These Baked Oatmeal Cups are a fantastic hand-held breakfast (or snack) for all ages. They are perfect for baby-led weaning and freeze well for a quick “on-the-go” breakfast option.
When my youngest was a baby/toddler he just wasn’t interested in eating porridge/oatmeal. Instead, he used to use it as hair gel or catapult it across the kitchen! However, when I gave him oats in the form of porridge fingers or oatmeal cookies, he was more than happy.
This is a prime example of how texture and appearance can play a big part in a child’s acceptance of food. He eagerly munched away on oats in finger food format but when I plated the exact same ingredients up in a bowl, he refused to eat them. This is when I first started making Baked Oatmeal Cups and they were an instant hit.
WHY I LOVE BAKED OATMEAL CUPS
- Little Mess – No oatmeal to clean up from chairs, tables, floor etc!
- Great for Busy Mornings – You can make a big batch and store in the freezer for a super quick breakfast option.
- Hand Held – Fantastic for baby-led weaning
- Great for lunchboxes – The perfect size for popping into lunchboxes or snack box.
- Easy to Modify – The flavour combinations are endless
HOW TO MAKE BAKED OATMEAL CUPS
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy they are to make. This is a fantastic recipe for getting your kids involved in the kitchen (see my kids making them in the video below.)
- Mash Banana
- Mix in Rolled Oats
- Add milk, egg and vanilla.
- Stir in mixed berries
- Fill a mini muffin tray with the mixture and bake
ALLERGY OPTIONS
- Dairy Free -use plant-based milk, almond milk works well
- Egg Free – Replace the egg with 1 tbsp of flaxseed. Mix with 3 tbsp of the milk and whisk until gelatinous.
OATMEAL CUPS – FLAVOUR OPTIONS
Although this is a mixed berry oatmeal cup recipe the recipe is easy to adapt and the flavour options are endless. Why not try –
- Apple & Cinnamon – Replace mixed berries with finely chopped apple pieces, cinnamon and raisins (pre-soak raisins to stop burning).
- Carrot Cake – Replace mixed berries with grated carrot, grated apple, cinnamon, ginger, raisins (pre-soak raisins to stop burning).
- Coconut and Mango – Use coconut milk and replace the berries with chunks of mango
- Bakewell Tart – Use almond milk, and replace mixed berries with cherries and almond flakes
These are just a few suggestions, the combinations are endless really. If you make your own version then I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below!
MINI OATMEAL CUPS VS REGULAR OATMEAL CUPS
I have always made these in mini muffin trays. The mini size is perfect for babies or for adding into the lunch box. This recipe fills a 24 mini muffin tray but if you do not own one you can just use a regular muffin tray. The cooking time is longer but they work just as well.
STORING INSTRUCTIONS
Store in a covered, air-tight, container and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. I personally store any that I will not use the next day in the freezer.
REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS
Oatmeal cups can be enjoyed both cold or hot. If you wish to reheat, the microwave is your fasted and quickest option.
- Microwave until warm throughout, about 30-60 seconds (depending on microwave).
Thaw frozen cups by transferring them from the freezer to the fridge the night before. Alternatively, cook the oatmeal cups directly from frozen.
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Have you tried this recipe? I love receiving your feedback, please rate and leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @healthylittlefoodies
Fruity Oat Breakfast Bites
Ingredients
- 2 Ripe bananas, mashed
- 200g (2 cups) Rolled oats
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 180ml (3/4 cup) Milk (of choice)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract (optional)
- 150g (1 1/4 cup) Frozen Mixed Berries
- 1 tsp Coconut oil (or butter) for greasing.
Instructions
- Pre heat oven to 180c / 350F / Gas 4
In a large mixing bowl add the mashed bananas and oats, stir until combined
- Add the milk, egg & vanilla and stir until fully combined.
- Add the berries and stir until evenly distributed through the mixture. I like to break up some of the bigger berries through the mixture.
Grease muffin tray using the oil (or use a silicon tray) and divide the mixture between the 24 cup sections (mini tray)
- Bake until cooked through (a cocktail stick should come out clean) approx. 18 mins if using a mini muffin tray or approx. 25 min if using a standard tray.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
- DAIRY FREE - This recipe works well with both dairy and plant-based milk.
- EGG - You can replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix 1 tbsp of flaxseeds with 3 tbsp of the milk until it forms a gel.
- FLAVOUR - Fed up with mixed berries? Replace them with other fruits or flavour options. See above post for suggestions.
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months
Nutritional information is a ROUGH guide only, calculated using an online nutrition calculator.
* Originally posted Feb 2016, updated June 2019 to include new photos and recipe information.
Oo these looks delicious for my 10 month old daughter – she loves anything with oats in! I make something similar – Blueberry and Oat Bars (http://treasureeverymoment01.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/finger-food-blueberry-and-oat-bars.html) – so quick and easy to make and I’ll certainly be giving your recipe a go, thanks 🙂 #TastyTuesday
Helen x
Thanks Helen! Will need to check out your recipe 🙂
How long can these be stored for? X
Hi Emma, I usually freeze these for around 3 months.
these look great. I’ve got all of these things in the house the moment – perfect for breakfasts in a rush (which is most day)! #tastytuesday
Yes! I love a quick breakfast with a quick clean up!
Oh my little raisin would live these. I’m a fan of mini muffins anything too…plus we have all this on hand so win win!
Marta @petiteraisin.ca
#tastytuesdays
Oh great! Let me know how they go!
I made these with the flax substitution and they turned out awful. They did not stick together and fell apart even after 40 minutes in the oven. I also wasn’t a fan of the taste.
Hi Mal, I’m trying to think what could have gone wrong with the recipe for you. I trialled the recipe with the flax egg and it worked really well for me. Did you allow the flax egg to thicken before adding to the mixture? What was it about the taste you didn’t like? Was it not sweet enough? They are intended to be a hand held breakfast and so I don’t like to make them too sweet. This is the first negative comment I have received on this post so would love to try and figure out what went wrong…
These look fab…my kids would love them. And they would definitely agree with Finn that 3 small ones are way better than 1 big one 🙂
Thanks Eb! Great minds think alike!
I might make some of these for my kids*
*Me 😀
Nice recipe – thanks!
xxx
He he! Thanks! When I make them I’m sure my husband eats more than the kids!
So excited to try these. Mine are in the oven right now. My bananas were small so I added a half of an avocado. I’m always trying to sneak it in where I can. Used coconut milk as I didn’t have any breast milk on hand.
Never thought of trying avocado in them, how did it go? 🙂
These are REALLY delicious. I used frozen raspberries and had run out of vanilla so used a dash of honey. I’m so pumped to have this recipe on hand now! Good lunchbox snack and one in the bag for my 2 year old for the run.
Thankyou!
Thanks Erika! Glad they were a hit 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to comment x
Just made these for my girls – BIG hit! (for the grown ups too). Think it is the most my 6mo has ever eaten! Definitely a keeper.
Great! Glad they were a success and thanks for letting me know 🙂
These look delicious! The recipe says to use 3/4 cup or 60 ml- if a cup is 250 ml then i’m not sure 60 ml is enough??
Hi Deb, thanks for pointing this out. It should be 180ml, i’ll change the recipe 🙂
Have you tried making these with steel cut oats? I have quick cook at home. I’m wondering if that would work or be too chewy. I’m looking forward to trying these though!
Hi Nicole! Thanks for your comment. I’ve never tried them with steel cut oats, sorry. I’m presuming they would be chewy.
Have you ever tried it with pureed fruits? I have a bunch I would like to use up. TIA!
I’ve never tried them with pureed fruit. Sounds delicious though! You could try reducing the banana a little and half the amount of fruit and then add a little puree? Let me know how they work out 🙂
Have just made these with raspberries and blueberries and have come out really well! Thanks 🙂 Just wondering how is best to store them? Fridge or just an airtight container? Also, would they freeze ok? Cheers 🙂
I usually store a few in the fridge to use the next day or so and then pop the rest in the freezer. I take a couple out in the morning and reheat in the microwave. Glad they were a success for you 🙂
Brilliant, thank you 🙂
How long to reheat
Hi Kerry, I don’t normally re heat them. I just let them defrost and serve. You could pop them in the microwave, it wouldn’t take long – around 15 – 20 seconds probably.
these are cooking right now, ive been looking for a new breakfast ideas for my son since he is getting bored with pancakes and eggs. Im wondering if anyone has tried these with other fruits such as apple sauce instead of the banana or other frozen fruits like peach. I am thinking that maybe an apple, cinnamon and peach flavor might be good. Or if anyone has added in some yogurt instead of milk possibly to add a little more protein?
can’t wait to see what my son thinks of these!
Hi Angela, how did it go? I hope your son approved 🙂 Your suggestions sound delicious and I think the recipe would adapt well, please let us know what you try and how it works ?
he now eats them once i got him to taste it. He seems to love them as he devours them as long as i cut them up into pieces for him. I currently have a batch in the oven where i replaced the bananas with a cup of apple sauce and the berry with frozen peaches that i diced up and i added a dash of cinnamon. they smell good i hope they taste good.
Hi Amy..I am A mummy to a 9 month old beautiful baby boy..Please let me knkw if it is ok for me to give him eggs and how i should cook it…
thanks…
love ur website..
can’t waot to try the recipe’s for my baby..
Hi pooni, yes eggs are safe to give (as long as there are no allergies). Are you doing baby led weaning? If so then omelette strips are good. My youngest loved scrambled eggs as a baby too.
