If you love the classic flavors of a Cherry Bakewell tart but want a healthier way to enjoy them, this Cherry Bakewell Baked Oats recipe is the perfect choice! Combining the sweet taste of cherries, the nutty richness of almonds, and the comforting warmth of baked oats, this dish makes a delicious and nutritious breakfast. It’s easy to prepare, naturally sweetened, and packed with fiber to keep you full and energized throughout the day. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a cozy morning treat, this baked oats recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Nutritious – A healthy twist on the classic Cherry Bakewell tart with fiber-rich oats and natural sweetness.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a hassle-free breakfast option.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Bake once and enjoy a grab-and-go breakfast all week long.
- Naturally Sweetened – No refined sugar, just the natural sweetness of cherries and honey/maple syrup.
- Warm & Comforting – The perfect cozy breakfast that feels like a dessert but keeps you full for hours.
- Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs, like using dairy-free milk or adding extra protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Oats – Use rolled oats for the best texture.
Milk – Any milk of your choice (dairy or plant-based).
Egg – Helps bind the oats and gives a fluffy texture.
Cherries – Fresh or frozen, pitted and chopped.
Almond Extract – Adds the classic Bakewell flavor.
Maple Syrup or Honey – For natural sweetness.
Baking Powder – Helps the oats rise and stay light.
Ground Almonds – Enhances the nutty taste.
Greek Yogurt – Adds creaminess and extra protein.
Flaked Almonds – For a crunchy topping.
Vanilla Extract – Boosts the overall flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or ramekin to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Oat Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup rolled oats, 1 tablespoon ground almonds, and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Stir to mix the dry ingredients evenly.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup milk, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey), ½ teaspoon almond extract, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
Combine Everything
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Add Cherries
Gently fold in ¼ cup pitted and chopped cherries. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Add Toppings
Sprinkle a few flaked almonds on top for extra crunch and a classic Bakewell-style finish.
Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Cool & Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as is, or top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
Enjoy!
Dig in and savor the delicious flavors of Cherry Bakewell in a healthy, satisfying breakfast.
Tips for Best Results
Use Rolled Oats for the Best Texture
Rolled oats provide the perfect balance of softness and structure. Avoid instant oats, as they can become too mushy when baked.
Choose the Right Sweetener
Maple syrup or honey add natural sweetness, but you can also use mashed banana or a sugar-free alternative if preferred.
Don’t Skip the Almond Extract
Almond extract is key to achieving that classic Cherry Bakewell flavor. A little goes a long way, so stick to the recommended amount.
Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries
Fresh cherries are ideal when in season, but frozen cherries work just as well. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before adding them to the mix.
Enhance the Flavor with Spices
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Let It Rest Before Serving
Once baked, allow the oats to cool for a few minutes. This helps the texture set and makes slicing easier.
Top It Off for Extra Indulgence
Serve with a spoonful of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of almond butter, or an extra sprinkle of flaked almonds for added texture.
Make It Vegan
Swap the egg for a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk and sweetener.
Store & Reheat Properly
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, adding a splash of milk to keep it moist.
Meal Prep for Busy Mornings
Prepare multiple servings at once and store them for an easy grab-and-go breakfast throughout the week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Quick or Instant Oats
Quick oats absorb liquid too quickly, making the baked oats mushy instead of having a soft, cake-like texture. Stick to rolled oats for the best results.
Skipping the Baking Powder
Baking powder helps the oats rise and creates a light, fluffy texture. Forgetting it can result in dense, heavy oats.
Overloading with Liquid
Adding too much milk can make the mixture too wet and prevent it from setting properly. Stick to the recommended measurements to get the perfect balance.
Not Mixing Ingredients Evenly
Failing to combine the wet and dry ingredients thoroughly can lead to uneven texture and flavor. Make sure everything is well-mixed before baking.
Adding Cherries with Excess Liquid
If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them first. Extra liquid from frozen fruit can make the oats soggy.
