Looking for a quick and wholesome breakfast option that will keep you energized throughout the morning rush? Look no further than these delightful Baked Oatmeal Cups! Packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, applesauce, and peanut butter, and just the right touch of sweetness from brown sugar and chocolate chips, these portable cups are not only scrumptious but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Plus, with just a little prep time, you can have a week’s worth of breakfasts ready to grab and go!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana)
- 2 whole eggs
- ⅓ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping
- 1 Tbsp butter, melted
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or line it with paper liners for easy cleanup.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, eggs, peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the old-fashioned oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips.
- Gradually add the dry oat mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Pour in the melted butter and stir until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top of each cup for an extra sweet touch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are set and lightly golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the oatmeal cups from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the oatmeal cups to a wire rack to cool completely before storing.
- Once cooled, store the oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Information: These Baked Oatmeal Cups are not only delicious but also packed with nutrition! Each serving provides a healthy dose of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals to fuel your day. Plus, with no added refined sugars, they’re a guilt-free breakfast option the whole family will love.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Perfect Portions: Serve these Baked Oatmeal Cups warm or at room temperature for a delightful breakfast experience. They’re also great as a mid-morning snack or a post-workout pick-me-up. Pair them with a glass of milk, a dollop of yogurt, or fresh fruit for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Customize Your Toppings: Get creative with your toppings to add extra flavor and texture to your oatmeal cups. Try drizzling them with a swirl of honey or maple syrup, sprinkling with chopped nuts or coconut flakes, or adding a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- Store with Care: To keep your Baked Oatmeal Cups fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to a week, making them a convenient option for meal prep or grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.
- Reheat for Enjoyment: If you prefer your oatmeal cups warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or heat them in a toaster oven until warmed through. This will help revive their delicious flavor and maintain their soft, moist texture.
- Freeze for Future Enjoyment: For longer storage, you can also freeze your Baked Oatmeal Cups. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat from frozen in the microwave or oven for a quick and convenient breakfast option.
Variations:
- Fruit Lover’s Delight: Add a burst of fruity flavor by incorporating diced apples, berries, or sliced bananas into the oatmeal cup batter. Simply fold in your favorite fruits before spooning the mixture into the muffin cups for a refreshing twist on this classic recipe.
- Nutty Crunch: Boost the nutritional profile and add a satisfying crunch by mixing in chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Sprinkle a handful of your preferred nuts into the batter before baking for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Indulge your sweet tooth by doubling up on the chocolate goodness. Increase the amount of mini chocolate chips in the batter or swirl in a spoonful of chocolate hazelnut spread for an irresistible chocolatey treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
- Coconut Bliss: Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise by adding shredded coconut to the oatmeal cup batter. Mix in a generous amount of coconut flakes for a hint of sweetness and a delightful chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Protein Powerhouse: Pump up the protein content of your oatmeal cups by incorporating a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the batter. Choose a flavor that complements the other ingredients, such as vanilla or chocolate, to enhance the overall taste and nutritional value.
- Spice it Up: Add warmth and depth of flavor to your oatmeal cups by incorporating spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves. Sprinkle a pinch of your preferred spice into the batter along with the cinnamon for a cozy and comforting breakfast experience.
- Dairy-Free Option: For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, substitute the milk with your favorite non-dairy alternative such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. This simple swap allows everyone to enjoy these delicious oatmeal cups without compromising on flavor or texture.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Make this recipe gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. This small adjustment allows those with gluten sensitivities or allergies to indulge in these tasty oatmeal cups without any worries.
FAQs :
- Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
- While old-fashioned oats are recommended for the best texture, you can substitute quick oats if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
- Can I make these oatmeal cups ahead of time?
- Absolutely! These oatmeal cups are perfect for meal prep. Simply bake them according to the recipe, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Are these oatmeal cups suitable for freezing?
- Yes, these oatmeal cups freeze well. Once baked and cooled, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
- Can I omit the chocolate chips?
- Of course! Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences. You can omit the chocolate chips entirely or substitute them with dried fruit, nuts, or seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?
- Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener. Adjust the amount to taste, keeping in mind that liquid sweeteners may affect the texture slightly.
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
- Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful crunch to your oatmeal cups. Feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
- Can I make these oatmeal cups gluten-free?
- Yes, you can easily make these oatmeal cups gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and ensuring that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
- Can I use a different type of milk?
- Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer or have available, such as almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Each will impart its own unique flavor to the oatmeal cups.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these Baked Oatmeal Cups are the perfect solution for busy mornings or when you need a quick and nutritious breakfast on-the-go. Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy a satisfying and wholesome meal anytime, anywhere!