This Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is a tasty way to start your day! It’s packed with fresh blueberries and hidden zucchini, making it moist and delicious.
The best part? It’s super easy to make. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! I love having it warm with a splash of almond milk—perfect for a cozy morning! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats provide great texture and absorb moisture well. You can substitute with quick oats if that’s what you have on hand. Just note they may yield a softer texture.
Baking Powder: This is key for helping the oatmeal rise. If you don’t have it, you can use baking soda, but make sure to add an acid like yogurt or lemon juice to activate it.
Milk: I prefer almond milk for its light flavor, but feel free to use any milk you like—cow’s milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work great!
Maple Syrup/Honey: Both sweeteners are good options. If you want to make this recipe vegan, stick with maple syrup. Agave nectar can also be a great alternative.
Zucchini: The zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. If zucchini isn’t available, mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce can serve as a good substitute.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are my favorite, but frozen blueberries are just as good. Just toss them in frozen; there’s no need to thaw!
How Do I Ensure My Baked Oatmeal is Moist and Flavorful?
One of the keys to moist baked oatmeal is making sure you prepare the zucchini correctly. Grate it and squeeze out the excess moisture to prevent the oatmeal from becoming soggy. This helps keep it light yet rich in texture.
- Use a box grater or food processor to grate the zucchini.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, gather the cloth, and twist to squeeze out the moisture.
- Add the zucchini to the mix gently so it incorporates well without losing its texture.
Also, don’t skip the resting period after baking. Letting it sit for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld together for a better taste. You’ll love how it comes together! Enjoy your Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal!
Healthy Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, squeezed dry)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prep and around 40-45 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so plan for about an hour total. Your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish so your oatmeal doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well mixed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup (or honey), eggs, and vanilla extract. This will create a sweet and creamy base for your oatmeal. Mix until everything is combined smoothly.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed. You want all the oats to be coated with the delicious liquid!
5. Add Zucchini and Blueberries:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini and blueberries into the mixture. If you’re using nuts, now is the time to add those too! Be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything is combined.
6. Bake the Oatmeal:
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top looks set and lightly golden.
7. Cool and Serve:
After baking, let the oatmeal cool for a few minutes in the dish. This makes it easier to cut into squares. Enjoy your baked oatmeal warm or at room temperature, maybe with a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt on top!
Enjoy this healthy treat any time of the day! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Make This Baked Oatmeal Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pour it into the greased baking dish and bake as directed. This saves time in the morning and allows the flavors to meld even more!
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you prefer a vegan option or need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/2 ripe mashed banana per egg. Chia seeds or flaxseeds mixed with water (1 tablespoon seeds + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) also work well as a replacement.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for easy breakfast options later. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing!
Can I Use Other Fruits or Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can substitute the blueberries with other fruits like raspberries, chopped apples, or peaches. If you want to change up the veggies, grated carrots or even finely chopped spinach can add some great nutrition!
