Healthy Strawberry Baked Oatmeal made with ground flaxseed, almond milk, and sweetened with maple syrup. Use freeze-dried or fresh strawberries. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
This baked oatmeal can be a great make-ahead breakfast option and one your whole family will love. Fresh or freeze-dried strawberries can be used.
With a strawberries and cream flavor vibe, bake it once and enjoy it throughout the week!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Healthy breakfast option
- Easy to meal prep
- Simple ingredients
- Gluten-free and vegan
Ingredients and substitutions
Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.
Gluten-free oats - Make sure you choose certified gluten-free oats if needed. Rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats) give our oatmeal bake a great chewy texture. Avoid quick oats as they can create a gummy texture.
Freeze-dried or fresh strawberries - I love using freeze-dried strawberries here because of the intense sweet-tart flavor they deliver. They are a great thing to have on hand in the pantry. But if you prefer or have fresh ones on hand, juicy strawberries also work.
Ground flaxseed - Mixed with water, ground flaxseed forms a "flax egg," gelling to work as a binder and egg replacer.
Unsweetened almond milk - This plant-based milk is an important component of the oatmeal batter. You can use coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any milk of choice.
Coconut oil - This ingredient serves as a dairy-free fat. Vegan or regular butter can be substituted.
Pure maple syrup - This vegan-friendly sweetener adds caramel-like notes similar to brown sugar to the oatmeal bake.
Other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar and honey (if not vegan) can be substituted. Be aware this will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Ground cinnamon - This warming spice rounds out the flavors in our strawberry oats.
Vanilla extract - Pure vanilla extract helps round out the flavors and adds sweetness without added sugar.
Raw pecans (optional) - Totally optional but super delicious. Crunchy almonds sliced or chopped would make a good sub.
Step-by-step instructions
Before you start: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 2-quart (or similar) baking dish. Prepare flax eggs in a small bowl and set aside.
Step 1: Add the dry ingredients—oats, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and pecans—to the prepared baking dish. Whisk to combine.
Add strawberries and the wet ingredients—almond milk, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and flax eggs—to the oat mixture.
Step 2: Gently stir ingredients until all dry ingredients have been moistened. Allow the oatmeal mixture to sit for 2-3 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Bake for 30-35 minutes. The top should start to turn golden brown and the edges will brown.
Tips
- Check on your oatmeal during baking and tent it with foil if it looks like there may be over-browning.
- Individual portions can easily be reheated in the microwave. Adding a little milk or water is helpful.
Serving suggestions
Slice your wholesome breakfast into individual portions. Serve your strawberry oatmeal with one of the following for an extra treat:
- Serve with extra dairy-free milk
- Drizzle maple syrup on top or other natural sweeteners
- Sprinkle with cinnamon
- Add a dollop of non-dairy whipped cream
- Fold in chocolate chips or sprinkle them on top
- Drizzle with melted almond butter or peanut butter
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add a little almond milk to your oatmeal before reheating.
Love strawberries for breakfast? Don't miss this easy strawberry smoothie bowl!
FAQs
You can certainly use fresh strawberries in this recipe. I prefer it with freeze-dried strawberries as they add something extra special to the flavor.
Many grocery stores carry freeze-dried berries including Whole Foods, health food stores, Trader Joe's, and Amazon.
Yes! Once the baked oatmeal cools to room temperature store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
More gluten-free oat recipes
Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating on the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!
📖 Recipe
Healthy Strawberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 flax eggs 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 6 tablespoons warm water
- 2 cups (170 g) gluten-free oats
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup raw pecans, chopped optional
- 1.2 ounces freeze-dried strawberries or 2 ½ cups fresh strawberries, halved and quarted
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil or vegan butter, melted and cooled
- ⅓ cup maple syrup, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 2-quart (or similar) baking dish. Prepare flax eggs in a small bowl and set aside.
- Add oats, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and pecans to baking dish. Whisk to combine. Add strawberries, almond milk, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and flax eggs.
- Gently stir ingredients until all dry ingredients have been moistened. Allow mixture to sit for 2-3 minutes before placing in oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The top should start to turn golden and edges will brown.
- Allow baked oats to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with additional almond milk, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, or coconut whipped cream, if desired.
Sarah
Can I use real eggs and real milk to batear of the vegan options?
Tessa
Hi Sarah! I haven't done it, but I do think that would work just fine. You may need to adjust your baking time.
Sarah
Absolutely delicious and the only oatmeal I can get my kids to eat.