If you are looking for a warm, comforting breakfast that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, this Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the natural sweetness of fresh blueberries with the rich, custardy texture of baked bread and oats, creating a dish that’s both hearty and fresh. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or wanting an effortless yet impressive morning treat, this recipe brings together simple ingredients into something truly special that you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe plays a crucial role — from the texture of the bread to the burst of the blueberries, and the creamy custard that binds it all together. These essentials are easy to find and straightforward, but they come together to create layers of flavor and contrast that make the dish unforgettable.
- Brioche, challah, or French bread, 6 cups cubed: These breads soak up the custard beautifully, giving a tender yet structured base.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries, 2 cups: Bursting with juicy sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Large eggs, 4: The binding agent that gives this dish its rich, custardy texture.
- Milk or dairy-free alternative, 1 ½ cups: Adds creaminess while balancing the flavors.
- Heavy cream or coconut cream, ½ cup: Enhances richness and creates that luscious mouthfeel.
- Maple syrup or honey, ½ cup: Natural sweeteners that add depth without overpowering the blueberries.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Brings a warm, inviting note that ties all ingredients together.
- Cinnamon, 1 tsp: Adds subtle spice and warmth, complementing the fruit beautifully.
- Salt, ¼ tsp: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Chopped nuts, ½ cup (optional): For a delightful crunch and an extra layer of texture.
- Powdered sugar, for serving (optional): A pretty finishing touch that adds a delicate sweetness.
How to Make Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your baked oatmeal doesn’t stick and browns evenly on the edges.
Step 2: Layer the Bread and Blueberries
Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, sprinkle the blueberries over the bread for even pockets of juicy sweetness throughout the dish.
Step 3: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. This custard mixture is what will soak into the bread and hold everything together, giving that perfected, creamy texture.
Step 4: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard evenly over the bread and blueberries, then press down gently to make sure every piece gets soaked. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes—this soak time allows the bread to absorb the custard completely. For extra flavor, cover and refrigerate overnight to let it rest longer.
Step 5: Add Nuts and Bake
If you love an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top before baking. Then place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still soft and custardy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
When the baking is done, allow your Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired. This cooling period helps everything set perfectly and makes it easier to cut and serve.
How to Serve Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate your serving with a few simple garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Fresh blueberries and a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream also make the dish pop with freshness and creaminess.
Side Dishes
This baked oatmeal pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of Greek yogurt. If you want to add some protein, crispy bacon or turkey sausage brings a savory contrast to balance the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the baked oatmeal in individual ramekins, adding a bit of powdered sugar and a blueberry sprig on top for a classy touch. Alternatively, drizzle warm maple syrup or honey just before serving to add that extra shimmer and flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers from this Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It remains just as delicious when cold or reheated gently.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, it freezes beautifully. Portion the baked oatmeal into individual servings and wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop single portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes if thawed from frozen. This keeps the texture moist and the blueberries juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this baked oatmeal?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work great and often release a bit more juice, which makes the oatmeal even more flavorful and moist.
What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
Brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal because they are slightly sweet and absorb the custard well without becoming mushy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the milk and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and coconut cream, which work beautifully while keeping it creamy.
Is it possible to prepare the Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe the night before?
Definitely! Letting it soak overnight in the refrigerator actually enhances the flavors and texture. Just bake it fresh in the morning.
How can I add more protein to this breakfast?
Adding chopped nuts, Greek yogurt on the side, or even stirring in a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the custard can boost the protein content easily.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites for good reason. It’s easy to make, full of fresh flavors, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—it will brighten your mornings and might just become your new staple breakfast dish.
Print
Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and wholesome Blueberry Baked Oatmeal recipe featuring cubed bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard with fresh or frozen blueberries, baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make breakfast casserole offers a warm, fruity start to your day and can be customized with nuts and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Bread and Fruit
- 6 cups cubed bread (brioche, challah, or French bread)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream)
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Toppings (Optional)
- ½ cup chopped nuts
- Powdered sugar, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature for baking the oatmeal evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to help with even browning.
- Lay Bread Cubes: Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Add Blueberries: Evenly sprinkle fresh or frozen blueberries over the bread cubes to distribute fruit flavor throughout.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and combined.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure all pieces absorb the custard.
- Rest Mixture: Let the dish sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully. For enhanced flavor, cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Add Nuts (Optional): Sprinkle chopped nuts on top if desired for added texture and flavor contrast.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, then serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- For added flavor, soak the mixture overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add great crunch and nutrition.
- Use maple syrup or honey based on your preference for sweetness.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries both work well; no need to thaw frozen berries before using.
- Powdered sugar topping is optional and adds a lovely touch of sweetness and presentation.
