These cherry almond baked oatmeal cups are a delightful combination of tart cherries, crunchy almonds, and whole grains, lightly sweetened for a nutritious and satisfying breakfast or snack. Perfectly portioned, these oatmeal cups are an ideal choice for those busy mornings when you need something quick, healthy, and delicious to start your day. They’re also great for meal prep or a grab-and-go snack option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cherry almond baked oatmeal cups offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy almond milk, sweet applesauce, and butter create a smooth base for the oats, while the addition of tart cherries provides a burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the nutty crunch of almonds. The coconut sugar gives just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients, and the spices like cinnamon add a warm, comforting touch. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, a snack to fuel your day, or something to enjoy after a workout, these oatmeal cups fit the bill perfectly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons butter or non-dairy buttery spread, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 2½ cups old-fashioned oats
- ¼ cup coconut sugar (or substitute with regular sugar, brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup Montmorency tart cherries
- ⅓ cup blanched sliced almonds, plus more for topping
Directions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a muffin tin by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with silicone muffin liners.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond milk, applesauce, melted butter, and almond extract until well combined.
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Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the oats, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until just combined.
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Fold in Cherries and Almonds: Gently fold in the tart cherries and sliced almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin cups, filling them to the top. Sprinkle additional sliced almonds on top of each cup for added crunch.
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Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the oatmeal cups to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 28-30 minutes
- Total Time: 38-40 minutes
- Servings: 10 oatmeal cups
- Calories: Approximately 194 kcal per cup
Storage/Reheating
These oatmeal cups store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them perfect for meal prep. If you'd like to store them for longer, they also freeze well. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and they can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any milk of your choice, such as cow's milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe will be gluten-free.
3. Can I substitute the almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a different flavor.
4. Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried ones?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used instead of dried cherries. Just be sure to chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the mixture.
5. Can I make these oatmeal cups vegan?
Yes, this recipe can be made vegan by using a non-dairy butter substitute and ensuring the milk is plant-based.
6. How do I make these oatmeal cups sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter oatmeal cup, you can increase the amount of coconut sugar or add a little maple syrup to taste.
7. How can I add more protein to this recipe?
You can add protein by mixing in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or incorporating some chia seeds or hemp seeds into the batter.
8. Can I make these oatmeal cups without the almonds?
Yes, if you're allergic to almonds or prefer not to use them, you can either omit them or substitute with another nut like walnuts or pecans, or even use sunflower seeds.
9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, these oatmeal cups are perfect for meal prep. You can bake them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for an easy breakfast or snack throughout the week.
10. Can I use a different sweetener instead of coconut sugar?
Yes, you can substitute coconut sugar with regular sugar, brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup, depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups are an excellent addition to your breakfast or snack rotation. With the perfect balance of sweet and tart, chewy oats, and crunchy almonds, these oatmeal cups will keep you satisfied and energized throughout your day. Easy to make and versatile, this recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, delicious bite on the go. Plus, they store well for meal prep, making them even more convenient!
Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups
- Total Time: 38-40 minutes
- Yield: 10 oatmeal cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups are a perfect blend of tart cherries, crunchy almonds, and wholesome oats, providing a nutritious and satisfying breakfast or snack. Made with almond milk, applesauce, and a hint of almond extract, they are lightly sweetened with coconut sugar for a balanced, healthy treat. These oatmeal cups are great for meal prep or as a grab-and-go option. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack, this recipe delivers a delicious and convenient option for a nourishing start to your day.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons butter or non-dairy buttery spread, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 2½ cups old-fashioned oats
- ¼ cup coconut sugar (or substitute with regular sugar, brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup Montmorency tart cherries
- ⅓ cup blanched sliced almonds, plus more for topping
Instructions
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line with silicone muffin liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together almond milk, applesauce, melted butter, and almond extract until well combined.
- Add oats, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in tart cherries and sliced almonds.
- Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup to the top. Top with extra sliced almonds.
- Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use a non-dairy butter and plant-based milk.
- Store these oatmeal cups in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28-30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
