If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s just as delightful as it looks, let me introduce you to Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups. These perfectly portioned, muffin-like oatmeals are bursting with sweet-tart cherries, warm notes of almond, and the cozy goodness of old-fashioned oats. Perfect for meal prep, busy mornings, or just treating yourself to a wholesome, bakery-inspired treat, Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups are an easy way to make everyday breakfasts feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups is all in their simplicity—every ingredient is there for a purpose, helping to deliver big flavor, tender texture, and that irresistible fruity-nutty combo you’ll crave all week long. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These hearty oats form the chewy, satisfying base and soak up all the flavors for perfect texture in every bite.
- Baking powder: Just a bit gives the oatmeal cups a slight lift, so they don’t turn out dense or heavy.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a gentle warmth and cozy aroma that pairs beautifully with cherries and almonds.
- Salt: A tiny amount brings out the sweetness of the cherries and balances the nutty, earthy ingredients.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps things dairy-free, with a subtle nuttiness that complements the almond extract and sliced almonds.
- Maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the oatmeal while lending a rich, caramel depth. Honey works too if you’re not vegan!
- Ripe banana: Mashed banana not only sweetens the cups but also adds wonderful moisture and tenderness—no oil needed!
- Egg or flax egg: Binds everything together for that classic baked oatmeal texture; a flax egg keeps it vegan-friendly.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts all the sweet notes, making every bite extra comforting and inviting.
- Almond extract: The not-so-secret weapon! Just half a teaspoon gives an incredible almond bakery vibe.
- Fresh or frozen pitted cherries: The stars of the show—juicy, tart, and vibrant against the nutty oat backdrop. No need to thaw if using frozen.
- Sliced almonds: A sprinkling inside adds crunch and flavor, while also making the tops pretty.
How to Make Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line the cups with paper liners—either will ensure your oatmeal cups pop right out with no fuss. This little bit of prep makes cleanup a breeze, especially when sticky cherries are involved!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Give everything a quick mix to evenly distribute that baking powder and cinnamon—this way, each baked oatmeal cup is perfectly spiced and rises just right.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup, mashed banana, egg (or your flax egg if making it vegan), vanilla extract, and almond extract. The almond extract is key for that lovely bakery-style aroma, while the banana keeps things soft and naturally sweet. Whisk until everything looks silky and smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Fold in the Goodies
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—don’t over-mix, a few lumps are just fine. Now, fold in the halved cherries and sliced almonds; you want them evenly distributed for pockets of cherry and crunch in every bite.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the mixture into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup nearly to the top. These don’t puff up like cupcakes, so feel free to fill them generously. Sprinkle a few extra sliced almonds on top for a gorgeous finish, then bake for 25–30 minutes until the tops are set and lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the oatmeal cups cool in the pan for about 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. They’ll firm up as they cool, making them easy to eat by hand or fork. Enjoy them warm, at room temperature, or pop one in the toaster oven for a minute if you like a crisp edge!
How to Serve Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way to make your Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups feel like breakfast from your favorite café. Try a sprinkle of extra sliced almonds and a dusting of cinnamon right before serving. If you’re feeling decadent, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a quick drizzle of maple syrup on top adds a luscious touch and makes the fruit flavors sing.
Side Dishes
Pair your oatmeal cups with a fresh fruit salad or a glass of almond milk for a complete and refreshing meal. They’re fantastic alongside scrambled eggs or a breakfast smoothie—think of these cups as the perfect grab-and-go companion to anything you love in the morning.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a brunch? Arrange Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups on a pretty platter with bowls of yogurt, extra fruit, and maybe even some whipped coconut cream for guests to customize their own breakfast. Try slicing them in half and filling with nut butter, or serve warm with ice cream for a secretly wholesome dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply let your oatmeal cups cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’ll hold their shape and flavor beautifully, so you can enjoy a quick, nutritious breakfast all week long.
Freezing
To freeze, pop the cooled Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups into a freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment if needed. They’ll keep perfectly for up to 3 months—ideal for those mornings when you need breakfast in a flash!
Reheating
For best results, reheat oatmeal cups in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, or add a few extra seconds to the reheat time for a straight-from-the-freezer treat.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, diced peaches, or even chopped apples work wonderfully here. Just make sure to use the same quantity as called for in the Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups to keep the texture perfect.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these oatmeal cups are naturally gluten-free and perfect for anyone avoiding wheat products.
What’s the best way to make them vegan?
Simply substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes) and ensure your maple syrup is vegan. The Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups turn out just as moist and delicious!
How can I make these nut-free?
To make nut-free oatmeal cups, replace the almond milk with oat or dairy milk, skip the almond extract, and leave out the sliced almonds. The cherries still shine, and the cups will be just as scrumptious.
Do I have to thaw frozen cherries first?
No need! Frozen cherries can go directly into the batter—just halve them and toss them in. This helps keep the batter cool, which actually creates a nicely moist texture once baked.
Final Thoughts
Go ahead and bake a batch of Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups—I promise, once you taste that irresistible blend of juicy cherries and nutty oats, you’ll have a new breakfast favorite. Share them with your family, grab one on your way out the door, or savor slowly with your morning coffee. I can’t wait for you to try them!
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Instant Pot Spicy Dumpling Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 oatmeal cups
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and wholesome Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups that are perfect for a quick and nutritious breakfast on-the-go. These flavorful oatmeal cups are filled with the goodness of cherries, almonds, and a hint of maple sweetness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 large ripe banana (mashed)
- 1 large egg or flax egg (for vegan)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
Add-Ins:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries (halved)
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk almond milk, maple syrup, mashed banana, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a separate bowl. Pour into dry ingredients and mix well.
- Add Cherries and Almonds: Gently fold in cherries and sliced almonds.
- Bake: Divide mixture among muffin cups and bake for 25–30 minutes until set and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- To make this recipe vegan, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, mixed and set for 5 minutes).
- Frozen cherries work well—no need to thaw.
- Store cups in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oatmeal cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
