Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Squares - These baked oatmeal squares are soft, tender, and lightly chewy, with crisp edges and a warm cinnamon-vanilla flavor that tastes like a cozy breakfast dessert. They slice cleanly into grab-and-go pieces, with a satisfying, hearty texture that stays moist instead of dry. The sweetness is balanced and gentle, letting fruit and nuts shine if you add them. This make ahead breakfast is perfect for busy mornings because it bakes once and fuels the week with minimal effort.

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Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Squares - Baked oatmeal squares work because oats absorb liquid and set into a sliceable structure when you get the ratio right. After testing, I found the key is enough eggs (or binding) plus a mix of milk and a touch of fat so the oatmeal bake stays moist and cohesive rather than crumbly. Using old-fashioned rolled oats gives a better chew and structure than quick oats, which can turn mushy. Another technique that matters is resting after baking: letting the pan cool allows the oats to firm up so you get clean squares, which is exactly what Pinterest users want for meal prep breakfast recipe boards. I also learned that stirring the oats with the wet mixture and letting it sit 5 minutes before baking improves hydration, creating a tender interior with lightly crisp edges. This is an easy family breakfast because it is forgiving—swap fruits, add chocolate chips, change spices—and it still sets reliably. The method is straightforward but delivers professional results: mix, hydrate, bake, cool, and slice. If you are searching healthy oatmeal bake or baked oatmeal squares, this version hits the sweet spot between wholesome and satisfying, with dependable structure you can count on for make ahead breakfast planning.

Dietary Notes

✓ Make Ahead Breakfast
✓ Meal Prep Breakfast Recipe
✓ Freezer-Friendly Squares
✓ Easy Family Breakfast

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Why You'll Love This

Sliceable And Portable: Baked oatmeal squares hold together for true grab-and-go mornings.
Balanced, Cozy Flavor: Cinnamon-vanilla oatmeal tastes satisfying without being overly sweet.
Flexible Add-Ins: Swap fruit, nuts, or chocolate to keep breakfasts interesting.
Batch Cooking Win: One pan bakes multiple servings for a dependable make ahead breakfast.

Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Squares

👩‍🍳 Author: Chef Nour

⏰ Prep Time: 10min

❄️ Cool Time: 20

🔥 Cook Time: 35min

🥨 Yield: 9

🍞 Method: Baking

🌾 Diet: Vegetarian

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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restaurant Ingredients

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 cups milk
2 large eggs
1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 banana, mashed (optional)
1 cup blueberries or chopped apples (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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✏️

old-fashioned rolled oats Rolled oats give the best chew and structure for baked oatmeal squares; quick oats can turn mushy and lose clean sliceability. Let the mixture rest so oats hydrate, which guarantees a tender, cohesive healthy oatmeal bake.
baking powder Baking powder adds lift so the squares do not feel dense or heavy. Make sure it is fresh for reliable rise and an easy family breakfast texture that stays light.
ground cinnamon Cinnamon builds warm flavor that makes this feel cozy and satisfying even with simple ingredients. It also pairs well with fruit add-ins, making the bake taste like a planned, intentional make ahead breakfast.
kosher salt Salt balances sweetness and keeps the flavor from tasting flat. If your oats taste dull, a small extra pinch often fixes the flavor faster than adding more syrup.
milk Milk hydrates oats and creates a creamy, tender interior; dairy or unsweetened non-dairy both work. If using very thin milk alternatives, add a tablespoon more butter to keep the oatmeal bake moist. Swap
large eggs Eggs help bind the bake into sliceable squares and prevent crumbling. Whisk well so the mixture emulsifies and sets evenly, which is key for meal prep breakfast recipe success.
maple syrup or honey Maple syrup sweetens with a clean, warm flavor that fits healthy oatmeal bake searches without making it overly sweet. Start with the measured amount; you can always drizzle more on top at serving.
unsalted butter, melted Butter adds richness and prevents dryness, keeping the squares tender even after chilling. Melt and cool slightly so it blends smoothly and does not scramble the eggs.
vanilla extract Vanilla adds warm aroma and makes the bake taste more dessert-like in a balanced way. Add enough to make the oats smell fragrant, which helps this read as an easy family breakfast.
banana, mashed (optional) Mashed banana adds natural sweetness and moisture, helping the oatmeal set into soft squares without extra sugar. If you prefer less banana flavor, use applesauce instead for similar structure.
blueberries or chopped apples (optional) Fruit adds juicy contrast; use sturdy fruit so it holds shape and does not water down the bake. If using frozen berries, toss with a teaspoon of oats first to reduce bleeding.
chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Nuts add crunch and make the texture more satisfying, especially after reheating. Toast briefly for deeper flavor if you have time; it builds flavor fast without extra complexity.

list_alt Instructions

1

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch pan - a well-greased pan helps the squares release cleanly for meal prep.
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Step 2: Stir oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together until evenly mixed - spreading leavening guarantees consistent texture.
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Step 3: Whisk milk, eggs, syrup, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth - emulsifying the wet mix keeps the bake tender and cohesive.
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Step 4: Combine wet and dry and rest 5 minutes - resting hydrates the oats so the oatmeal bake sets evenly without dry pockets.
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Step 5: Fold in banana, fruit, or nuts if using, then pour into the pan - gentle folding keeps add-ins distributed without breaking fruit.
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Step 6: Bake 32-38 minutes until edges are golden and the center is set - set edges and a firm center guarantee sliceable baked oatmeal squares.
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Step 7: Cool at least 20 minutes before slicing - cooling lets the structure firm up for clean breakfast squares.

Nutrition Facts

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Calories 260

Protein 7g

Carbs 40g

Fiber 5g

Sugar 14g

Fat 8g

Sodium 220mg

Potassium N/A

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Serving Suggestions

Serve squares warm for the softest texture, or chilled for the cleanest slice and easiest grab-and-go breakfast. Top with Greek yogurt and berries for a bright contrast, or drizzle with maple syrup for a more dessert-like finish. For kids, spread a little nut butter on top and add sliced banana. If you are serving a group, arrange the squares on a platter with fruit and a small pitcher of syrup so everyone can customize. These are best within the first two days for peak tenderness, but they hold well for meal prep.

How to Store?

Store baked oatmeal squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes to bring back a just-baked feel. For longer storage, freeze squares individually wrapped for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen in the microwave in short bursts. For a true meal prep breakfast recipe, bake on Sunday, cool completely, slice, and portion so mornings are effortless.

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