Baked Oats Oatmeal Cake in 30 Minutes

You know those mornings when you’re craving something warm, comforting, but still healthy enough to feel good about? That’s exactly how my obsession with baked oats oatmeal cake began! One sleepy Sunday, I dumped some oats, a ripe banana, and whatever else I had into a bowl – 30 minutes later, magic happened. The smell of cinnamon filling my tiny apartment was better than any alarm clock.

What came out of the oven was this glorious cross between cake and oatmeal – soft, slightly sweet, and packed with energy to start my day right. Now it’s my go-to breakfast hack when I want something satisfying but don’t have time to fuss. Bonus? My picky toddler actually eats it (especially when I sneak in some chocolate chips). After testing dozens of versions over the years, this simple formula never fails me.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Oats Oatmeal Cake

This baked oats oatmeal cake might just become your new breakfast best friend. Here’s why:

• Morning magic in minutes: Just mix, pour, and bake while you get ready for the day
• Healthy indulgence: Packed with fiber and protein to keep you full without the sugar crash
• Endless variations: Swirl in peanut butter, top with berries, or make it chocolatey – your choice!
• Kid-approved: Seriously, my toddler thinks this is “cake” for breakfast (I won’t tell if you won’t)

It’s that perfect balance of comforting and nourishing that makes this recipe a real keeper.

Ingredients for Baked Oats Oatmeal Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need for this simple yet magical breakfast cake. I’ve made this so many times I could probably recite it in my sleep!

• 1 cup rolled oats (not instant – we want that perfect texture!)
• 1 cup milk (I use whole milk, but almond or oat milk works great too)
• 1 ripe banana, mashed really well (the spottier, the sweeter!)
• 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan – mix 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (the good stuff makes a difference)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder (for that perfect little lift)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon (my secret flavor booster)
• Pinch of salt (balances all the flavors beautifully)

See? Nothing fancy – just simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry right now. For a beautiful breakfast spread idea, check out our Breakfast Charcuterie Board Recipe – it’s a perfect pairing with baked oats.

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How to Make Baked Oats Oatmeal Cake

Alright, let’s turn these simple ingredients into that magical breakfast cake we’re craving! I promise it’s easier than making pancakes – no flipping required. Just follow these easy steps for the perfect baked oats oatmeal cake every time.

Prep the Batter

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference in getting that perfect texture.

Now grab two bowls – one for wet ingredients, one for dry. In the first bowl, mash that banana until it’s completely smooth (no lumps!). Then whisk in the egg, milk, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla. I like to use a fork for this – it’s the perfect tool for getting everything nicely combined without dirtying extra gadgets.

In the second bowl, mix together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and that tiny pinch of salt. The salt might seem unnecessary, but it really makes all the other flavors pop!

Baking Tips

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally fine – we’re not making a soufflé here. Overmixing can make your baked oats oatmeal cake tough instead of tender.

Pour the batter into a greased 8×8 baking dish (I just rub a little butter around mine). Pop it in the middle rack of your preheated oven and set your timer for 25 minutes.

When the edges are golden brown and pulling away from the sides, do the toothpick test – stick it in the center and if it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), you’re golden! If not, give it another 3-5 minutes.

Let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing – I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but this helps it set up perfectly. Then dig in and enjoy your warm, comforting creation!

Customizing Your Baked Oats Oatmeal Cake

Here’s the best part – this baked oats oatmeal cake is like a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch! My kids call it “choose your own adventure” breakfast. Some of our favorite twists:

• Berry blast: Fold in a handful of fresh blueberries or chopped strawberries before baking
• Nutty crunch: Stir in walnuts or almonds for extra protein and texture
• Chocolate lover’s dream: Mix in 2 tbsp cocoa powder or chocolate chips (dark chocolate keeps it healthy!)
• Tropical vibes: Swap banana for mashed ripe plantain and add shredded coconut

The possibilities are endless – that’s why this recipe never gets old in our house!

Storing and Reheating

This baked oats oatmeal cake keeps beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and stash in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop a slice in the microwave for 30 seconds (it’ll get extra soft) or reheat in the toaster oven to bring back that perfect golden edges. The texture changes slightly – it becomes more dense and pudding-like when refrigerated, but still totally delicious!

Baked Oats Oatmeal Cake Nutrition

Just so you know what you’re getting into with this breakfast treat, here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on my basic recipe). Of course, these numbers will vary depending on your exact ingredients and add-ins!

• Calories: About 180
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g (natural from banana and honey)
• Fat: 4g

Not bad for something that tastes like dessert, right? The oats and banana give you lasting energy without that mid-morning crash. And remember – nutrition is about balance, not perfection! For more healthy breakfast ideas, check out our breakfast recipes. Find even more breakfast inspiration on our Pinterest page.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get questions about this baked oats oatmeal cake all the time! Here are the answers to the ones that pop up most often in my kitchen and inbox:

Share Your Baked Oats Oatmeal Cake

I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below. Tell me—did you add chocolate chips? Berries? What’s your favorite twist on this simple breakfast cake? You might also enjoy our scrambled oats recipe for another quick breakfast option.