If you’re looking for an irresistible way to brighten up your morning routine, Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal is the answer. Imagine all the cozy flavors of a classic coffee cake—warm cinnamon, tender cake, and a sugary crumble—baked into a wholesome, hearty oatmeal casserole. It’s the perfect blend of comforting sweetness and nourishing grains, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even an indulgent snack. Best of all, this dish comes together with simple ingredients and minimal fuss, but tastes every bit as special as a bakery treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s truly amazing how a handful of pantry staples can create such a satisfying breakfast! Each ingredient in Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal brings something unique to the table, from texture to flavor to that all-important crumbly topping. Make sure to gather these essentials for the best results.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The heart and soul of this bake—choose old-fashioned oats for the perfect chewy texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal puff up nicely, giving a cake-like, tender crumb.
- Ground cinnamon: Warming spice that infuses both the oatmeal and the topping with classic coffee cake flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings all the other flavors to life and keeps things from tasting flat.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds moisture and richness—feel free to use whatever milk you keep on hand.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Naturally sweetens and keeps the oatmeal moist without weighing it down.
- Maple syrup or honey: Offers just the right touch of cozy sweetness for the base.
- Large egg: Helps bind everything together and adds a bit of richness.
- Vanilla extract: Provides that sweet, comforting aroma reminiscent of a bakery.
- Melted butter or coconut oil: Brings richness to every bite and ensures the oats don’t dry out.
- All-purpose flour (for topping): The base for that classic, crave-worthy crumble.
- Brown sugar (for topping): Melts into the streusel for a caramel, toffee-like finish.
- Cold butter (for topping): Makes the crumble irresistibly crisp and golden.
How to Make Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s good and hot when your Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal is ready to go in. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish, so nothing sticks—this will make serving those beautiful squares a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a roomy mixing bowl, add your rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir them together until well combined, which ensures the flavor and leavening are evenly distributed throughout the oatmeal.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the milk, applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter or coconut oil. This mixture should look smooth and slightly frothy—your kitchen will already smell like a dream!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry oat mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly, scraping the sides and bottom to make sure every oat is coated and no dry patches remain. You want that luscious, cake-like texture in every bite!
Step 5: Pour and Smooth
Transfer the oat mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to level the top, creating an even base for the crumb topping.
Step 6: Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add in the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it in until you have medium-sized clumps—think of those classic, buttery coffee cake crumbs!
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the oatmeal mixture. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set and the topping turns golden brown. Your house will smell absolutely incredible.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal cool for at least 10 minutes. This quick rest helps the oats finish setting up, making it easier to cut tidy squares or scoop hearty spoonfuls to serve.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, or try a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for tang and contrast. If you want to make it extra special, sprinkle a few chopped nuts or fresh berries on top for both flavor and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal is delightfully filling on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, a crisp apple, or seasonal berries. For brunch gatherings, add scrambled eggs or a savory breakfast sausage to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the square! Serve individual portions in ramekins for a brunch party, or layer the oatmeal with yogurt and fruit in a parfait glass for a striking breakfast treat. For a grab-and-go twist, cut into bars and wrap for busy mornings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal to cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making breakfast decisions blissfully easy.
Freezing
This baked oatmeal freezes surprisingly well. Cut into individual servings, wrap each piece tightly, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal in the oven or toaster oven at 325°F until warmed through, which revives the crumbly topping. In a hurry? Just pop a slice in the microwave for 30–60 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While quick oats will work in a pinch, old-fashioned rolled oats give the dish its signature chewy texture. Quick oats may result in a softer, less defined bite, but the flavor is still delicious.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Just swap the all-purpose flour in the streusel topping for a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and be sure your oats are certified gluten-free. Everything else is naturally gluten-free!
Can I prepare Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble the oatmeal and topping, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the dish sit while you preheat the oven, then bake as directed for a hassle-free breakfast.
Can I use a different sweetener besides maple syrup or honey?
Yes, you can substitute agave nectar or even brown sugar in the oatmeal mixture. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the liquid slightly if you use a dry sweetener.
What other mix-ins work well?
This recipe is delightfully flexible! Stir in fresh or frozen blueberries, diced apples, or a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans before baking to make your Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal your own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a breakfast that feels like a treat but keeps you nourished all morning, you can’t go wrong with Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal. It’s easy, inviting, and completely customizable—just the way mornings should be. Give it a try and watch it become a new breakfast tradition!
Print
Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal is a delightful twist on traditional oatmeal, combining the cozy flavors of coffee cake with the heartiness of oatmeal. Perfect for a wholesome and satisfying breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Oatmeal:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cold butter (cubed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce, maple syrup, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Combine and bake: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. For the topping, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the oatmeal mixture. Bake for 35–40 minutes until set. Cool before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup chopped nuts to the topping or stir 1/2 cup blueberries into the oatmeal before baking.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
