Description
This Orange Creamsicle Baked Oatmeal is a delightful and wholesome breakfast treat that combines the bright, citrusy flavors of fresh orange juice and zest with creamy vanilla undertones. Baked to perfection with rolled oats and topped with a luscious orange yogurt glaze, this recipe offers a warm, comforting start to your day that can be easily customized with additions like chocolate chips or cranberries.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup (104g) pure maple syrup
- Zest from 1 large orange
- ½ cup (100g) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, vegan butter, or melted and cooled coconut oil
- 1 ¼ cup (300g) unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice)
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (190g) old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Orange Yogurt Topping:
- 2 tablespoons plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (or substitute dairy-free yogurt or softened cream cheese)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (or substitute maple syrup or honey)
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh orange juice, to thin
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with oil or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, and set it aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pure maple syrup, orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, melted butter (or vegan butter/coconut oil), unsweetened vanilla almond milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the bowl containing the wet ingredients, add the old fashioned rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. Stir everything together until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture has a consistent texture.
- Bake the Oatmeal: Pour the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 55 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly golden brown and the center is set and firm to the touch.
- Cool the Bake: Remove the oatmeal from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps it to set properly and makes it easier to slice.
- Prepare Orange Yogurt Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice if needed to make the glaze thin enough to drizzle.
- Serve: Drizzle the orange yogurt glaze evenly over the warm baked oatmeal. Cut into 6 slices and serve warm for a flavorful and comforting breakfast.
Notes
- To make an orange chocolate chip version, stir in ⅓ cup mini or regular chocolate chips (dairy-free if preferred) into the batter before baking.
- For extra nutrition, add 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds to the oat batter before baking.
- For a festive winter or holiday twist, add 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, ½ cup walnuts or pecans, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
- Alternatively, substitute ½ cup dried cranberries for fresh cranberries for convenience.
- Try swirling in ¼ cup homemade cranberry sauce before baking for a tangy surprise, perfect after Thanksgiving.
- For a summery variation, fold in 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
