I’ve been making a point to prep some meals on the weekends lately, and let me tell you—it’s been a game-changer for busy mornings around here. Having this Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal ready to go has made breakfast effortless, nourishing, and delicious. It’s a healthy breakfast that feels indulgent while still being packed with healthy ingredients like tart cherries, old-fashioned oats, and almonds.
This recipe has become a family favourite because it’s simple, uses healthy ingredients, and can be made ahead of time. It’s the perfect easy breakfast recipe for meal prep and stores beautifully in an airtight container, making it easy to grab individual portions when life gets busy. Plus, it’s packed with tart cherries, crunchy almonds, and just the right amount of sweetness from maple syrup and chocolate chips.
This Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal is a great way to keep breakfast simple yet delicious during the week. It’s loaded with healthy ingredients you can find at the grocery store, like old-fashioned oats, tart cherries, and almonds, making it a wholesome choice for the entire family. Plus, the simple ingredients list makes it easy to adapt to your preferences and what you have on hand.
It’s perfect for:
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- Cozy winter mornings
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- Brunch gatherings
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- Weekend meal prepping
Pair this baked oatmeal with:
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- A drizzle of peanut butter for extra richness
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- Fresh fruit like fresh cherries, peaches, or berries
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- A warm cup of tea or coffee
Helpful Equipment
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- 9×13 baking dish
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- Mixing bowls
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- Measuring cups and spoons
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- Airtight container or plastic wrap for storage
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- Digital kitchen scale for precise measurements
Ingredients for Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal
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- 6 cups old-fashioned oats (or gluten-free oats)
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- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or substitute whole wheat flour)
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- 1 cup frozen, fresh cherries, or tart cherries
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- 1 cup chopped or slivered almonds
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- 1 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier alternative)
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- 2 tsp baking powder
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- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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- 4 eggs
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- 4 cups milk (try oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for non-dairy milk options)
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- 1/4 cup melted butter
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- 1 tsp salt
Optional Add-ins:
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- Chia seeds for extra fiber
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- Almond extract or vanilla extract for a deeper flavor
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- Steel cut oats or quick oats for a different texture
Instructions
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- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
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- Mix oats, flour, salt, brown sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl.
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- Add eggs, milk, and melted butter and mix well.
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- Fold in cherries, chocolate chips, and almonds.
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- Spread the mixture in a deep 9×13 baking dish.
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- Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown.
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- Serve warm with a splash of oat milk or cream.
Serving Suggestions
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- Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
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- Top with fresh fruit like sliced bananas, fresh cherries, or berries.
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- Enjoy it warm with a splash of oat milk or almond milk.
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- For a protein boost, serve with a spoonful of peanut butter or a sprinkle of chia seeds.
Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 6 Cups old-fashioned oats (Or other oat option)
- 1 Cup all-purpose flour (or substitute whole wheat flour)
- 1 Cup frozen, fresh cherries, or tart cherries
- 1 Cup chopped or slivered almonds
- 1 Cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier alternative)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 eggs
- 4 Cups cups milk (try oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for non-dairy milk options)
- 1/4 Cup cup melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix oats, flour, salt, brown sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl.
- Add eggs, milk, and melted butter and mix well.
- Fold in cherries, chocolate chips, and almonds.
- Spread the mixture in a deep 9x13 baking dish.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with a splash of oat milk or cream.
Nutrition
Tips and Troubleshooting
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- If you prefer a softer texture, try using instant oats instead of old-fashioned oats.
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- Want to make it dairy-free? Use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
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- If your baked oatmeal turns out dry, it may have been overbaked. Try reducing the cooking time slightly.
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- For a chewier, nuttier texture, swap the old-fashioned oats for steel-cut oats and increase the liquid slightly.
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- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but they will require a longer baking time and extra liquid. Quick oats can also be used for a softer texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prepare the oatmeal mixture, freeze it in the baking dish, and bake straight from frozen with an extra 10 minutes of baking time.
Can I make this an overnight oats recipe?
Yes! You can even prep several jars at once for a week of healthy individual portions. Here’s how you do it:
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- In a mason jar: Add 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, and 1/2 cup oat milk or almond milk.
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- Sweetener: Stir in a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
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- Add-ins: Mix in a handful of chopped almonds, tart cherries, and a few chocolate chips.
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- Flavour boost: Add a splash of almond extract or vanilla extract for extra depth.
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- Seal & Chill: Seal the mason jar and refrigerate overnight.
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- In the morning: Stir well and enjoy cold or heat it gently if you prefer a warm breakfast.
Tips and Troubleshooting for Overnight Oats
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- If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the liquid slightly or add more chia seeds for extra thickness.
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- For a creamier texture, use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
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- If the oats feel too watery in the morning, stir in a bit more oats or chia seeds, or reduce the liquid next time.
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- For a softer texture, try using quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats.
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- Old-fashioned oats work best for overnight oats, as steel-cut oats tend to stay too firm without cooking.
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- Layer oats, cherries, almonds, and sweetener evenly in mason jars before adding the liquid for better flavor distribution.
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- Store overnight oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days—perfect for busy mornings!
This Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal is a perfect, healthy breakfast option for busy mornings. It’s easy to prep, packed with healthy ingredients, and full of delicious flavors like tart cherries, almonds, and chocolate chips. Give it a try and let me know how you make it your own! And don’t forget to check out my other make-ahead breakfast ideas for more inspiration!
Much love,
Chelsea
