats, Cinnamon, Butter, and Buttermilk
In a large mixing bowl combine 6 cups rolled oats, 1 tbsp cinnamon, and 250 g melted butter. Pour the prepared buttermilk over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Add Sweetener
Stir in 1 cup packed brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup if preferred) until fully incorporated.
Time: PT2M
Chill Overnight
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the oats to absorb the liquid.
Time: PT12H
Peel and Grate Apples
Peel 6 large apples, then grate them using a coarse grater. Set the grated apples aside.
Time: PT10M
Add Apples to Oat Base
Remove the chilled oat mixture from the fridge, transfer to a larger bowl if needed, give a quick stir, then fold in the grated apples.
Time: PT2M
Add Eggs and Baking Powder
Add 4 large eggs and 1 tbsp baking powder to the bowl and mix until the eggs are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
Time: PT3M
Fold in Berries
Gently fold in 2–3 cups frozen raspberries (or any frozen fruit of choice) until evenly distributed.
Time: PT2M
Line Tray and Spray
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly spray the bottom side of the paper to help it adhere.
Time: PT2M
Press Mixture into Tray
Spoon the batter into the prepared tray, spreading it evenly and pressing firmly with a spatula to create a compact layer.
Time: PT2M
Bake Oatmeal
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) fan‑forced. Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and springs back when gently pressed.
Time: PT1H10M
Temperature: 180°C
Cool Before Slicing
Allow the baked oatmeal to cool completely in the tray before cutting into squares. If in a hurry, slice while still warm for a softer texture.
Time: PT15M
Make Berry Coulis (Optional)
In a small saucepan combine extra frozen fruit with icing sugar to taste. Heat over low, bring to a gentle boil, then simmer a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 5.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 34 g
- Fat
- 13 g
- Fiber
- 4.2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains eggs
Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Gluten (if oats are not certified gluten‑free), Butter
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk + lemon juice, Yogurt thinned with water
- Instead of Whole Milk: Plant‑based milk (almond, soy) with vinegar
- Instead of White Vinegar: Lemon juice
- Instead of Rolled Oats: Quick oats (slightly softer texture)
- Instead of Cinnamon Powder: Ground nutmeg, Pumpkin spice
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Coconut oil
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup, Coconut sugar
- Instead of Apples: Pears
- Instead of Large Eggs: Flax egg (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water)
- Instead of Baking Powder: Baking soda + cream of tartar (1/4 tsp soda + 1/2 tsp tartar per tbsp)
- Instead of Frozen Raspberries: Frozen blueberries, Mixed frozen berries, Fresh berries
- Instead of Greek Yogurt: Regular plain yogurt, Skyr
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Honey, Agave syrup
- Instead of Icing Sugar: Granulated sugar blended to a powder
- Instead of Cooking Spray: Brush with melted butter or oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk or Spoon
- Grater
- Baking Tray
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Prepare Homemade Buttermilk
- Chill Overnight
- Peel and Grate Apples
- Add Eggs and Baking Powder
- Press Mixture into Tray
- Bake Oatmeal
Chef Tips from the Video
- Press the batter down firmly to avoid large air pockets.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts on top before baking.
- Use a mix of fresh and frozen berries for varied texture and flavor.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup for contrast.
Troubleshooting
The baked oatmeal is too dry.
Add a splash of milk or extra buttermilk before baking and mix gently.
The top does not brown.
Increase oven temperature to 190°C for the last 10 minutes or place the tray under the broiler briefly, watching closely.
The oatmeal does not rise or is dense.
Make sure the baking powder is fresh and fully incorporated; avoid over‑mixing after adding eggs.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover and store up to 5 days.
Freezer: Slice, wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags, and freeze up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Not recommended beyond 2 hours; keep at cool room temperature if serving immediately.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the buttermilk and soak the oats the night before to save time.
- The baked oatmeal freezes well; slice and wrap individual portions for quick reheating.
- Berry coulis can be made in advance and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of baked oatmeal in American breakfast cuisine?
Baked oatmeal grew out of the American tradition of hearty, home‑cooked breakfasts that emphasize whole grains and convenience. It became popular in cafés as a make‑ahead alternative to traditional stovetop oatmeal, offering a slice‑able, portable breakfast that can be served warm or cold.
What regional variations of baked oatmeal exist within the United States?
In the Northeast, baked oatmeal often includes maple syrup and apples, while Southern versions may add cornmeal and pecans. West Coast recipes frequently incorporate fresh berries and coconut milk for a lighter twist.
How is baked oatmeal traditionally served in American cafés?
It is typically cut into squares, dusted with powdered sugar, and served with a side of Greek or plain yogurt, maple syrup, and a fruit coulis or fresh berries. Some cafés also offer a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of nut butter.
During which occasions is baked oatmeal commonly enjoyed in American culture?
Baked oatmeal is popular for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, and as a grab‑and‑go option for busy weekdays. It’s also a favorite at potlucks because it can be made in large batches and served at room temperature.
What authentic ingredients define this baked oatmeal compared to other breakfast casseroles?
The core ingredients are rolled oats, buttermilk, butter, and a sweetener like brown sugar. Apples provide moisture and natural sweetness, while berries add a burst of flavor. The use of buttermilk distinguishes it from plain milk‑based casseroles.
What other American breakfast dishes pair well with baked oatmeal?
Baked oatmeal pairs nicely with crisp bacon, sausage links, or a side of scrambled eggs for a balanced plate. A glass of fresh orange juice or a cold brew coffee complements its sweet‑savory profile.
How has baked oatmeal evolved in modern home cooking trends?
Modern versions often incorporate gluten‑free oats, plant‑based milks, and superfood add‑ins like chia seeds or protein powder. The rise of meal‑prep culture has also popularized freezing individual portions for quick reheating.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making baked oatmeal?
Common errors include over‑mixing after adding eggs, which can make the texture dense, and forgetting to let the oat mixture soak overnight, resulting in a dry crumb. Also, using stale baking powder will prevent proper rise.
Why does this baked oatmeal recipe use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
Buttermilk adds acidity that reacts with the baking powder, creating a lighter, more tender crumb. It also contributes a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the sugar and fruit.
Can I make this baked oatmeal ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the oatmeal, let it cool completely, then slice and wrap portions tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 175°C oven for 10‑15 minutes or microwave individual slices.
What does the YouTube channel Lees Cooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel Lees Cooking focuses on approachable, home‑cooked comfort food recipes, often featuring batch‑size meals, make‑ahead techniques, and practical tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Lees Cooking's approach to American breakfast recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Lees Cooking emphasizes large‑batch, café‑style dishes that can be prepared ahead and frozen, highlighting cost‑effective ingredients and step‑by‑step explanations. Unlike many channels that focus on quick single‑serve meals, Lees Cooking often demonstrates how to scale recipes for families or small gatherings.
Last updated: September 2, 2026








