Cherry Oatmeal Bake Recipe

This cherry oatmeal bake recipe is a sweet oatmeal dish with bits of cherry throughout and is made with simple ingredients. It is great for making ahead if you need to or the morning of.

When it comes to meal prepping this is as close as I get. A simple overnight baked oatmeal recipe. However, even though this is easily made ahead of time you can make it up the same morning you would like to bake it. As it does not require a sitting time. For a long time now, I have made up these easiest overnight oats as my go-to quick morning meal. But like with anything else, I need variety and on a cold morning, nothing is better than a warm bowl of oatmeal.

In particular, a cherry oatmeal with dark sweet cherries throughout.

For this recipe, I like to use rolled oats over instant and if you like a little crunch this is great topped with some sliced almonds. Another nice thing about this oatmeal is if you are dairy free or serving this to a dairy free friend, you can use a non dairy milk option. Some great ones to try it with are almond milk, cashew milk or oat milk. 

You could make this into individual portions if you have the small baking dishes available. But a standard 9×13 baking dish will do the trick.

Cherry Oatmeal Bake Is…

• Made with healthy ingredients like fresh cherries and is perfect for cherry season.
• A baked cherry oatmeal that is an easy breakfast idea. 
• A simple way to meal prep and a great way to plan for the day ahead.
• One of my favorite things to make for houseguests or chilly mornings.
• An oat mixture paired with summer fruits.

Ingredients

Oats- for best results use classic old fashioned oats. Using instant oats or quick oats is fine but won’t have the same texture. You can use steel cut oats here too.

Cherries- use whole pitted cherries either fresh or frozen cherries for this not canned cherry pie filling.

Milk- I use whole milk to make the oatmeal on the creamier side but your milk of choice will work too.

Oil- I use raw refined organic coconut oil but regular coconut oil works here too. The use of coconut oil gives the oats a subtle flavor.

Sugar- you can use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar for this. Use brown sugar over white sugar for a more flavorful oatmeal. You can substitute the same amount of maple syrup in place of the brown sugar.

Cinnamon- a dash of cinnamon brings a ton of flavor to the dish, don’t skip it!

Egg- use a large egg.

Vanilla Extract- I like to use my homemade vanilla extract for this but a good quality store bought one works great.

Salt- I use sea salt but standard table salt or kosher salt works fine too.

Tools

9 x 13 Baking Dish

Large Bowl

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Directions

In a large mixing bowl combine oats, milk, egg, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla.

Spray a baking dish with a nonstick cooking spray or brush it  a baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge overnight. 

When ready to bake, pour in the cherries and coconut oil. Mix them around so that they are evenly distributed. 

Bake at 350°F for approximately 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Serve alone or with cream and butter. 

Baking Notes

• You can mix this up and bake the same morning or mix it up the previous night to bake the next day.
• If you add all the ingredients at once, the coconut oil will solidify when cold and may not be distributed throughout the mixture once baked. I find it better to add the morning of baking just before popping it into the oven.
• If the coconut oil is solid, melt it over low heat but allow it to come to room temperature before adding it in.
• You can use any sort of berries you like. I have used this recipe for blackberries, strawberries and blueberries but cherry is a favorite.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a bit of cream or butter or both for a really delicious boost to this oatmeal cherry bake.
• Toast is always a great option to place on the table if you want to serve something a bit more on your breakfast table.
• Try a pan of scrambled eggs to serve alongside this sweet oatmeal cherry bake for a sweet and salty flavor pairing.
• I love cherries but this oatmeal also works well with blueberries, blackberries or strawberries. Or go for all the berries with a mixed berry variation. 
• If you like a dark chocolate cherry taste, consider adding some chocolate chips the next time you make this.

Add Ins To Try

Add-ins are a great way to boost the nutritional value of your oatmeal bake or add a little flavor to switch it up. I do like the recipe as is however, if I make it often enough I do like to make small tweaks to the original recipe. Some will add that extra nutrition and some are just simply for taste. Here are some simple add-in ideas to try.

• Flax seeds
• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
• Chia seeds
• Splash of milk or cream
• Almond butter or regular butter
• Coconut flakes
• Almond extract (in place of the vanilla extract)
• Chocolate chips
• Other spices like nutmeg or all spice

FAQ‘s

What other berries can be used?

Any! I have used blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries for this recipe. I would also use raspberry or a mixed berry as well. As I mentioned above, you can use any fruit you love for this recipe. Keeping the idea of the oats, coconut oil, brown sugar, and milk as your base. Other fruits I have tried, are apples, bananas, and peaches. All have created a delicious oatmeal bake.

Do I have to soak the oats overnight or can I make this the same morning?

You can make this the same morning you are serving it. It is a very versatile recipe. I have done it many times without any taste differences. I would just mix it all up while the oven heats and bake it like normal. They won’t be soaked oats but in a pinch, it works fine.

What can I use in place of the brown sugar?

I find maple syrup to work well in place of brown sugar for this. It still provides that rich sweetness that works so well in oatmeal.

Can I use steel cut oats for this?

You can. Steel cut oats bake well and add a nice texture to this baked oatmeal recipe.

Can I use gluten-free oats for this cherry oatmeal bake recipe?

Yes, gluten-free rolled oats bake well in the oven and are a great alternative for anyone with a gluten allergy.

What is the best way to reheat the oatmeal?

It can be easily reheated by popping it into a microwave on the reheat setting. But do note that once the oatmeal sits it will absorb the moisture so it is best to add a dash of milk after warming it to get it back to a creamy state.

How To Store

Store leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container or in the casserole dish wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. Oatmeal will keep for up to 4 days and can be reheated easily in the microwave. 

Other Recipes You May Like…

• Simple Farmhouse Spinach Frittata
• Best No Sugar Added Classic Granola
• Easiest Overnight Oats

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