Baking at the Wrong Temperature
Too high a temperature can burn the top before the inside is fully cooked, while too low a temperature results in undercooked oats. Always bake at 350°F (175°C).
Skipping the Resting Time
Let the baked oats cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier.
Forgetting the Almond Extract
Almond extract is essential for the classic Cherry Bakewell flavor. Leaving it out will make the oats taste less authentic.
Not Adjusting for Sweetness
Depending on your cherries and personal preference, you may need to adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey. Taste the batter before baking.
Not Storing or Reheating Correctly
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of milk to maintain moisture.
Serving Suggestions
- With Greek Yogurt
Add a spoonful of creamy Greek yogurt for extra protein and a smooth, tangy contrast to the sweet cherry flavors. - Drizzle with Almond Butter
A drizzle of almond butter enhances the nutty flavor and adds healthy fats to keep you full longer. - Top with Extra Cherries
Fresh or frozen cherries make a beautiful and flavorful topping, reinforcing the classic Cherry Bakewell taste. - Sprinkle with Flaked Almonds
For added crunch and an authentic Bakewell tart feel, sprinkle extra flaked almonds on top before serving. - Add a Touch of Honey or Maple Syrup
If you prefer a sweeter taste, drizzle a little extra honey or maple syrup over the baked oats. - Pair with a Hot Drink
Enjoy your baked oats with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a latte for a cozy and satisfying breakfast. - Serve with a Scoop of Ice Cream
For a dessert-like treat, serve warm baked oats with a scoop of vanilla or almond-flavored ice cream. - Blend into a Smoothie Bowl
Crumble a portion of the baked oats into a smoothie bowl with yogurt, fresh berries, and nuts for a different way to enjoy it. - Make it a Portable Snack
Slice into bars and pack them for a quick, on-the-go snack or post-workout fuel. - Turn it into a Layered Parfait
Layer pieces of baked oats with yogurt and cherries in a glass for a beautiful, nutritious parfait.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in an Airtight Container
Once cooled, transfer the baked oats to an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerate for Up to 3 Days
Keep your baked oats in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain their texture and flavor.
Freeze for Longer Storage
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the Microwave
Warm a single portion in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.
Reheat in the Oven
To maintain the best texture, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil if needed to prevent the top from over-browning.
Enjoy Cold or at Room Temperature
Cherry Bakewell Baked Oats taste great cold, making them a convenient grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Pre-Cut for Easy Meal Prep
Slice the baked oats into portions before storing, so you can quickly grab a serving when needed.
Avoid Reheating Too Many Times
Only reheat what you plan to eat to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Thaw Before Reheating
If frozen, let the oats thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Add Toppings After Reheating
If using yogurt, nuts, or extra cherries, add them after reheating for the freshest taste and texture.
Variations and Substitutions
Make It Vegan
Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
Use Different Fruits
Swap cherries for raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a new twist on the classic flavor.
Try a Nut-Free Version
Skip the almond extract and ground almonds. Use vanilla extract instead and top with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Add Protein
Stir in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder to make the baked oats higher in protein and more filling.
Sweetener Alternatives
Instead of maple syrup or honey, use date syrup, coconut sugar, or mashed banana for natural sweetness.
Use Different Nuts
Replace almonds with chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Make It Gluten-Free
Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the recipe is completely gluten-free.
Turn It into Muffins
Pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes to make single-serve baked oat muffins.
Add Extra Flavor
Enhance the taste with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
Make It Chocolatey
Stir in cocoa powder or dark chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent twist.
Related Recipes
Butterscotch Pie – Creamy Dessert Recipe : Another indulgent dessert recipe that pairs well with the rich almond and cherry flavors.
Gluten-Free Desserts Under 30 Minutes : For readers looking for alternative healthy sweet options.
Mini Pancakes Recipe – Fluffy Bites : Another breakfast delight that works great alongside baked oats.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Cherry Bakewell Baked Oats without eggs?
Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) or use mashed banana for binding.
2. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them before adding to the mixture to prevent excess moisture.
3. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative.