Oh Baked Oatmeal, Where Have You Been All My Life?

One day I had some fruit on hand that I really needed to use before it got too ripe. But I wasn't in the mood for shoveling 4 helpings of fruit down my gullet, nor was I in the mood for a super-involved baked good. And then I remembered seeing a baked oatmeal recipe floating around the net, probably on Pinterest, and I thought it was just the thing. In fact, I had found multiple options, and after reviewing each one thoroughly I formulated a recipe that I assumed would work for the fruit I wanted to use.

Guys, seriously, I've been missing out. I've never had baked oatmeal before and that makes me sad, because this stuff is amazing! When I was a kid I used to make those little fruit & cream oatmeal packets, but I'd use the absolute minimum amount of water because I liked it more toothy than soupy. This is like an adult, healthy, delicious version of a childhood favorite for me and I really hope you try it. I've made it three or four times now, each time with a different fruit, and it works perfectly every time. So if you have a couple handfuls of nearly overripe fruit sitting around, or need an easy crowd pleaser for breakfast, do this!

Baked Oatmeal with Pears and Blueberries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

1 small container of blueberries
2 pears
2 cups whole milk (can use 2% for a lower-fat version)
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp brown sugar (can do 1/3 cup if you like it a little sweeter)
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup chopped nuts for topping (optional)

1. Chop the pears into small cubes and spread them with the blueberries in the bottom of a casserole dish.

2. Combine the sugar, salt, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl. Sprinkle half the oats over the fruit, then half the sugar mixture, the rest of the oats, and top with the rest of the sugar mixture.

3. Combine the milk and the vanilla extract, then carefully pour over the oats.

4. Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees, and if you'd like to add chopped nuts (I used pistachios and they were amazing!), sprinkle them on top, reduce heat to 350 degrees, and bake for 5 minutes more.

I like to let it cool for 5 minutes, then serve it with agave syrup and heavy cream on the side if anyone wants to get extra-decadent with it! It's soooo good. I've made it with strawberries, white nectarines, and black plums and it's great every time. I hope you give this a try, you won't be disappointed!