Trailside Treat Baked Oatmeal

As an outdoor enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys the refreshing taste of a hearty breakfast, finding the right meal to start your day can be quite the quest. Luckily, there’s one dish that not only fills the stomach but also pleases the taste buds, especially when you’re planning a day in nature: Trailside Treat Baked Oatmeal. This baked oatmeal recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and berries, making it the perfect meal to kickstart an active day. Whether you’re heading out for a hike or just enjoying the peace of your backyard, this recipe promises to be a delightful treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups berries (blueberries, raspberries, or mixed)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the perfect temperature for baking by the time you’re ready.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, half of the chopped nuts, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these ingredients until they are well mixed.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This mixture will bind the dry ingredients and add moisture to the oatmeal.
4. Layer the Baking Dish: Take a baking dish and arrange the banana slices in a single layer at the bottom. This will add a sweet, fruity layer to your oatmeal. Over the bananas, sprinkle two-thirds of your chosen berries.
5. Add the Oat Mixture: Gently pour the oat mixture over the banana and berry layers, spreading it evenly.
6. Pour the Milk Mixture: Drizzle the milk mixture slowly over the oats. Afterward, tap the baking dish gently on the counter. This helps the milk seep through the oats, ensuring no dry spots remain.
7. Top It Off: Sprinkle the remaining berries and nuts over the top. This not only adds to the flavor but also gives a lovely textured topping that will crisp up nicely.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, and the oatmeal is set.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before serving. This waiting time helps everything set perfectly, making it easier to slice.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Servings: 6

This baked oatmeal recipe is not only delicious but also quite versatile. Feel free to swap out the berries for any seasonal fruits you might have on hand, or add different nuts for a change in texture and flavor. Serve it warm, right out of the oven, or prepare it the night before and enjoy a cold, tasty breakfast the next morning. Perfect for those early mornings when you’re eager to get out and explore, this Trailside Treat Baked Oatmeal will definitely keep you fueled and ready for any adventure!