Imagine waking up to a delicious, nutritious breakfast that's ready in seconds and packed with wholesome goodness. These Make Ahead Oatmeal Cups are about to revolutionize your morning routine! Perfect for busy professionals, health-conscious foodies, and anyone who wants a quick, satisfying meal without the morning hassle. With just 30 minutes of preparation, you'll have a week's worth of grab-and-go breakfasts that are not only incredibly tasty but also customizable to your heart's content.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped fruits (bananas, berries, etc.)
- 1/2 cup nuts or seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your oatmeal cups bake evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Ensure that the honey or syrup is fully incorporated into the milk mixture.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped fruits (such as bananas or berries) and 1/2 cup of nuts or seeds (if using) to the mixture. Fold them in until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent the oatmeal cups from sticking. This recipe makes 12 cups, so ensure your tin has enough capacity.
- Evenly distribute the oatmeal mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full. This will allow room for the oatmeal to rise as it bakes.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the oatmeal cups from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- After they have cooled, you can store the oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To reheat, simply microwave for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through.
Tips
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different fruits, nuts, and seeds to keep your breakfast exciting. Try combinations like apple-cinnamon, blueberry-almond, or banana-walnut.
- Make Them Ahead: These oatmeal cups are perfect for meal prep. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to a month, making breakfast planning a breeze.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir gently to avoid tough oatmeal cups. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - if it comes out clean, your oatmeal cups are ready.
- Reheat with Ease: For the best texture, microwave for 30-60 seconds and add a splash of milk if they seem dry.
- Dietary Modifications: Easily make these gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats, and dairy-free by substituting milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
