Dessert

Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal: A Healthy, Vegan, Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipe

Bylina moretti January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Introduction

Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast that’s both healthy and delicious. This vegan and gluten-free recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for cozy mornings. Customize it with your favorite add-ins to suit your taste.

The image shows a square white ceramic baking dish filled with a baked dessert. The top layer is covered with golden brown sliced bananas, arranged in rows, and whole pecans placed evenly around them. The dessert beneath looks moist and dense, with a slightly darker brown color, suggesting a rich texture. The dish is set on a white marbled surface, and there is a glimpse of a white napkin nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oatmeal
2 cups almond milk
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Add-Ins (choose any):

1/2 cup mashed bananas + 1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup strawberries + 1/2 cup blueberries
3/4 cup chopped apples + 1/4 cup pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the steel cut oats, almond milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla extract if using. Stir well; the mixture will be very soupy.
Step 3: Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish and pour the oat mixture into it. Spread evenly to avoid clumps forming in the center.
Step 4: Add your chosen mix-ins, gently folding them in or sprinkling on top.
Step 5: Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The oatmeal will still appear slightly soupy when done, and the spices might seem to have settled on top.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Stir gently to combine everything; the texture will be creamy and scoopable, similar to stove-cooked oatmeal.

Tips & Variations

Use different plant-based milks such as oat or soy milk for varied flavor and creaminess.
Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the oats’ natural flavor.
Try using fresh or dried fruit as toppings after baking for added texture.
For a nuttier touch, sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of almond milk to restore creaminess. This oatmeal also freezes well for up to one month; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A baked square dish filled with a dark brown base, topped with a single layer of caramelized banana slices arranged evenly across the surface. Scattered among the banana slices are whole pecans and some crushed nut pieces, giving a crunchy texture. The edges of the dish show slightly darker, toasted spots, adding depth to the look. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular rolled oats instead of steel cut oats?

Rolled oats have a different texture and cook faster. This recipe is designed specifically for steel cut oats to achieve a creamy yet textured bake. Using rolled oats may result in a softer and less chewy dish.