A Warm Hug in Breakfast Form
There’s nothing quite like starting your morning with the aroma of maple walnut oatmeal bake filling your kitchen. It’s sweet, nutty, comforting, and just hearty enough to keep you fueled without weighing you down.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or craving something cozy on a chilly weekend, this baked oatmeal hits that perfect balance of wholesome and indulgent. With rolled oats, pure maple syrup, and toasted walnuts, it’s basically fall breakfast magic.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Walnut Oatmeal Bake
Let’s be honest—oatmeal gets a bad rep for being boring. But this version? Not even close.
Here’s why it’s a breakfast favorite:
- ✅ Warm, cozy flavor from maple and cinnamon
- ✅ Make-ahead friendly for busy mornings
- ✅ Naturally sweetened and full of real ingredients
- ✅ Customizable with fruits, nuts, or spices
- ✅ Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
This isn’t your average bowl of oats—it’s baked, golden, and begging for a drizzle of maple syrup on top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this wholesome, delicious bake:
🥣 Dry Ingredients:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – The star of the show
- Chopped walnuts – Toasted for extra flavor and crunch
- Ground cinnamon – Adds cozy spice
- Salt – Enhances all the other flavors
- Baking powder – Gives a little lift to the texture
🧁 Wet Ingredients:
- Maple syrup – Natural sweetness and that unmistakable flavor
- Eggs – Binds the bake together
- Milk – Dairy or non-dairy both work
- Melted butter or coconut oil – Adds richness
- Vanilla extract – For depth and warmth
🍌 Optional Add-Ins:
- Sliced bananas, chopped apples, or dried cranberries
- A handful of chocolate chips if you’re feeling extra cozy
- A splash of almond or oat milk instead of dairy
Pro Tip: Toast the walnuts before mixing them in. It makes a huge difference in flavor.
Exact Ingredient List
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rolled oats | 2 cups |
| Chopped walnuts | ½ cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1½ tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Maple syrup | ⅓ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Melted butter/coconut oil | ¼ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Toast the Walnuts
Place walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 6–8 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- Rolled oats
- Cinnamon
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Half the chopped walnuts
Stir to distribute evenly.
4. Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Maple syrup
- Melted butter or coconut oil
- Vanilla extract
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until fully combined.
5. Pour and Bake
Pour the oat mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with remaining walnuts.
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
Let cool slightly before slicing.
How to Serve It
This bake is amazing straight from the oven or reheated throughout the week. Here are a few favorite ways to enjoy it:
🍁 Classic:
- Warm with a splash of milk and drizzle of maple syrup
🍎 Autumn Twist:
- Top with baked apples or sautéed pears
🍦 Dessert-Style:
- Add vanilla Greek yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream
☕ On-the-Go:
- Cut into bars, wrap individually, and eat cold or reheated
Flavor Variations to Try
Don’t be afraid to switch it up! This recipe is ultra-flexible:
🍌 Banana Maple Walnut:
- Add 1 mashed banana into the wet ingredients
🍎 Apple Cinnamon Walnut:
- Add ½ cup chopped apples and an extra dash of cinnamon
🍫 Chocolate Chip Maple Oats:
- Stir in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips for a treat
🫐 Blueberry Maple Bake:
- Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries before baking
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
🧊 Store:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days
♨️ Reheat:
- Microwave a slice for 30–45 seconds or reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm
❄️ Freeze:
- Freeze individual slices wrapped in foil or stored in freezer bags for up to 3 months
Bonus Tip: Wrap slices in parchment and foil for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving — based on 6 slices)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~290 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
Varies based on milk choice and optional add-ins
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
❓ Can I use instant oats?
Not recommended. Rolled oats hold their shape better and give the bake a hearty texture.
❓ What’s the best milk for this recipe?
Any milk works—dairy, almond, oat, coconut. Use what you enjoy.
❓ Can I skip the eggs?
Yes! Replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
❓ Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 45–50 minutes.
❓ Is it sweet enough without added sugar?
Maple syrup gives natural sweetness, but you can reduce the amount if you prefer.
Why This Recipe Just Works
This maple walnut oatmeal bake is cozy, hearty, and comforting without being heavy. It’s a one-pan wonder that:
- Satisfies your sweet tooth naturally
- Keeps you full with fiber and healthy fats
- Feels indulgent but is actually nourishing
- Works for breakfast, snack, or even dessert
The maple-walnut combo delivers deep, rich flavor, while the oats bring balance and texture.
Final Thoughts: Bake Once, Enjoy All Week
There’s a reason baked oatmeal has taken over meal prep menus everywhere—and this maple walnut oatmeal bake might just be your new favorite.
It’s warm, lightly sweet, and filled with toasty flavor. And once you taste that golden oat topping with gooey centers and crunchy walnuts, you’ll know why this dish belongs in your breakfast rotation.
🍴 Ready to Try It?
Dust off your oats, grab your maple syrup, and let your oven do the rest. This bake is perfect for chilly mornings, brunch tables, or late-night cravings.
✅ For more cozy, healthy bakes like this, visit bebup.org/food
✅ Share your bake, snap a photo, and drizzle with extra maple—we won’t judge!