These Healthy Strawberry Baked Oatmeal Cups are a delightful way to start your day with a burst of flavor and nutrition. Packed with juicy strawberries, hearty oats, and a touch of sweetness, they’re soft, moist, and perfect for on-the-go mornings. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Each bite offers a satisfying blend of textures—creamy oats, tender fruit, and a hint of crunch from the edges. With only 153 calories per cup, they’re guilt-free and packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. Warm from the oven or chilled, these little cups are a treat your taste buds—and your body—will love.
Ingredients for Healthy Strawberry Baked Oatmeal Cups
- 4 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups skim milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- ¼ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar as a substitute)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup strawberries, diced (fresh or frozen both work)
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder (optional, for added protein)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, milk, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, maple syrup, diced strawberries, and protein powder. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed. The mixture will be slightly watery, so ensure you mix thoroughly before each scoop.
- Prepare the muffin tin: Spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Use a large ice cream scoop or a ¼ cup measuring cup to evenly distribute the oatmeal mixture into the muffin cups. Make sure to stir the mixture before each scoop to maintain an even ratio of oats and liquid.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the oatmeal cups are cooked through and slightly golden on top.
- Cool and serve: Remove the oatmeal cups from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes. Enjoy them warm, or let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container for later use.
- Reheat (optional): If frozen, reheat the oatmeal cups in the microwave for 60-90 seconds until warmed through.
Delicious Toppings and Serving Ideas
Take your Healthy Strawberry Baked Oatmeal Cups to the next level with fun toppings! Try a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess. Fresh berries, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a dusting of coconut flakes can add texture and flavor. These cups are perfect for breakfast on the go or as a snack paired with a cup of tea or coffee.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These oatmeal cups are freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep! Once cooled, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply microwave for 60-90 seconds straight from the freezer. For a crispier texture, pop them in the toaster oven for a few minutes. They’re just as delicious reheated as they are fresh!
Recipe Variations to Try
Customize your oatmeal cups to suit your taste! Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped apples for a seasonal twist. If you’re not a fan of protein powder, replace it with almond flour or simply omit it. For a chocolatey treat, add dark chocolate chips to the mix. The possibilities are endless!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Mornings
Save time by prepping your dry ingredients the night before! Combine the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and cover it. In the morning, just add the wet ingredients and strawberries, mix, and bake. You’ll have fresh oatmeal cups ready in no time. Plus, having them pre-portioned makes mornings a breeze!
Common Questions Answered
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats? Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer. For a chewier bite, stick to old-fashioned oats. Can I make these vegan? Absolutely! Use almond milk and ensure your protein powder is plant-based. Why is the mixture watery? Don’t worry—this is normal! Just give it a good stir before scooping to ensure even distribution of oats and liquid.
Healthy Strawberry Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups skim milk, or almond milk
- ¼ cup coconut sugar, or brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup strawberries, diced
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together.
- Spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray and scoop oatmeal mixture in using a large ice cream scoop (or a 1/4 measuring cup). The mixture will be a little watery, so it’s important to mix the oatmeal well before each scoop to make sure you get an even combination of milk and oats.
- Bake oatmeal cups for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Enjoy immediately or let them cool completely and place them in a freezer-safe container. Pull out of the freezer as needed and heat them up in the microwave for about 60-90 seconds.