Mediterranean Baked Oatmeal
This is a warm, cozy baked oatmeal that feels like a cross between a breakfast casserole and a soft oatmeal cake. It uses simple Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like olive oil or nuts, fresh fruit, warm spices and natural sweeteners. You mix everything in one bowl, bake it, and cut it into squares for an easy breakfast you can enjoy all week.
Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 35–40 minutes
Total: 45–50 minutes
Ingredients
Dry
Old-fashioned rolled oats
Baking powder
Cinnamon
Salt
Wet
Milk (dairy or almond, oat or coconut milk)
Maple syrup, honey or mashed banana
Eggs or applesauce
Melted butter or coconut oil
Vanilla extract
Add-Ins
Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
Fresh or frozen fruit (berries, apples, peaches, figs)
Instructions
Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with butter or oil.
In a mixing bowl, stir together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
In another bowl, whisk the milk, sweetener, eggs or applesauce, melted butter or oil and vanilla.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until combined.
Fold in fruits and nuts.
Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread it evenly.
Top with a few extra nuts or berries if you want a nicer finish.
Bake 35–40 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tips
For a softer texture, increase the milk by ¼ cup.
For a firmer sliceable bar, decrease the milk slightly.
If using applesauce instead of eggs, bake a few minutes longer.
Frozen berries work well but don’t thaw them first.
If adding apples, dice them small so they soften in the oven.
Use half honey and half mashed banana for a balanced sweetness.
Stir in 1–2 tbsp Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for deeper flavor.
Let it rest before cutting so it holds its shape.
Variations
Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples, raisins and extra cinnamon.
Berry Almond: Use mixed berries and slivered almonds.
Banana Walnut: Mash one banana into the batter and add walnuts.
Chocolate Chip: Add dark chocolate chunks for a dessert-style breakfast.
Lemon Blueberry: Add lemon zest and blueberries.
Fig and Honey: Add chopped dried figs and drizzle honey on top.
Tahini Swirl: Swirl in a spoonful of tahini before baking.
Orange Pistachio: Add orange zest and chopped pistachios.
Peach Pecan: Add diced peaches and toasted pecans.
Coconut Berry: Add shredded coconut and raspberries.
Q&A
Can I make it without eggs?
Yes. Replace each egg with ¼ cup applesauce.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use almond, oat or coconut milk and replace butter with coconut oil.
Can I use quick oats?
They work but the texture will be softer.
Can steel-cut oats be used?
Not directly. They need more liquid and time.
Can I prep this the night before?
Yes. Mix everything and bake in the morning.
How do I reheat it?
Microwave for 20–30 seconds per slice.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Use half the sweetener or rely on mashed banana.
Can I make it higher-protein?
Stir in protein powder or serve with Greek yogurt.
Why is mine too soggy?
It may need a few more minutes in the oven or too much fruit.
Nutrition
(per serving, approx. 1 square out of 8)
These vary depending on ingredients.
Calories: 230–280
Carbs: 32–38 g
Protein: 5–7 g
Fat: 8–12 g
Fiber: 4–6 g
Conclusion
Baked oatmeal is an easy breakfast that works for meal prep, busy mornings and healthier snacking. The Mediterranean touches like nuts, fruits and natural sweeteners give it great flavor without much effort. Once you try the base recipe, you can adjust it in endless ways to match your taste.