The Best Valentines Day Baked Oatmeal with Strawberry Hearts

Valentines Day Baked Oatmeal
February always brings with it a delightful whisper of romance, and for me, that feeling is intrinsically linked to the warmth and comfort of a beautiful breakfast. There’s truly something magical about waking up on a crisp morning, feeling that soft natural light stream through the east window, and knowing that a delightful `Valentines Day Baked Oatmeal` is just a short bake away. It’s about infusing the mundane with a touch of extraordinary, turning an everyday meal into a heartfelt celebration of love.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!I still vividly recall the very first time I whipped up a batch for my partner; it was a particularly rushed weekday, yet I was determined to make it feel special. The intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and vanilla soon enveloped our kitchen, that beautiful, lived-in space, and it was enough to bring a genuine smile to his face even before he saw the adorable, meticulously placed strawberry hearts on top. While this baked oatmeal recipe is a go-to for special mornings, if you’re ever in the mood to surprise someone with another equally enchanting breakfast, you might also adore these `healthy red velvet pancakes`.
This specific `Valentines Day Baked Oatmeal`, perfected over countless sweet mornings, isn’t just a recipe; it’s truly a labor of love. Designed to bring warmth, a touch of romance, and a whole lot of flavor to your breakfast table without any fuss, it’s that comforting hug in a bowl that effortlessly says, “I love you,” before the day even truly begins.
Valentines Day Baked Oatmeal with Strawberry Hearts
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalCelebrate love with this cozy Valentine’s Day Baked Oatmeal, beautifully topped with fresh strawberry hearts. It’s an easy, comforting, and romantic breakfast perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 large egg
1/4 cup maple syrup, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (reserve some for hearts)
Optional: a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or a similarly sized oven-safe dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, maple syrup, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in most of the sliced strawberries and any optional chocolate chips or nuts.
- Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange the reserved strawberry slices on top of the oatmeal, cutting them into heart shapes if desired for a festive touch.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
- Let the baked oatmeal cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra maple syrup and serve warm.
Notes
- Prep Ahead Magic: You can mix all the dry ingredients and even the wet ingredients (separately!) the night before. Combine them in the morning, top with strawberries, and bake for a quick, romantic breakfast.
- Berry Best Choice: While fresh strawberry hearts are adorable for Valentine’s Day, feel free to use other berries. Raspberries or blueberries would also be delicious, just add them directly into the mix before baking.
- Sweetness Control: Adjust the maple syrup or brown sugar to your taste. If your strawberries are extra sweet, you might need a little less, or a touch more if you prefer a sweeter start to your day.
