Christmas Morning Baked Oatmeal: Cozy, Festive, and Vegan
Let’s set the scene: It’s Christmas morning, the tree is glowing, the house smells like cinnamon and nutmeg, and you’re about to dig into the coziest, most delicious breakfast—Christmas Baked Oatmeal. It’s warm, hearty, full of festive flavors, and totally vegan. Honestly, this is one of those recipes that just feels like a big holiday hug.
What I love most about this baked oatmeal is how simple it is to make, yet how impressive it feels when you serve it. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just enjoying a quiet morning with family, this is the perfect breakfast to kick off the holiday magic.
Why You’ll Love It
This Christmas Baked Oatmeal is everything I want in a holiday breakfast: warm, spiced, and just sweet enough. The cranberries and apples make it feel so festive, while the molasses adds a deep, cozy flavor that screams Christmas morning.
It’s also super versatile—serve it as-is, drizzle with extra maple syrup, or top with a dollop of dairy-free yogurt for a little extra indulgence. And the leftovers? They’re amazing warmed up the next day with a splash of plant milk.
If you make this, let me know! I love seeing your holiday creations. Tag me on Instagram and let’s celebrate the season with all the cozy, delicious things.
Christmas Oatmeal Bake
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Equipment
- mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- spatula
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
- 4 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup plant milk
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp blackstrap molasses
- ½ cup applesauce
- ½ cup melted vegan butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 banana mashed
- 1 apple diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ¼ cup sliced almond toasted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- In a small bowl, combine flaxseed meal and water. Stir and let sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken.2 tbsp flaxseed meal, 4 tbsp water
- In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, chia seeds, and salt. Stir well.2 cups rolled oats, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp ground cloves, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp chia seeds
- In a large bowl, whisk together plant milk, maple syrup, blackstrap molasses, melted vegan butter, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Add the dry oat mixture to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.1 cup plant milk, 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tsp blackstrap molasses, ½ cup melted vegan butter, 2 tsp vanilla extract, ½ cup applesauce
- Fold in the mashed banana, diced apple, cranberries, and toasted almonds. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish.1 banana, 1 apple, 1 cup fresh cranberries, ¼ cup sliced almond
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until firm and golden brown.
- Let the baked oats cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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More About This Recipe
Tips for the Perfect Baked Oatmeal
- Toast the Almonds: Toasting the sliced almonds before adding them to the mix gives them a deeper flavor and extra crunch. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat does the trick.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the oatmeal cool for 10–15 minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give this dish a festive pop of tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly. If you’re in a pinch, frozen cranberries work too—just don’t thaw them beforehand.
- Customize It: Swap the apple for pears, or add a handful of dairy-free chocolate chips for a little extra holiday indulgence.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowls: At least two—one for wet ingredients and one for dry.
- Whisk: Essential for blending the wet ingredients smoothly.
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for this recipe.
- Spatula: Great for folding in the fruit and spreading the mixture evenly in the pan.
Health Benefits of Christmas Baked Oatmeal
This isn’t just comfort food; it’s loaded with ingredients that are actually good for you, too. Here’s why:
- Flaxseeds and Chia Seeds: These tiny powerhouses are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation. They’re also rich in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Oats: Oats are a great source of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and support heart health.
- Blackstrap Molasses: This ingredient is a holiday MVP. It’s rich in iron and calcium, which are especially important for women over 50 to support bone health.
- Cranberries: These festive berries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, which help boost immunity and reduce oxidative stress.
So not only does this baked oatmeal taste amazing, but it’s also a nutritional win!