Strawberry Baked Oatmeal (Naturally Sweetened!)

This hearty Strawberry Baked Oatmeal recipe is made with a fresh strawberry compote, creamy almond butter, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts and meal prep! (Vegan, gluten-free, refined oil-free.)

This warm, hearty Strawberry Baked Oatmeal is easy to prepare and tastes like a sweet treat right out of the oven. It's made with wholesome, nourishing ingredients and naturally sweetened - no refined sugar needed!

It's deliciously packed with juicy strawberries, creamy almond butter, and tender almonds for a bit of crunch and texture.

Best of all, it's made with whole food plant-based ingredients and is naturally gluten-free, refined oil-free, egg-free, dairy-free, and butter-free. The leftovers store wonderfully, so it's also perfect for meal prep and make-ahead breakfasts throughout the week!

Ingredients for Strawberry Baked Oatmeal

For this recipe, you'll combine in a large bowl then bake in the oven:

• Fresh strawberries: You'll need 16 ounces strawberries. Be sure your berries are ripe and flavorful. We'll dice them to make a quick compote which creates a richer and more concentrated flavor.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats: Use certified gluten-free oats if needed. (I've only used old fashioned oats here, not steel cut oats.)
• Sliced almonds: These add a tender crunch to the mixture, and I love the added texture. You could also try other nuts like pecans or walnuts.
• Dairy-free milk: Use your own favorite dairy-free milk or whatever you have on hand. I use homemade cashew milk, but almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk work great too. If you're using sweetened milk, feel free to slightly reduce the amount of maple syrup if desired.
• Almond butter: Nut butter adds richness, moisture, and acts as a binder. Cashew butter or sunflower seed butter can be swapped in as well. Peanut butter could work too, but it's stronger and will change the flavor. (I haven't tested it with peanut butter.)
• Ground flax seed: Also called flax meal. We'll use two tablespoons that act as "flax eggs" since we aren't using real eggs. This helps bind everything together.
• Pure maple syrup: This is a fantastic natural sweetener, and you can easily adjust the amount to your liking.
• Pure vanilla extract
• Almond extract: This is completely optional. It's strong, so be sure to add only the amount listed so the flavor doesn't overpower.
• Fresh lemon juice: We'll use one tablespoon in the compote for a sweeter, more vibrant flavor.
• Baking powder & salt

Customizing

Variations: Expand this recipe by adding a half teaspoon ground cinnamon (this provides a subtle warmth and pairs well), lemon zest, mashed banana, coconut, dark chocolate chips, etc. You could also try including other fruit in the compote such as apples, pears, peaches, or blueberries.

Creamier texture: Slightly increase the amount of milk in the oatmeal mixture if you want a softer, more creamy texture. (This recipe is more firm and sturdy as written.)

Serving

Enjoy this oatmeal as it is, or garnish your bowl before serving! A few ideas include:

• Sliced bananas
• Fresh berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
• Dollop of almond butter (for added plant protein)
• Dash of ground cinnamon
• Drizzle of pure maple syrup (or agave nectar)
• Coconut whipped cream
• Vegan chocolate chips
• Pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find it keeps for about 3-4 days and reheats well in the microwave. (Or you can enjoy it chilled.) It's great for an easy breakfast, brunch, and meal prep.

For more inspiration, also browse all vegan breakfast recipes.

If you're enjoying this vegan strawberry baked oatmeal recipe, also check out:

• Vegan Gluten-Free Waffles
• Tofu Scramble with Spinach and Tomato

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