Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (180g) Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats): The star of the show, providing a chewy texture and hearty base. Do not use instant or steel-cut oats for this recipe, as they absorb liquid differently.
- 1/3 cup (65g-75g) Brown Sugar (packed) or Maple Syrup: Your primary sweetener. Adjust amount based on preference. Maple syrup offers a lovely flavour alternative.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder: The leavening agent that gives the oatmeal bake a slight lift, preventing it from being too dense.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon: The essential warming spice that defines this bake’s flavour profile. Feel free to add a pinch more if you love cinnamon!
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavour.
- 2 cups (480ml) Milk: Use any kind you prefer – dairy milk (whole, 2%, skim) or plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, cashew) all work well.
- 2 Large Eggs: Act as a binder, holding the bake together and adding richness and protein. (See FAQ for vegan substitutes).
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons / 56g) Unsalted Butter, melted (or Coconut Oil): Adds moisture, flavour, and richness. Coconut oil is a great dairy-free alternative.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweet and warm flavours in the bake.
- 1/2 cup (75g) Raisins: Provide bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture throughout the bake.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish with butter, cooking spray, or coconut oil.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, brown sugar (if using), baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Ensure they are well combined and there are no clumps of baking powder or sugar.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk, large eggs, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract until well blended. If using maple syrup instead of brown sugar, whisk it in here with the wet ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; mix only until the oats are fully moistened.
- Stir in Raisins: Gently fold in the raisins. If you’re adding optional ingredients like nuts or seeds, fold them in now as well.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out gently with the back of your spoon or spatula so it forms an even layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden brown. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean (a little moisture is okay, but it shouldn’t be wet batter).
- Cool Slightly: Remove the oatmeal bake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to fully set, making it easier to cut into neat squares.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the baked oatmeal into squares and serve warm. See the “How to Serve” section for delicious topping ideas!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 350