Looking for a cozy breakfast that feels like dessert but fuels you like a champ? This coffee cake baked oatmeal is your answer. It’s warm, satisfying, and packed with comforting cinnamon flavors and a tender, cake-like texture—without the sugar crash. Whether you’re planning a slow weekend brunch or need grab-and-go slices for the week, this baked oatmeal does it all. In this article, you’ll find a tried-and-true recipe, tips for perfect texture, and answers to common questions like which oats to use and how to know when it’s ready. Get ready to fill your kitchen with sweet cinnamon aromas!
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A Sweet Start to the Day with Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal
Why Coffee Cake and Oatmeal Belong Together
It all started one sleepy Sunday morning in San Miguel de Allende. I had a serious craving for something warm and sweet—but not too sweet. Coffee cake was calling my name, but I also wanted something hearty. That’s when I remembered a trick from my abuela: oats baked with fruit and milk until golden and cozy. So I mashed the two cravings together and ended up with the best of both worlds—coffee cake baked oatmeal.
The beauty of this dish is in the contrast. The soft, custardy oatmeal base gets topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel that crackles with every bite. If your mornings need a little joy, this breakfast delivers big time. It’s especially perfect with a hot mug of café de olla or a cold brew when it’s warm out. And if you’re cooking for family or a crowd? This dish holds up like a champ and reheats beautifully all week long.
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Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal is a cozy, cinnamon-scented breakfast bake with a soft oatmeal base and golden streusel topping. It’s easy to prepare, meal-prep friendly, and the perfect way to start your day feeling nourished and satisfied.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Streusel Topping:
- 1/3 cup oat flour
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix almond milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine: Pour wet ingredients into the dry and mix until fully combined. Spread evenly into the prepared dish.
- Make the Streusel: In a small bowl, mix oat flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Crumble over the oat mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden on top and set in the middle. A toothpick should come out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or refrigerate for later.
Notes
This recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Use dairy-free yogurt and plant milk for a vegan-friendly version. Add-ins like berries, apples, or nuts are delicious additions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
The Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen
To make your coffee cake baked oatmeal shine, start with rolled oats—they soak up flavor and bake evenly. A mix of almond milk and Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, while maple syrup gives just enough sweetness without overwhelming. The streusel is simple: oat flour, cinnamon, coconut sugar, and a touch of melted butter. It crisps up like a dream.
This baked oatmeal also plays well with add-ins. Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or swirl in some mashed banana or applesauce for moisture. If you’re going dairy-free, use coconut yogurt and homemade almond milk—it works great. You can even sneak in a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an extra boost.
Best Tips for Making Perfect Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal Every Time
Choosing the Right Baking Dish for Coffee Cake Oats
When it comes to getting that golden crust and moist center just right, the size and shape of your baking dish really matters. For most batches, an 8×8-inch square dish works beautifully. It gives the oatmeal just enough depth to feel cakey without being too dense. If you’re doubling the recipe or making it for a brunch crowd, go for a 9×13-inch pan, and reduce the baking time slightly to avoid drying it out.
Glass or ceramic baking dishes help cook the oats evenly and develop those lovely crispy edges. Avoid metal pans unless you’re lining them well—they can brown the bottom too quickly. Don’t forget to grease your dish well or use parchment if you want to lift out slices neatly for meal prep.
How to Tell When It’s Perfectly Baked
You’ll know your coffee cake baked oatmeal is done when the top looks golden and the edges start pulling slightly from the sides. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean—moist crumbs are fine, but no wet batter.
If the streusel topping starts to brown too fast, lightly tent the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes. Let the oatmeal rest for 10–15 minutes after baking. This allows the oats to set and makes slicing easier. Want it creamier? Bake it a few minutes less. Prefer a firmer slice? Let it go a bit longer—just don’t overdo it or you’ll lose that cake-like texture.
You can even prep it the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning. That way, your house smells like cinnamon before you’ve even had your first sip of coffee.
Customizing Your Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal for Any Diet or Taste
Using Almond Milk or Other Dairy-Free Options
Yes, you can absolutely use homemade almond milk in your coffee cake baked oatmeal. In fact, it adds a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon streusel topping. Just make sure your almond milk isn’t too thin—aim for one with a bit of creaminess. If you’re using store-bought, choose unsweetened to keep the flavor balance right.
Other great non-dairy choices include oat milk, soy milk, or even full-fat coconut milk for a richer texture. You can also sub the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt made from almonds or cashews. Want extra protein? Add a scoop of vanilla plant-based protein powder and increase the liquid by a few tablespoons to keep the oatmeal soft and fluffy.
These swaps work great for vegans and anyone avoiding dairy. Just double-check that your streusel ingredients are also dairy-free—swap butter for coconut oil or a quality plant-based spread.
Add-ins and Flavor Boosters You’ll Love
This base recipe is just the beginning. Want something fruity? Stir in diced apples, blueberries, or raspberries before baking. Craving something more decadent? Try folding in dark chocolate chips or a swirl of almond butter.
Spices are your best friends. Besides cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice add depth and warmth. A splash of vanilla extract makes everything taste like dessert. If you’re into texture, chopped pecans or walnuts in the topping give it that bakery-style crunch.
To make it even more filling, top your baked oats with Greek yogurt or a drizzle of almond butter before serving. The beauty of coffee cake baked oatmeal is how well it adapts to your pantry, your diet, and your mood.
Make-Ahead, Meal Prep, and Freezer Tips for Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal
How to Store and Reheat Like a Pro
One of the best things about coffee cake baked oatmeal is how well it holds up throughout the week. After baking, let it cool completely, then cut it into squares and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also wrap individual portions in foil or parchment for grab-and-go mornings.
To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Want it extra moist? Splash a bit of almond milk on top before heating. And yes—it’s even delicious cold right out of the fridge.
This oatmeal also freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen, or thaw overnight in the fridge.
Batch Cooking and Freezer Prep Options
Planning ahead? Make a double batch in a 9×13-inch pan. Eat half now and freeze the rest. You can also bake it in muffin tins for perfectly portioned bites—just reduce the bake time to around 20–25 minutes.
Another trick: prep the oat mixture and streusel the night before, refrigerate separately, and bake fresh in the morning. That way, you get all the cozy aromas with none of the morning hustle.
This makes coffee cake baked oatmeal a smart choice for busy weeks, meal preppers, and families juggling different schedules. It’s one of those rare recipes that feels indulgent, but delivers on nutrition and practicality.
CAN I USE STEEL CUT OATS INSTEAD OF ROLLED OATS?
Steel cut oats take much longer to cook and don’t soften the same way. For best results, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats. If you only have steel cut, try soaking them overnight and increasing the bake time—but the texture will be chewier.
WHAT SIZE BAKING DISH SHOULD I USE?
An 8×8-inch baking dish is ideal for the standard recipe. For a larger crowd, a 9×13-inch dish works well—just reduce bake time slightly and watch for doneness.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN MY COFFEE CAKE BAKED OATMEAL IS DONE?
Check that the top is golden and the edges pull slightly away from the sides. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
CAN I USE HOMEMADE ALMOND MILK TO MAKE THESE PROTEIN BAKED OATS?
Absolutely. Homemade almond milk works great—just make sure it’s not too watery. You can also add protein powder for a post-workout breakfast boost.
Conclusion:
If your mornings need a little joy and a whole lot of comfort, this coffee cake baked oatmeal is it. With its warm spices, tender texture, and streusel crunch, it’s like your favorite dessert—but nourishing enough to power your day. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to something cozy, this recipe’s got your back. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to.