Name: Brown Sugar Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned oats; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp salt; 1 cup milk; 2 eggs; ¼ cup melted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, nutritious breakfast that feels like a warm hug first thing in the morning, you’ll absolutely love this Brown Sugar Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It combines the cozy sweetness of brown sugar with aromatic cinnamon and hearty oats, baked to golden perfection with a lightly crisp top and a tender, soft center. This dish is incredibly simple to make, incredibly satisfying to eat, and versatile enough to enjoy any day of the week. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy mornings or looking for a delicious family favorite, this Brown Sugar Baked Oatmeal Recipe will quickly become your go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows baking ingredients arranged on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture. In the center is a white bowl filled with a mound of white flour. To its left, there is a white bowl of dark brown dates and an open glass jar with beige rolled oats spilling out. Behind the jar, a brown bag of organic brown sugar stands upright. On the right side, a carton of oat milk with beige and green details stands next to a small beige marble bowl with a pinkish powder inside and a small light beige bowl with white salt. In front of these bowls, a small white plate holds a square piece of butter, with a wrapped butter package labeled “Vermont Creamery Rich & Creamy Cultured Butter” nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these straightforward, wholesome ingredients is the first step to your delightful Brown Sugar Baked Oatmeal Recipe. Each element plays a key role: from the nuttiness of the oats to the warm sweetness of brown sugar and the comforting touch of cinnamon, every ingredient contributes to creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

2 cups old-fashioned oats: These provide the chewy, hearty base that holds the dish together beautifully.
½ cup brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that makes it feel indulgent yet wholesome.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps give the oatmeal a slight lift and lightness, keeping it from becoming dense.
1 tsp cinnamon: Brings that irresistible warm spice that pairs perfectly with brown sugar.
¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
1 cup milk: Moistens the oats and creates a creamy texture once baked.
2 eggs: Act as a binder, giving the baked oatmeal structure and richness.
¼ cup melted butter: Adds buttery flavor and helps achieve a golden, slightly crisp top.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the dish with a lovely aroma, making every bite more enjoyable.

How to Make Brown Sugar Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish well to ensure your oatmeal doesn’t stick and can come out easily once baked. This simple step sets the foundation for a perfect bake.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients evenly will make sure every spoonful has a balanced flavor of sweetness and spice.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully blended. This mixture will bring creaminess and richness to the oats, and help bind everything into a tender bake.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly until the oats are evenly coated and the mix looks cohesive. Resist the urge to overmix; you want the texture to stay tender, not dense.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the center feels set but still moist. Let it cool a bit before digging in for that perfect texture.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Baked Oatmeal Recipe

The image shows three square oat bars stacked on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. Each bar has a rough, crumbly texture with visible oat flakes coated in a golden brown mixture, giving them a slightly shiny appearance. Small clusters of oats stick out irregularly from the edges, and some loose oats lie scattered on the plate near the bars. The background is softly blurred, hinting at more oat bars on trays. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Brown Sugar Baked Oatmeal Recipe, consider topping it with a handful of fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a dollop of creamy yogurt. These simple garnishes add bright flavors and textural contrast that make every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

Pairing your baked oatmeal with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of orange juice makes for a balanced and satisfying breakfast. For a more substantial meal, try it alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon — it’s a delightful sweet-and-savory combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, serve the Brown Sugar Baked Oatmeal Recipe in individual ramekins topped with seasonal fruit and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch. Alternatively, cut it into squares and serve warm or at room temperature for easy grab-and-go servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This baked oatmeal keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s a wonderful meal prep option that tastes just as great when reheated, making busy mornings so much simpler.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover portions in individual airtight containers or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen baked oatmeal stays delicious for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your Brown Sugar Baked Oatmeal gently in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of milk before warming to help restore its creamy texture and prevent it from drying out, so it feels freshly baked every time.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Steel-cut oats are much firmer and require longer cooking times, so they aren’t ideal for this recipe. Old-fashioned oats absorb liquid well and bake evenly, which creates the perfect texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute the eggs with flax or chia egg alternatives and use a plant-based milk and vegan butter or oil. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I add fruit or nuts to the baked oatmeal?

Absolutely! Adding chopped apples, berries, or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add wonderful flavor, texture, and nutrition to your Brown Sugar Baked Oatmeal Recipe.

How do I know when the baked oatmeal is done?

The top should be golden and firm to the touch, and the center should be set—not jiggly—yet moist. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, doubling is easy! Use a larger baking dish and increase baking time slightly, checking for doneness regularly. It’s great for feeding a crowd or stocking up your fridge for the week.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Sugar Baked Oatmeal Recipe is the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and start your day feeling cozy and cared for. With such simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a joy to whip up any morning or prepare ahead for busy days. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a beloved staple in your breakfast rotation.