OMG! I made most of your recipes and my son love it. Thanks a lot for your healthy and delicious food.
Hi Rawiah, I’m so glad your son is enjoying the recipes and thank you so much for taking the time to comment x
Do you need to defrost the frozen berries first?
Hi Sarah, no need to defrost first – just chuck them in frozen ?
Hi, Amy
I’m interested in making this recipe…….. Would like to know texture of the fruity oat. Is it soft or hard to bite? Also, how many days (room temp) can I keep the fruity oat in an air tight container?
Tks & God Bless 🙂
Hi, Amy
I’m interested in making this recipe…….. Would like to know the texture of the fruity oat. Is it soft or hard to bite? Also, how many days (room temp) can I keep the fruity oat in an air tight container?
Tks & God Bless 🙂
Hi Lilyn, they are quite moist. They have a slight crust but soft in the middle. I’d store them in the fridge for a few days or pop them in the freezer and take out when needed.
Hi, Amy
Sorry. I forgotten to ask whether can I use instant oats which I have it in the cupboard.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Lilyn, I haven’t tried these with instant oats but I think this substitution would work. Let me know how it goes! ?
Hi, Amy
Ok. Will let u know but not so soon. God Bless 😉
Hi, Amy
Regarding the feedback of the Fruity Oat Breadfast Bites which I baked abt 2 hrs ago. The ingredient
rolled oats, I change to instant oats n it turns out slightly crust outside n soft in the middle with no
added vanilla essence.
I baked at 180C for 25 mins in a mini muffins tray with added small pcs of strawberries.
Note: Will add one or two more bananas the next time I bake.
God Bless 😉
Hi! This recipe looks wonderful but my daughter cannot have bananas. What could I substitute in place of them?
Thanks!
Hi Mary, Thank you! You could try some apple sauce. I can’t say for certain how it would turn out though as I haven’t tried it myself.
Just wanted to comment to say I love your recipes, these porridge bites are amazing! My twin boys love them. Today I made a batch with Mango and pear instead of the frozen berries and they are Devine. I think a lot of fruit combinations would work here… apple & cinnamon? I might try these next. Made your quinoa balls and they love them too! We are very health conscious so thank you for your recipes x
Looks delicious if I want to reheat some from frozen or fridge in the morning but not in a microwave, would that work in an oven too, and if so what setting would you see and for how long please? Thanks!
Hi Shirls, I’m glad you like the look of this recipe. I’ve never tried re heating in the oven. I’d probably cover with foil and heat at approx. 160C until warm – maybe 10-15 mins. I can’t say for sure though.
Is 180 degrees for fan assisted oven in the U.K.? Or shal I try 160? I keep getting into muddles trying to covert cups and farenheight into uk measures!
Thanks
Hi Yvonne, I was based in the UK when I wrote this. I used a fan assisted oven @ 180c.
Thank you! Will try these soon!
Can u clarify if it’s 60ml or 180ml as in comments for milk??
Hi Melissa, It is 180ml. Sorry, I forgot to update that.
I know this is a Blw recipe but what age are these suitable from would you say? My son is almost 1″ months
Sorry thats meant to say 10months*
Hi Sophie, if your son has been doing BLW then he should be able to handle these with no issues. If he was traditionally weaned it will all depend on how much finger foods he has been given. If he is used to finger foods then he should be good with these. There is nothing in the recipe that I wouldn’t have served my own sons at 10 months. I hope he enjoys them!
Can you use dried fruit…I have died apricots and prunes.
Hi Steph, yes, I’d say it would work. The recipe is quite flexible ??
I just made a batch of these and they are delicious!!!
I used a small bowl of fresh blueberries and dded a little dessicated coconut. Now… will there be any left by the time the toddler comes home from nursery?
Ha, ha! I’m glad you liked them ….did you manage to leave some for your toddler?
Seriously? No leavening agent and no sweetener? These things are vile.
Thanks for your thoughts and feedback. Did you try them? I use muffin tray as a nice finger food for kids. They aren’t muffins, just baked oats. If you want to add a sweetener then go ahead, I try to limit sugar in my kids’ diets and we find these deliciously sweet without sweeteners.
I just baked these and they came out great! How long do they take to defrost? Thank you
Hi Katey, Glad you liked them! I either take out what is needed the night before or just microwave them for around 30 seconds to defrost. I also just pop them in my son’s lunch box frozen and presume they are defrosted by lunch!
Would it be okay to use formula as the choice of milk and be okay to freeze?
Hi Mel, I’ve never tried formula in this but I think it should work. I freeze them all the time and they freeze well.
Hi Amy,
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I made a batch last night and they came out beautifully. They taste great and I’ve already scoffed 3 myself. My 1 year old daughter loves them too. I uses fresh blackberries and strawberries and I put half of the oat in the mixer with the banana so the mix was a bit smoother.
