Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal: 5 Comforting Reasons to Indulge

Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal is like a warm hug on a chilly morning! Honestly, there’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of spices that fill my kitchen with the scent of gingerbread. It’s a little piece of holiday magic that I can enjoy any time of year. I remember the first time I made this dish; the kids came running in from the cold, and their faces lit up the moment they caught a whiff of cinnamon and ginger. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the joy of serving this wholesome bake, knowing it’s packed with nutrients and flavor. It’s not just a breakfast; it’s a cozy snack, too! Whether you’re rushing out the door or taking a moment to savor with a cup of coffee, this dish is sure to brighten your day. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—who wouldn’t want that in their morning routine?

Ingredients List

Let’s gather everything you need to create this delightful Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 ½ Tablespoons molasses
• 1 Tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ cup walnuts, plus more for topping

For the Coconut Butter Icing, you’ll also need:

• ¼ cup coconut butter, melted
• 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 Tablespoons almond milk

Make sure you have everything on hand before you start. It makes the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable!

How to Prepare Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into making this cozy Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, spiced treat ready to enjoy in no time.

Preheat the Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is essential because it helps your oatmeal bake evenly and get that lovely golden top. You want everything to start cooking at the right temperature, so don’t skip this step!

Prepare the Baking Dish

Next, grab an 8-inch square baking dish and give it a light spray with cooking spray. This step is crucial because it prevents your oatmeal from sticking to the pan, making it a breeze to serve later. You can also use a little melted coconut oil if you prefer—just make sure the entire bottom and sides are coated.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and sea salt. Stir them together until well combined. This ensures every bite is packed with that heavenly gingerbread flavor! It’s important to get the spices evenly mixed in so that you don’t end up with a clump of any one spice in a single bite.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time for the fun part—add in the unsweetened vanilla almond milk, sliced bananas, maple syrup, molasses, melted coconut oil, ground flaxseed, and vanilla extract. Gently stir everything together until it’s well combined. Be careful here—if you mix too vigorously, you might splash some of that delicious mixture! You want it to be a smooth, creamy consistency, just like a warm hug.

Pour and Bake

Carefully pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle some extra walnuts on top for that lovely crunch! Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. I recommend checking it around the 30-minute mark—every oven is a little different, and you don’t want to overbake this gem!

Prepare the Coconut Butter Icing

While your oatmeal is baking, let’s whip up that delightful coconut butter icing! In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the melted coconut butter, almond milk, and maple syrup. Whisk them together until everything is warm and thin enough to drizzle. Keep an eye on it—this process is quick, and you don’t want it to get too hot! Once it’s ready, set it aside until your oatmeal is done baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal isn’t just delicious; it’s a fantastic addition to your breakfast routine for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a warm, comforting dish ready to bake!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome oats, bananas, and walnuts, it’s a nutritious way to start your day.
• Deliciously Spiced: The blend of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that evoke cozy, festive feelings.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch on the weekend, and enjoy it for breakfast or snacks all week long!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips to keep in mind:

• Check Your Oats: Make sure you’re using old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Instant oats won’t give you that delightful chewiness!
• Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, which we definitely want to avoid.
• Watch the Baking Time: Remember, every oven is different! Start checking your oatmeal at the 30-minute mark. If it’s still jiggly in the center, give it a few more minutes.
• Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re out of bananas, applesauce works great as a substitute! And if you want to add some protein, feel free to toss in an egg instead of flaxseed.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about five days, making it perfect for meal prep!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve enjoyed your delicious Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal, you might be wondering how to store any leftovers. Don’t worry—this dish keeps beautifully! Here’s how to make the most of your cozy creation:

First, let the baked oatmeal cool completely before storing it. This step helps prevent condensation from forming in the container, which can lead to sogginess. Once cooled, cut your baked oatmeal into squares and place them in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper if you want to separate the pieces—this makes it easier to grab just one serving later on!

For the best flavor and freshness, store your Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal in the fridge. It will last about five days, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. Just remember to keep it well-sealed to lock in that yummy gingerbread goodness!

When it’s time to reheat, you’ve got a couple of options. If you’re reheating the whole dish, just cover it with some foil and pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This method warms it up evenly without drying it out.

If you’re just craving a single serving, you can set your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-10 minutes, or simply microwave a square for about 1 minute. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overheating—no one likes a rubbery bite!

Whichever method you choose, you’ll be ready to enjoy that warm, spiced flavor all over again. Happy reheating!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delightful Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredient amounts and can vary depending on specific brands and substitutions you might use:

• Calories: 323 kcal
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 349 mg
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 19 g
• Protein: 6 g

This wholesome breakfast packs a punch with fiber and nutrients, making it a nourishing way to start your day or enjoy as a snack. Enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I make this Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning. Or, bake it ahead of time and store it in the fridge to enjoy throughout the week. Just remember to reheat it before serving!

Q2. What can I substitute for the bananas in this recipe?
If you’re not a fan of bananas or don’t have any on hand, you can easily swap in ½ cup of applesauce! It adds moisture and sweetness without changing the flavor too much. Your gingerbread baked oatmeal will still taste fantastic!

Q3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! This Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal is entirely plant-based, making it a perfect vegan breakfast option. With ingredients like almond milk, coconut oil, and flaxseed, you can enjoy this dish without any animal products.

Q4. How can I make this oatmeal gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free oats. Most rolled oats are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always good to double-check the label to ensure there’s no cross-contamination.

Q5. Can I add other mix-ins to the Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! You can add in dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, or even some chocolate chips for a little indulgence. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if you add extra sugar-containing ingredients!

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