You know that buttery cinnamon streusel from your favorite coffee cake? Now imagine waking up to all that cozy sweetness baked right into warm, wholesome oats. Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal gives you that sweet crumb topping and tender cake flavor but with the heartiness of a real breakfast.
I started testing baked oatmeal back in 2018 when I wanted something filling that didn’t feel heavy. The trick is baking it just until the edges set but the center stays soft that’s when the cinnamon swirl really shines through. My kids thought it was dessert, and honestly, I didn’t correct them.
Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal Recipe Easy and Irresistible
Ingredients
Method
- Set your oven to preheat at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Generously coat an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray. Combine the rolled oats with baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and seeds directly in the pan and stir until evenly mixed.
- Pour in the almond milk, vanilla extract, applesauce, and maple syrup and mix everything together thoroughly.
- Make the crumb topping by pulsing ⅓ cup of rolled oats in a blender or food processor until it turns into a fine flour. Add cold butter, sugar, and cinnamon then pulse again until the mixture is crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the oatmeal mixture in the pan.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the oatmeal is firm and the topping has turned crisp.
- For an extra treat, drizzle with some melted nut butter before serving.
Notes
- For gluten-free baked oatmeal, use certified gluten-free oats. To make this recipe dairy-free or vegan, substitute almond milk with any plant-based milk and replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. For a sweeter twist, top with cream cheese frosting or add fresh/frozen blueberries to create a Blueberry Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Breakfast
This Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal hits that sweet spot between a treat and a real breakfast. You get all the buttery cinnamon crumb topping you’d expect from your favorite coffee cake but underneath is warm, filling oatmeal that keeps you satisfied all morning.
Here’s what makes it so good:
- Feels like dessert, works like breakfast: That crumbly topping tastes indulgent, but the base is made from wholesome rolled oats, applesauce, and almond milk.
- Flexible for your needs: Naturally gluten-free friendly, dairy-free, and even vegan if you swap in vegan butter.
- Make-ahead magic: Bake it once and reheat squares all week perfect for busy mornings when you want something warm without the work.
- Kid-approved: My family thinks this is cake. I’m not telling them otherwise.
What You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short and mostly pantry staples. You’ll mix your oatmeal base, then pulse together a quick crumb topping that gets beautifully golden and crisp in the oven.
| Ingredient | What It Does | Easy Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Old Fashioned Rolled Oats | Base and structure | Use gluten-free oats if needed |
| Unsweetened Applesauce | Moisture and light sweetness | Use mashed banana |
| Almond Milk | Binds everything together | Any milk you have works |
| Cold Butter | Makes topping crumbly | Use vegan butter or coconut oil |
| Flax, Chia, or Hemp Seeds | Adds fiber and staying power | Pick whichever you have |
| Maple Syrup | Natural sweetness | Start with 1 Tbsp, taste and add more |
Pro Tip: Keep your butter cold until the moment you pulse the topping. That’s what gives you those big, buttery crumbs instead of a pasty layer.
How It All Comes Together
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and spraying an 8×8 pan. Toss your oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and seeds right into the pan and give it a good stir. Then pour in your almond milk, vanilla extract, applesauce, and maple syrup everything gets mixed right in the baking dish.
For the crumb topping, pulse oats in a blender or food processor until they turn into a fine flour. Add your cold butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then pulse just until it looks crumbly and piecy. Sprinkle that gorgeous topping all over your oatmeal mixture.
Bake for 30 minutes, until the oatmeal is set and the topping looks crisp and golden. The edges should feel firm, but the center can still have a little give that’s when it’s perfectly done. Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice into squares.
Tips, Swaps, and Mix-Ins
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how forgiving it is. You can tweak sweetness, swap ingredients based on what’s in your pantry, and add your own spin without worrying about it flopping.
- For less sweetness: Cut the sugar in the topping by half, or use just 1 tablespoon of maple syrup in the base.
- Add fruit: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries before baking for a pop of brightness.
- Extra indulgence: Drizzle warm squares with melted nut butter or a light cream cheese frosting.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan butter in the topping and stick with unsweetened almond milk.
Note: If you’re gluten-free, double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free. Most rolled oats are naturally gluten-free but can be cross-contaminated during processing.
Serving and Storage
Serve this warm, straight from the oven, with a drizzle of almond butter or a dollop of yogurt. It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or a cozy brunch with friends. Leftovers reheat beautifully just pop a square in the microwave for 30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F.
| Storage Method | How Long It Lasts | Best Way to Reheat |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (covered) | Up to 5 days | Microwave 30-45 seconds |
| Freezer (in squares) | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight, then warm |
Pro Tip: I like to slice the whole pan into squares right after it cools, then store them in a container with parchment between layers. That way, I can grab one square at a time all week without cutting into a big dish every morning.
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FAQs ( Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal )
Can I make this recipe the night before?
Yes, you can prepare this dish completely the night before and refrigerate it covered. When ready to serve, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for 60-90 seconds. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making it even more delicious.
What type of oats work best?
Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture for this recipe. Quick oats tend to break down too much during baking, while steel-cut oats stay too firm. Stick with regular rolled oats for that perfect chewy consistency that holds together beautifully.
How long does this stay fresh?
This meal stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Can I substitute the milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy alternative works perfectly in this recipe. Use the same amount as called for with regular milk. Full-fat coconut milk creates an extra rich and creamy texture if you prefer indulgence.
Why is my baked oatmeal dry?
Dry results usually come from overbaking or not enough liquid. Check for doneness at 35 minutes – it should still jiggle slightly in the center. Next time, add an extra 1/4 cup milk or mashed banana to boost moisture content.
You’ll love how this Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal turns out golden and crumbly on top, warm and tender underneath. It takes just a few minutes to prep, bakes in half an hour, and fills your kitchen with that cozy cinnamon sweetness we all crave on chilly mornings. The texture is somewhere between a soft cake and hearty oatmeal, which makes it feel like a treat you can actually feel good about eating.
Here’s a little trick I picked up: if you want even more coffee cake flavor, swirl a teaspoon of cinnamon sugar through the oat base before adding the topping. You can also toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. Leftovers reheat beautifully all week long I keep mine in the fridge and warm up a square each morning with a splash of almond milk. It’s become my go-to when I want something nourishing that still feels special.
I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Did you add berries, or maybe drizzle it with nut butter? Drop a comment below or share a photo it always makes my day to see your cozy kitchen creations. And if you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a busy morning, save this one. Your future self will thank you.