Will definitely try ,ore of your recipe.
Hi Francesca, Brilliant!! So happy that these were a hit for you. Great idea blending some of the oats too, love that tip. Hope you find more recipes that you enjoy 🙂
My little one and I love your recipes! Thank you for sharing.
I added peanut butter and pear instead of berries, yummy ! x
Thanks so much Sylvia! Pear sounds delicious…..will have to try!
Hi, I’m looking forward to trying this recipe. Just wondering though, I usually soak oats the night before, would this affect the recipe? Guess I will just have to give it a try.
Hi Sarah, just seeing this now, sorry. Did you try it? If so how did it work?
Hi there – my daughter is allergic to eggs (anaphylaxis). Have you or anyone ever tried this with flaxseed meal to replace the egg? Interested to see if it might still taste good!
Hi Stephanie, I haven’t actually tried egg replacements in this recipe so can’t say how it would turn out, sorry. If you try it please let me know!
Probably a dumb question, are rolled oats the same as porridge oats?
Thanks
Yes, they are the same thing. Enjoy!
Just made a batch and they’re absolutely delicious was wondering how long you able to keep these in the freezer?
Hi Michelle, delighted that you like these. I’d store them in the freezer for up to 3 months 🙂
Do you leave the berries frozen or thaw them first?
HI Nguyen, I usually add them frozen but either will work 🙂
just baking these for my BLW 6 month old! he is doing really well with BLW but now I am worried that the blueberries might be a chocking hazard? I didn’t cut them or anything should I have?
Thank you!
Hi Laura, sorry for the delay in getting back to you, I have been travelling with little wifi. Did the blueberries not burst when they were cooked? I find that they burst into the mixture. I was happy to serve this to my baby but you need to serve your baby what you are comfortable with and what you think he can manage. If you feel more comfortable cutting the blueberries then go ahead, it won’t alter the recipe. 🙂
Hi, I’m just starting out on my weaning journey – I’m finding it quite stressful! My 7 month old barely eats anything so I’m going to try these now.
Is 195g of porridge oats right? It seems much MUCH more in than the adorable video!
Thanks!
Hi Sarah, Yes, it is two cups which is around 195g. The bowl in the video is quite small and shallow so it may look like more. Just watched the video again, can’t believe how much the boys grow in a year!
just made these for my 7 mo daughter. I’ve been struggling with breakfast. She’s just eaten 2, most she’s ever eaten for breakfast! And they’ll be great for taking out as a snack as well. Will be popping them in the freezer for the rest of the week
Thanks Helen, so glad they were a hit. They are great for taking out and about 🙂
Hi Amy! My 15 month old granddaughter absolutely loves them! It’s so fun to have some of her favorite foods in one little tasty treat (I used fresh strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, along with the bananas). Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks Judy, so happy she enjoyed them. Thanks for taking the time to comment and rate 🙂
Lovely and delicious. Have baked 2 batches for myself for breakfast and I intend to do them for my Norwegian grandchildren when they’re here. Thanks!
This is so lovely to read, Monica. I hope your Norwegian grandchildren enjoy them too 🙂 . Thanks for taking the time to let me know, Amy
Would there be a way to do these without egg? My daughter has an egg allergy
Thanks
Georgie
Hi Georgie, I haven’t tried them without egg so can’t say for sure. You could try a little extra mashed banana, some apple puree or maybe a chia egg?
I’ve just made this for my 7 month old and he loved them! I baked them for 25 mins until a fork came out clean, but they were still really moist inside which was ideal for my baby boy to be able to chew and swallow easily. I’m new to giving him finger foods and was really nervous about it, but these went down so well and have given me the confidence to try more, so thank you very much for sharing 🙂
Hi Chloe, Fab! I’m glad he is enjoying his finger foods! Hope you find some other recipes that he enjoys 🙂
I made these this afternoon for my 18-month old — he loved them! They were super easy and quick to whip up. Thank you!
Thanks Stephanie, glad you found the recipe easy 🙂
Loved the recipe! So easy! How long can I refrigerate these for?
Great! Glad you liked the recipe, Shradha. I’d refrigerate for a couple of days or you can freeze them for up to 3 months 🙂
How many is this supposed to make, and what is the nutritional information? I’m looking for sugar, calories., fiber, and protein.
Hi Lori, although I now include this information in my new posts I didn’t in the past. I am slowly working my way through old content and you will be glad to know this will be updated this week! In the meantime I suggest using an online nutrition calculator, just type the ingredients and weights in and it will let you know. 🙂
Ooooh I love the idea of this breakfast bites! Fruit and oatmeal is always a great combination and these look really delicious. Perfect for breakfast on the go as well as a cheeky mid-afternoon snack.
Thanks Sophie 🙂