Our strawberry baked oatmeal with fresh strawberries, bananas, and chocolate is such a crowd-pleaser! You can make this in the morning, or if you’re short on time, prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning. For substitutions, check the key ingredients section of the article or scan through the comments to see what others have done (so many great ideas)!
2 cups (226g) old fashioned rolled oats
2 tablespoons to 1/3 cup (13g to 70g) brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder, optional
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon Chinese five spice or cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 cup (167g or 6oz) sliced strawberries
1/2 cup (56g) chopped walnuts, optional
1/3 cup (56g) chocolate chips, optional
1 banana, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 cups (470ml) dairy or non-dairy milk
1 large egg, optional, see tips
3 tablespoons (42g) butter or coconut oil, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter or spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray and place it on a baking sheet.
Mix the oats, sugar, baking powder, orange zest, Chinese five spice, and salt.
Set aside half of the strawberries, walnuts, and chocolate chips (if using). Add the remaining strawberries, walnuts, and chocolate to the bowl with the oats.
Pour the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Scatter the remaining strawberries, walnuts, chocolate chips, and the sliced banana over the oat mixture in the baking dish.
Using the same bowl you used to mix the oats (there is no need to clean it), whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the milk mixture over the oats and fruit in the baking dish. Shimmy the baking dish back and forth to distribute the liquid throughout the oats.
Bake until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal has set, about 35 minutes.
Optional: To create a golden caramelized top, sprinkle a tablespoon of brown sugar over the baked oatmeal. Place it under the broiler for 20 to 30 seconds, watching carefully to avoid burning. Let it cool slightly before serving.