Spiced Blueberry & Banana Baked Oatmeal

I love oatmeal. It's hearty, wholesome, and the perfect blank slate for any combination of flavors or mix-ins. And while it's one of the easiest things to make, sometimes I simply don't feel like pulling out all of the fruit, nuts, spices, etc. ... that's where baked oatmeal comes in.

As a busy mom with two little ones, time-saving dishes like this are key, especially during the school season when mornings can be a bit hectic. I make a batch on a Sunday and keep it in the fridge all week long. Then, when it's breakfast time, all I have to do is scoop some out, warm it up (though also great chilled), top it with a little butter and pure maple syrup, and breakfast is done. Enjoy! -KM

INGREDIENTS ~ yields (1) 7x9 baking dish

• 1 cup rolled oats (use specifically gluten-free oats, if needed)
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of each: ground nutmeg, cloves, allspice
• 1 cup plant-based milk (I used oat milk)
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon coconut oil, melted
• 1 very ripe banana, mashed coarsely
• 1 cup fresh OR frozen blueberries
• Optional topping: cinnamon and 1 tablespoon raw (or coconut) sugar

METHOD

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Coat baking dish with the 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Set aside.
• In a bowl, mix together the oats, walnuts, baking powder, salt and spices. Set aside.
• In another bowl (or liquid measuring cup), stir together the milk, maple syrup, vanilla, melted coconut oil and banana. 
• Pour 3/4 cup of the blueberries into the bottom of the baking dish, followed by the dry ingredients; spread out evenly.
• Next, pour the banana-milk mixture over the oats, using a spatula to fill in any gaps.
• Give the dish a wiggle and several good taps on the countertop to ensure the milk works its way down through the oat mixture. 
• Top with the remaining blueberries and sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.
• Bake 15-20 minutes or until edges are slightly browned and bubbly.
• Allow to sit 5 minutes before serving - OR - cool completely at room temperature prior to storing in the refrigerator.

---