Why make this vegan baked oatmeal?

Baked oatmeal is what happens when oatmeal and a breakfast bar meet: soft and custardy in the middle, golden at the edges, and sliceable for the week ahead. This version gets its richness from JOI Almond Base, used two ways. First you whisk a few tablespoons into water to make fresh almond milk right in the mixing bowl, then you squeeze more straight in for an almond butter flavor that runs through every bite. After baking, a thin zigzag on top finishes it like a bakery bar. Bananas and maple handle the sweetness, berries burst in the oven, and ground flax binds it without eggs. Expect 10 minutes of prep, 40 minutes in the oven and six generous squares.

Why this recipe is so easy

• One bowl, one baking dish.

• Milk is made in the same bowl, no carton needed.

• Reheats in a minute for busy mornings.

Recipe card

• Servings: 6 squares

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 35 to 40 minutes, plus 10 minutes cooling

• Total time: about 1 hour

• Category: Breakfast, Baking, Meal Prep

• Dietary: vegan and dairy-free by ingredients; gluten-free if made with certified gluten-free oats

• Equipment: 8x8-inch baking dish, large bowl, whisk, fork

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups water

• 3 tbsp JOI Almond Base, whisked into the water to make almond milk

• 1/4 cup JOI Almond Base, used directly, plus 1 to 2 tbsp for drizzling

• 1 large ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)

• 1/3 cup maple syrup

• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 1/2 cups mixed berries, fresh or frozen (do not thaw)

• 2 tbsp sliced almonds, optional

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F and lightly oil an 8x8-inch baking dish.

2. Make the almond milk: pour 1 1/2 cups water into a large bowl, squeeze in 3 tbsp Almond Base and whisk for 20 seconds until smooth.

3. Squeeze in 1/4 cup Almond Base, then add mashed banana, maple syrup, ground flax and vanilla. Whisk until combined. Let sit 5 minutes so the flax thickens slightly.

4. Stir in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Fold in 1 cup of the berries.

5. Pour into the dish and spread level. Scatter the remaining berries and sliced almonds on top.

6. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set and no longer wet when pressed and the edges are golden.

7. Cool 10 minutes. Squeeze a thin zigzag of Almond Base across the top, then cut into 6 squares.

Why the JOI squeeze bottle works here

This recipe uses the base as milk, as an ingredient and as a topping. The squeeze bottle handles all three without a single measuring spoon getting sticky, and the final zigzag is thin and even in a way a spoon cannot manage.

Customizations and substitutions

• Peanut butter and jelly: use Organic Peanut Base and swirl 3 tbsp jam over the top before baking.

• Apple cinnamon: swap the berries for 1 diced apple and add 1/4 tsp nutmeg.

• Banana-free: use 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce.

• More breakfast ideas: our creamy banana bread oatmeal, apple almond breakfast bars and 10 plant-based breakfast ideas.

Common mistakes

• Using quick oats: they turn mushy. Use old-fashioned rolled oats.

• Cutting it hot: it sets as it cools; give it 10 minutes.

Storage and reheating

• JOI base: pantry, cool and dark.

• Baked oatmeal: refrigerate covered within 2 hours of baking and use within 3 to 4 days (USDA leftovers guidance), or freeze individually wrapped squares (USDA freezing guidance).

• Reheat a square in the microwave 45 to 60 seconds, or at 350°F for 10 minutes. Add the drizzle after reheating.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I make baked oatmeal without eggs? Yes. Ground flax mixed with liquid binds it, and banana adds moisture.

2. Can I use frozen berries? Yes. Add them frozen so they do not bleed into the batter.

3. Can I prep this the night before? Mix everything except the baking powder, cover and refrigerate. Stir in the baking powder and bake in the morning, adding about 5 minutes.

4. Is baked oatmeal gluten-free? Only if you use oats labeled certified gluten-free.

Make JOI part of your kitchen

Keep JOI Almond Base in the pantry for breakfasts like this and quick drinks from our 4 two-minute almond milk recipes.