Simple and Delicious 4 Ingredient Baked Oatmeal Cups
Looking for a quick and healthy breakfast option? These Easy 4 Ingredient Baked Oatmeal Cups are a fantastic solution!
With just four basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings, school lunches, or as a convenient snack.
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Imagine waking up to the warm aromas of cinnamon and maple syrup wafting through your kitchen. These oatmeal cups are not only easy to make but are also incredibly versatile. You can mix in your favorite fruits, nuts, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips to satisfy your cravings.
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Quick and Healthy Oatmeal Cups Recipe
These baked oatmeal cups are soft and chewy, with a delightful hint of sweetness from the maple syrup. Each bite offers a comforting taste, making them a perfect choice for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups milk (any kind)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- Optional mix-ins: finely chopped apples, bananas, cinnamon, fresh or frozen berries, peanut butter, mini chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan (or use silicone muffin cups).
- In a medium bowl, stir together oats, egg, milk, and maple syrup until combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin pans.
- Stir in optional mix-ins if desired, such as apple and cinnamon or banana and peanut butter.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, until light golden brown on top and completely set.
- Let them sit for 10–20 minutes before removing them from the pan and placing them on a wire rack to cool completely before storing.
Baked Oatmeal Cups: Creative Variations to Try
- Fruity Additions: Mix in fresh, frozen, or dried fruits like blueberries, raspberries, chopped strawberries, or blackberries to add a burst of natural sweetness.
- Spices for Warmth: Infuse your cups with cozy flavors by adding ½-1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
- Flavorful Extracts: Elevate the taste with vanilla or almond extract. Adjust the amount to suit your flavor preferences.
- Nutritious Seeds: Boost the health factor by incorporating chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, or sunflower seeds.
- Protein Power: Substitute up to ½ cup of oats with ground flax, protein powder, or hemp hearts for a protein-packed option.
- Delicious Spreads: Add richness with peanut butter, Nutella, Biscoff Spread, or your favorite spread. Mix it into the batter or spread it on top before serving.
- Tasty Toppings: Finish with a touch of sweetness—cream cheese frosting, vanilla frosting, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of melted chocolate make these perfect for dessert or a special treat.
Storage Tips
Baked oatmeal cups are incredibly easy to store, making them perfect for meal prepping. Place the cooled oatmeal cups in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to five days.
They make a quick grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings.
For longer storage, wrap each oatmeal cup individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
To enjoy, simply microwave a refrigerated oatmeal cup for 10–20 seconds, or reheat frozen cups for 30 seconds–1 minute until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Baked oatmeal cups are versatile and can be served in many ways. Pair them with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast, or drizzle them with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
For a heartier snack, spread peanut butter, hazelnut butter or almond butter on top.
These cups also make an excellent dessert when topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Health Benefits and Substitutions
Baked oatmeal cups are packed with nutrients, thanks to the oats, fruits, and seeds.
They’re high in fiber, which aids digestion, and offer a steady release of energy throughout the day.
If you’re looking to adapt the recipe to specific dietary needs, there are plenty of options. Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version, or replace the eggs with flaxseed or chia seed “eggs” for a vegan-friendly option.
Sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar can be adjusted to taste, or swapped for a sugar-free alternative if needed.
Troubleshooting
- If your baked oatmeal cups turn out too dry, try adding a splash more milk to the batter next time or reducing the baking time by a few minutes.
- For cups that stick to the pan, ensure you’ve greased the muffin tin thoroughly or consider using silicone baking cups.
- If the cups don’t hold together well, check that the wet-to-dry ingredient ratio is balanced, and don’t skip the eggs or their substitutes—they act as a binder.
- If your flavors feel flat, consider adding a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness or experimenting with extracts and spices for more depth.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, simply swap the eggs for flax or chia seed “eggs” (1 tablespoon of ground seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk.
How long do they last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to five days, making them a convenient option for busy mornings or midweek snacks.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
Microwave refrigerated oatmeal cups for 20–30 seconds or frozen ones for 1–2 minutes. For a slightly crisp texture, warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
It’s not recommended, as steel-cut oats require longer cooking times and more liquid, which could alter the texture. Rolled or quick oats are the best options for this recipe.
Now that you’re ready to whip up these baked oatmeal cups, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen!
Try your favorite variations, and don’t forget to share your creations. Be sure to leave a comment below with your favorite mix-ins or topping ideas, and subscribe to my blog for more easy, healthy recipes!
These baked oatmeal cups are incredibly versatile, making them a perfect go-to recipe for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. With so many ways to customize them—whether you’re adding fruits, spices, protein, or a decadent topping—you can easily create a version that suits your taste and nutritional needs.
They’re simple to make, easy to store, and great for meal prepping, ensuring you always have a delicious and healthy option on hand. Try out the variations, and don’t be afraid to get creative—your perfect oatmeal cup is just a mix away!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12
- Calories: 124 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 77 mg
- Sodium: 42 mg
- Potassium: 151 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 6 g
4 Ingredient Oatmeal Cups
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups milk any kind
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- Optional mix-ins: finely chopped apples bananas, cinnamon, fresh or frozen berries, peanut butter, mini chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan (or use silicone muffin cups).
- In a medium bowl, stir together oats, egg, milk, and maple syrup until combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared muffin pans.
- Stir in optional mix-ins if desired, such as apple and cinnamon or banana and peanut butter.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, until light golden brown on top and completely set.
- Let them sit for 10–20 minutes before removing them from the pan and placing them on a wire rack to cool completely before storing.
