If you’re craving a warm, comforting breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal is exactly what you need. Imagine the cozy flavors of coffee cake — with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a satisfyingly crunchy oat pecan streusel — all transformed into a wholesome baked oatmeal that’s naturally gluten-free and vegan. It brings together the best of both worlds: hearty oats with that nostalgic coffee cake charm, perfect for starting your day with a burst of flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play key roles in creating a delicious balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch in your Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal. Each component adds not just flavor but also texture and wholesome goodness.
- 1 medium ripe banana: Acts as a natural sweetener and binder, giving the oatmeal a moist, tender texture.
- 2 cups non-dairy milk: Keeps the dish vegan and adds creamy moisture to the oats.
- ¼ cup maple syrup: Provides a rich sweetness with that characteristic maple depth.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Boosts overall flavor with a warm, floral note.
- 2 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base that gives the oatmeal its comforting chew and fiber.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Lightens the texture and helps the oatmeal puff slightly while baking.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth essential for that coffee cake vibe.
- ¼ tsp nutmeg: A subtle spice that complements cinnamon beautifully, enhancing depth.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ cup whole pecans: For the streusel topping’s crunchy richness.
- ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (streusel): Adds rustic texture to the crumb topping.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the streusel with a hint of molasses flavor.
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps bind the streusel crumbs together.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (streusel): Mirrors the base cinnamon for flavor harmony.
- 4 tbsp melted coconut oil: Brings moisture and crunch to the streusel while keeping it dairy-free.
How to Make Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Prepare the base mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing an 8×8 baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana until mostly smooth—don’t worry if there are a few lumps left; it adds a bit of texture. Whisk in the non-dairy milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, fold in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt using a wooden spoon or spatula. Make sure everything is evenly incorporated for a uniform flavor and texture.
Step 2: Make the oat pecan streusel topping
For that irresistible crumbly topping, add the pecans and the rolled oats reserved for the streusel to a high-speed blender or food processor and pulse until you get a coarse meal—avoid over-processing because you want texture. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and stir in the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and melted coconut oil. Stir well until the mixture resembles wet sand. This streusel topping will add that perfect crunch and sweet-spicy contrast to the warm oatmeal.
Step 3: Assemble and bake
Pour the oatmeal mixture into your greased baking dish, smoothing it out for an even layer. Generously sprinkle the oat pecan streusel over the top — you can decide how much to add, depending on how crunchy and sweet you want it. Bake the Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal in the preheated oven for 28 to 30 minutes, until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the oatmeal is firm to the touch without any jiggle. Let it cool for at least five minutes before slicing it into nine satisfying portions.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, simplicity works wonders. A light drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of your favorite non-dairy yogurt complements the warm spices beautifully. Fresh berries or thinly sliced banana can also add a bright contrast and a fresh pop of color. For an extra indulgent touch, a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top adds crunch and nutty richness that pairs perfectly with the streusel.
Side Dishes
This Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal shines as a standalone star, but if you want to build a breakfast spread, consider pairing it with some fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie. Nut butter on the side amps the protein and adds more creamy texture. For those lazy weekend brunches, a cup of coffee or chai tea harmonizes wonderfully with those cinnamon and nutmeg notes in the oatmeal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal for guests or want to wow your family, try baking it in individual ramekins for single-serving portions. Layering it with fruit preserves or almond butter in a glass dish can create a stunning visual breakfast parfait. You might even top it with whipped coconut cream and a dusting of cinnamon for a delightful finish that feels both rustic and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your batch, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal keeps beautifully fresh for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen with time, making every bite more satisfying.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Slice the cooled oatmeal into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen portions last up to 2 months and are just waiting to be reheated for a quick, hearty breakfast.
Reheating
To bring your Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal back to life, microwave individual slices for about 30 to 60 seconds until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes for a crispy top. Add a touch of non-dairy milk or a dash of syrup if it feels dry, and enjoy it just as fresh as when baked!
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats have a much firmer texture and take longer to cook, so they aren’t ideal for this recipe. Rolled oats absorb liquid better and bake into a soft, tender oatmeal that’s perfect for the Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Always check your ingredient labels if you have a gluten sensitivity or allergy.
Can I substitute the non-dairy milk with regular milk?
Absolutely! You can use any milk you prefer. Using regular dairy milk will work just fine and may make the oatmeal slightly creamier, but the recipe was designed to be vegan-friendly.
How sweet is this recipe? Can I reduce the maple syrup?
The sweetness is gentle and balanced, but if you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the maple syrup slightly or adjust the brown sugar in the streusel. You can also serve with less syrup or skip the extra drizzle when serving.
Can I add fruit like blueberries or apples?
Definitely! Adding fresh or frozen blueberries, chopped apples, or even diced pears before baking adds a wonderful fruity surprise. Just fold them into the mixture before pouring it into the baking dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about waking up to a warm, spiced breakfast like this Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal. It’s nourishing, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make — a perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones any morning of the week. Give this recipe a go, and you might just find your new favorite breakfast staple that everyone will ask for again and again!
PrintCoffee Cake Baked Oatmeal
This Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal is a delightful breakfast twist inspired by the flavors of classic coffee cake. Infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a crunchy oat pecan crumb streusel, it’s a hearty, comforting, and gluten-free vegan dish perfect for starting your day with a cozy feel.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe banana
- 2 cups non-dairy milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Pecan Oat Streusel
- ½ cup whole pecans
- ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp melted coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana until mostly smooth with some lumps. Whisk in the non-dairy milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread it out to distribute uniformly.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: Place the pecans and oats into a high-speed blender or food processor and pulse until you achieve a coarse meal texture. Transfer this to a bowl and stir in the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and melted coconut oil until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Top the Oatmeal: Sprinkle the streusel mixture generously over the oatmeal batter in the baking dish. You can adjust the amount to your preference, using all or part of the streusel.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is firm and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for 5 minutes before cutting into nine even portions. Serve warm for a comforting breakfast treat.
Notes
- This baked oatmeal can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave.
- Feel free to add chopped fresh fruit or nuts inside the oatmeal mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Non-dairy milk choices like almond, soy, or oat milk work well in this recipe.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Leftover streusel can be sprinkled on yogurt or smoothies for added crunch.