Savory Cranberry Oatmeal Bake Recipe

My Cranberry Oatmeal Bake brings those holiday vibes to the breakfast table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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You will love how the fresh cranberries burst in the oven to create jammy pockets of sweetness against the hearty, toasted oats.

What Makes This Cranberry Oatmeal Bake So Special

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What Makes This Cranberry Oatmeal Bake So Special

 

This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a breakfast that feels like a special occasion treat without the fuss. It uses wholesome ingredients like rolled oats and Greek yogurt to keep you full and satisfied until lunch.

You can easily prep the entire dish the night before and just pop it in the oven when you wake up.

The texture strikes the perfect balance between a soft, custard-like center and a golden, slightly crisp top.

If you enjoyed the citrus notes here, try my Hearty Orange Sugar Cookies Recipe for a sweet snack, or bake up my Quick Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for another cozy breakfast option.

Gathering Your Cranberry Oatmeal Bake Ingredients

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Gathering Your Cranberry Oatmeal Bake Ingredients

 

Here is the simple list of items you will need to bake this wholesome dish:

  • Rolled oats: These provide the hearty, chewy base for the bake and hold their texture well in the oven.
  • Pecans: Chopped nuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty depth that complements the fruit.
  • Baking powder: A little lift helps the oatmeal become fluffy rather than dense.
  • Cinnamon: This warm spice brings the whole dish together and smells amazing while baking.
  • Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness of the maple syrup and fruit.
  • Egg: This acts as a binder to help set the oatmeal into a sliceable consistency.
  • Milk: I use 2% milk for richness, but any milk of your choice works to hydrate the oats.
  • Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup sweetens the bake naturally and adds a distinct autumnal flavor.
  • Orange zest: The bright citrus oil pairs beautifully with cranberries and cuts through the sweetness.
  • Cranberries: Fresh or frozen berries provide that signature pop of color and tart flavor.
  • Greek yogurt: Used for the topping, it adds a creamy, protein-packed finish to each serving.

My Method for Perfect Cranberry Oatmeal Bake

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My Method for Perfect Cranberry Oatmeal Bake

 

Let’s get the oven warm and start mixing these simple ingredients:

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F so it is ready to go when you are. Grab an 8×11-inch baking dish (or a similar rectangular ceramic dish) and add your rolled oats, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt directly into it. Give these dry ingredients a quick toss with a spoon or spatula until the spices and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the oats.
  2. In a separate small mixing bowl, crack the egg and whisk it together with the milk, 1/4 cup of the maple syrup, and the fresh orange zest. You want to whisk vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Pour this liquid mixture evenly over the dry oat mixture in your baking dish.
  3. Scatter the cranberries over the top of the wet oats. Using your spatula or spoon, gently fold the berries in and press down lightly on the mixture to ensure all the oats are submerged in the liquid. This step is crucial to ensure the oats cook evenly and absorb all that delicious moisture without drying out on top.
  4. Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 35 to 40 minutes. You will know it is done when the liquid is absorbed, the center feels set (firm to the touch), and the top is a beautiful golden brown color. Remove the Cranberry Oatmeal Bake from the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes to firm up slightly before serving.
  5. While the oatmeal cools, whisk the remaining maple syrup into the plain Greek yogurt in a small bowl until smooth. Serve warm squares of the baked oatmeal with a generous dollop of this maple yogurt on top for the perfect creamy finish.

My Best Tips for Perfect Cranberry Oatmeal Bake

My Best Tips for Perfect Cranberry Oatmeal Bake

 

I always recommend toasting the pecans briefly in a dry pan before adding them to the mixture for a deeper, nuttier flavor profile.

If you use frozen fruit for this Cranberry Oatmeal Bake, do not thaw them beforehand or the juices might color the batter pink.

You can slice the cranberries in half if you prefer a little less tartness in every bite of your morning meal.

How I Like to Serve This Cranberry Oatmeal Bake

A dollop of the maple-sweetened Greek yogurt adds a creamy, tangy contrast that perfectly balances the warm spices.

You can also serve this Cranberry Oatmeal Bake with a splash of cold milk or a fresh drizzle of extra maple syrup.

I’d love for you to follow along on Pinterest for more cozy breakfast inspiration and seasonal baking ideas!

Print
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Cranberry Oatmeal Bake

Cranberry Oatmeal Bake


  • Author: Amelia Bryan
  • Total Time: 50 min
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A warm and comforting baked oatmeal packed with tart fresh cranberries, crunchy pecans, and orange zest, topped with maple Greek yogurt.


Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup cranberries
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup, divided
  • 2 cups 2% milk
  • 1 orange, zested

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Combine the rolled oats, pecans, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt directly in an 8×11-inch baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, and the orange zest until smooth. Pour this mixture over the oats.
  3. Add the cranberries and gently fold them in. Press down on the mixture to ensure the oats are submerged in the liquid.
  4. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Mix the remaining maple syrup with the Greek yogurt and serve a dollop on top of each warm portion.

Notes

Toasting the pecans before adding them adds extra flavor. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Resting Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 35 min
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Cranberry Oatmeal Bake, healthy breakfast bake, holiday brunch recipe, baked oats

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