If you dream of a comforting, wholesome breakfast that’s as cheerful as it is delicious, these Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups are about to become your new morning best friend! Juicy berries, cozy oats, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of sweet honey transform simple pantry staples into a portable treat kids and grown-ups equally adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweet & Nutritious: The bananas and honey provide gentle, natural sweetness while oats and berries keep these cups hearty and wholesome.
- Easy, One-Bowl Prep: No fancy gadgets here—just mix, scoop, and bake. That’s it!
- Perfect For On-the-Go: Their muffin size makes them grab-and-go magic for busy mornings, lunchboxes, or a wholesome snack.
- Freezer-Friendly Magic: Make a big batch and stock your freezer so breakfast is always ready, even on your wildest days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed that such everyday ingredients can come together to create the magic that is Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups. Each one plays a starring role in both flavor and texture—you’ll love how customizable and forgiving this recipe is!
- Quick-cooking oats: These form the tender, wholesome base—perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors and baking up into soft, satisfying bites.
- Baking powder: Just a touch lifts the cups for a pleasing, muffin-like texture.
- Cinnamon: Adds that signature warmth and coziness you want in every bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the best in the berries.
- Milk (I use almond milk): Moistens the oats; any milk works, dairy or non-dairy.
- Bananas: Mashed banana acts as a natural sweetener and gives lovely moistness—that’s why you don’t need much added sugar!
- Egg: Binds everything together, holding each cup’s shape while baking.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and makes the kitchen smell heavenly.
- Honey: Drizzled in for subtle, floral sweetness—you can swap in maple syrup if you like.
- Melted coconut oil (or butter): Adds moisture and a delicate richness to every bite.
- Mixed berries: Use your favorite combination of fresh or frozen berries; bursting blueberries and sweet-tart raspberries or strawberries are divine!
- Walnuts: For crunch and healthy fats—feel free to swap with pecans or leave out for nut-free cups.
Variations
One of the best things about Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups is how endlessly adaptable they are! Whether you’re swapping berries, making them dairy-free, or adding extra crunch, you can make this recipe truly your own.
- Make it Nut-Free: Skip the walnuts or sub with pumpkin or sunflower seeds for extra crunch without nuts.
- Switch Up the Berries: Use any blend of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries—or go wild with a single favorite fruit.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Stir in a handful of dark chocolate chips for a berry-chocolate breakfast treat.
- Vegan Option: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and swap honey for maple syrup.
How to Make Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and giving your muffin tins a good spritz of nonstick spray. This step makes sure your Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups pop out beautifully once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and mix together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This quick toss ensures each bite is perfectly seasoned and evenly textured.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk the milk, honey, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. This fragrant mixture is what gives your oatmeal cups their wonderful flavor and moist crumb.
Step 4: Combine and Add the Goodies
Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Drizzle in the melted coconut oil or butter while stirring, then fold in the mashed bananas, chopped nuts, and mixed berries (if using strawberries, chop them smaller first!).
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Evenly distribute the batter between the 12 prepared muffin tins. Slide them into the oven and bake for 17-20 minutes, or until the tops are set and lightly golden, and a toothpick comes out clean or just a little moist.
Step 6: Cool Before Enjoying
Let your Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes so they hold together nicely. Then, pop them out and serve—or store!
Pro Tips for Making Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups
- Use Extra Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your oatmeal cups—plus, they blend in super easily!
- Frozen Berries Tip: If using frozen berries, don’t thaw them—stir them in straight from the freezer to prevent extra moisture in the batter.
- Even Filling Matters: Use an ice cream scoop for clean, uniform portions so every Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cup bakes evenly.
- Let Them Rest: Don’t rush the cool-down; letting cups stand helps them set firmly so they release from the pan without crumbling.
How to Serve Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups
Garnishes
Try a swirl of creamy Greek yogurt, a drizzle of extra honey, or a sprinkle of fresh berries for a vibrant, bakery-worthy finish. A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of nut butter makes each cup feel extra special!
Side Dishes
Pair these oatmeal cups with crisp apple slices, a handful of roasted nuts, or an energizing smoothie for a complete, satisfying breakfast. They’re also fabulous alongside your favorite latte or hot tea for a cozy brunch moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups in a basket lined with a pretty napkin for brunch guests, or pack them in lunchboxes with a tiny container of yogurt for dipping. For holidays, nestle them on a platter garnished with edible flowers and extra berries for a show-stopping spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh, moist, and delicious for up to 5 days, perfect for busy weekday mornings or quick snacks.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooled oatmeal cups in a zip-top bag or container for up to 2 months. Pop them straight from freezer to microwave or let them thaw overnight in the fridge for effortless breakfasts-on-demand.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave a Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cup for 20-30 seconds (or a few minutes in a toaster oven) until gently warmed through. They’re just as good as the day they were baked—maybe even better!
FAQs
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Can I use steel-cut oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Steel-cut oats won’t work here—they require much longer cooking and would stay too chewy. Quick-cooking or old-fashioned rolled oats give you that soft, muffin-like texture that makes these oatmeal cups irresistible.
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Do I need to thaw frozen berries before using?
No need to thaw! Add frozen berries directly to the batter—this prevents extra moisture and dyeing the batter purple. If using strawberries, chop while still frozen for easy handling.
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What’s the best way to keep Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups from sticking?
Liberally spray your muffin tin with nonstick spray, or better yet, use silicone muffin liners for foolproof release every time. Letting them cool before removing is also crucial for tidy, intact cups!
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Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and use two muffin tins. They freeze beautifully, so bake once and enjoy healthy breakfasts all week (or month) long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a breakfast that’s easy, nourishing, and utterly joyful, you can’t go wrong with Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups. They’re the kind of treat you’ll want to share with everyone—so go ahead, give them a try and let your mornings shine!
PrintMixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffin cups 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups are a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast option that can be enjoyed all week long. Packed with oats, berries, and nuts, these baked oatmeal cups are a nutritious and delicious way to start your day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 3/4 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. salt
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups milk (almond milk recommended)
- 2 medium bananas, mashed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. melted coconut oil or melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups mixed berries, fresh or frozen (chopped strawberries)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Prepare Liquid Mixture: In a large measuring cup, whisk together milk, honey, eggs, and vanilla. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir. Add melted coconut oil, mashed bananas, berries, and nuts.
- Bake: Grease 12 muffin tins and fill them with the mixture. Bake for 17-20 minutes until lightly browned or a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the oatmeal cups to cool for 10-15 minutes before removing from the pan. Serve warm or refrigerate for later.
Notes
- You can customize these oatmeal cups by adding your favorite nuts or seeds.
- Feel free to use any combination of berries for variety.
- These cups can be frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin cup
- Calories: 122 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 21mg