Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal: The Cozy Breakfast You’ll Crave
There’s something about baked oatmeal that feels like a warm hug in the morning. It’s hearty, comforting, and just sweet enough to make you feel like you’re treating yourself—without the sugar crash.
Now throw in juicy cherries and crunchy almonds? Game over. Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal might just become your new breakfast obsession. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving brunch to friends, this dish checks all the boxes: easy, nourishing, and wildly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Oatmeal
Let’s break it down:
- It’s make-ahead friendly – Bake it on Sunday, and enjoy all week.
- It reheats like a dream – No soggy mess here.
- It’s packed with fiber and protein – Keeps you full ‘til lunch.
- It’s customizable – Add your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices.
- It’s naturally sweet – The cherries do most of the work!
- It smells like a cherry almond bakery exploded in your kitchen – And that’s a good thing.
Perfect for anyone trying to eat better without sacrificing flavor (or fun).
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Simple Swaps)
This recipe uses pantry basics and a few seasonal touches. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you like)
- 2 eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey/agave)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
Easy Substitutions:
- Gluten-free? Use certified GF oats.
- Dairy-free? Stick with almond, oat, or soy milk.
- Vegan? Swap eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg).
- No fresh cherries? Use frozen or even dried cherries (reduce to ¾ cup).
- Nut-free? Skip almonds or use sunflower seeds.
How to Make Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the almond milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted coconut oil until well combined.
Step 4: Combine
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently. Fold in half the cherries and half the almonds.
Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into your greased dish. Sprinkle the remaining cherries and almonds evenly on top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Step 7: Serve & Savor
Scoop it into a bowl with a splash of warm milk, or slice into bars for grab-and-go mornings. Either way, it’s comfort in every bite.
Best Tips for Texture, Flavor & Storage
- Let it rest before slicing. It holds together better once cooled slightly.
- Use ripe cherries. The sweeter and juicier, the better.
- Go heavy on almonds if you love crunch. Toasted almonds bring even more flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top before baking for a lightly crisp crust.
Delicious Variations to Try
Feeling inspired? Here are some fun spins on the classic:
1. Chocolate Cherry Dream:
Add ¼ cup dark chocolate chips to the mix.
2. Peach Almond Swap:
Replace cherries with chopped peaches for a summer twist.
3. Tropical Vibe:
Use coconut milk instead of almond and swap almonds for shredded coconut.
4. Berry Blast:
Add blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries.
5. Peanut Butter Drizzle:
Top with a swirl of peanut butter and crushed peanuts after baking.
The baked oatmeal base is your canvas—customize to your cravings.
How to Serve It (Warm, Cold, or On-the-Go)
You can’t go wrong here. Serve it:
- Warm in a bowl with a splash of milk or spoon of yogurt
- Cold as a slice from the fridge (trust me—it’s good!)
- Wrapped for lunchboxes or commuter snacks
- Cubed on a brunch board with fruit, jam, and cheeses
- Topped with whipped cream for a breakfast-that-feels-like-dessert moment
FAQs – Baked Oatmeal Edition
Can I use frozen cherries?
Absolutely. No need to thaw—just toss them in straight from the freezer.
How long does it last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it keeps for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze baked oatmeal?
Yes! Slice it and wrap portions individually. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Is this sweet enough without added sugar?
The cherries provide plenty of natural sweetness, but feel free to add more maple syrup to taste.
Can I prep this the night before?
Yes! Mix everything and store it in the fridge overnight. Bake in the morning for freshly warm oats.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
A balanced breakfast that hits the sweet spot—literally.
Final Thoughts – A Spoonful of Comfort & Sweet Simplicity
Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal isn’t just another breakfast—it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors, nourishing ingredients, and cozy routines. Whether you’re a morning person or more of a snooze-button aficionado, this dish meets you where you are.
It’s hearty but not heavy, sweet but not sugary, and comforting without being complicated. One bake, and you’re set for the week (or until it magically disappears).
So next time you’ve got cherries on hand and a craving for something warm and wonderful, remember: this oatmeal’s got your back.
