This Baked Oatmeal Cups balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Baked Oatmeal Cups captures the essence of meals while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Baked Oatmeal Cups becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana)
2 whole eggs
⅓ cup peanut butter
¼ cup brown sugar
1 ¼ cups milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
⅓ cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping
1 Tbsp butter, melted
PREPARATION STEPS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or line with paper liners.
In a bowl, mix together applesauce, eggs, peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and milk until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix together oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and chocolate chips.
Slowly add the oat mixture to the wet ingredients until combined.
Add in melted butter and stir to combine.
Divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups, ensuring an equal amount of liquid in each cup.
Top each cup with additional chocolate chips and bake for 18-20 minutes until they are set and starting to turn golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before removing from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~300 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.