Baked Oatmeal Delight

One of my favorite things about the weekend is making a big homemade breakfast! Over the past few weeks I have been creating variations of {101 Cookbooks} Baked Oatmeal, using different fruits, nuts, and spices. Not only is it super quick and easy to make, but it is also healthy, hearty, and you can even make it ahead of time {and reheat} if you need to. Oh, and it is pretty!

See? I told you it is pretty!

 

Ingredients

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1/3 cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup sliced strawberries

1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 cups milk

1 large egg

3 tablespoons butter, melted

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 ripe banana, peeled, 1/2-inch slices

Step 1. Preheat oven to 375°F and spray an 11x 7 inch baking dish with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, half the strawberries and half the chocolate. 

Step 2: In another large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, butter and vanilla extract.
 

Step 3: Add the oat mixture to prepared baking dish. Arrange the remaining strawberries and chocolate chips on top. 

 

Step 4: Add the banana slices to the top then pour the milk mixture over everything. Gently shake the baking dish to help the milk mixture go throughout the oats.

Step 5: Bake 35 - 40 minutes or until the top is nicely golden brown and the milk mixture has set. Sprinkle a tablespoon of extra brown sugar on top then place back in the oven under the broiler and broil for 1 minute. 

Enjoy!

Recommended variations: Replace strawberries with other types of dried or fresh berries. Add walnuts, almonds, or other nuts. Throw in additional spices such as Chinese five spice, or nutmeg. Replace chocolate chips with caramel or butterscotch. Add lemon or orange zest.