Delicious & Healthy: Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Singles for Your Mornings
Transform your breakfast routine with these incredibly easy and utterly delicious Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Singles. Imagine starting your day with a warm, hearty, and satisfying treat that’s also packed with wholesome goodness. These perfectly portioned oatmeal muffins are designed for convenience, making them the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast or snack for busy individuals and families alike. The exquisite combination of sweet, juicy cherries, fragrant vanilla, and nutty almonds creates a flavor profile that feels truly special, reminiscent of a gourmet pastry, yet completely guilt-free.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite before heading out the door, a nutritious mid-morning snack, or a delightful addition to your brunch spread, these baked oatmeal singles fit the bill perfectly. They pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, complementing any other breakfast items you enjoy. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and efficiency: bake once, and you’ll have a week’s worth of scrumptious, healthy meals ready to enjoy. Beyond their delightful taste and ease of preparation, each Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Single is a smart choice for your health goals, clocking in at just 109 calories or 2 WW Points each (or 4 Points if you’re following the diabetic Weight Watchers plan). This makes them an ideal option for anyone mindful of their calorie intake or tracking their macros.
The secret to their irresistible appeal is the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The softness of the baked oats, the bursts of sweet and tart cherries, and the subtle crunch of almonds create a multi-sensory experience that makes healthy eating a true pleasure. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with these fantastic, make-ahead delights!
Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
Crafting these delectable Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Singles requires a few key ingredients, but don’t worry, they are easily adaptable to what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Let’s delve into the details of each component to ensure your oatmeal singles turn out perfectly every time.
Cherries: Fresh or Frozen, Always Delicious
- Frozen Cherries: We often opt for frozen cherries in this recipe, especially when fresh cherries are out of season or excessively expensive. Frozen cherries work exceptionally well, maintaining their juicy texture and vibrant flavor even after baking. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; simply halve them if they are whole.
- Fresh Cherries: If you’re lucky enough to have fresh cherries available, by all means, use them! The natural sweetness and slight tartness of fresh cherries are unbeatable. Just remember to pit them and slice them in half before incorporating them into the mixture. A cherry pitter can be a handy tool, especially during cherry season, making the task quick and mess-free. Otherwise, a small knife can do the trick.
Almonds: A Nutty Crunch
- Sliced Almonds: Our preferred choice for this recipe is sliced almonds. They distribute beautifully throughout the oatmeal, offering a pleasant texture and nutty flavor in every bite. They also toast slightly during baking, enhancing their aroma and taste.
- Slivered Almonds: If you only have slivered almonds in your pantry, they are a perfectly acceptable substitute. They will provide a similar nutty flavor and textural contrast. Chopped almonds would also work if that’s what you have on hand.
Almond Extract: The Secret Flavor Booster (Optional but Recommended)
- While marked as optional, a touch of almond extract truly elevates the overall almond flavor in these baked oatmeal singles. It adds a depth and richness that complements the cherries beautifully, making them taste even more like a special treat. If you don’t have it, or prefer a less intense almond note, the recipe will still be delicious. However, if you enjoy almond flavors, it’s worth including!
Yogurt: Creaminess and Cherry Zing
- Dannon Light & Fit Greek Cherry Yogurt: We love using a nonfat cherry Greek yogurt, specifically Dannon Light & Fit Greek, for its fantastic flavor and creamy texture. It intensifies the cherry notes in the recipe while adding a boost of protein.
- Alternatives: If cherry yogurt isn’t available, a vanilla Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute, providing a similar creaminess and a subtle sweetness. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option or if you prefer a less pronounced yogurt flavor, ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce can be used. This will maintain moisture and a hint of natural sweetness.
Oats: The Heart of the Meal
- Old Fashioned Oats: For baked oatmeal recipes, old fashioned oats (rolled oats) are our go-to choice. Their texture holds up well during baking, resulting in a wholesome, chewy consistency that is neither too mushy nor too firm. Always keep a large container of these in your pantry for consistent results.
- Other Oat Types: We do not recommend using quick oats, as they tend to become too soft and lose their texture in baked oatmeal. Steel-cut oats require a much longer cooking time and a different liquid ratio, so they are not suitable for this recipe.
Alternative Sweeteners: Adjusting for Dietary Needs
- This recipe calls for packed brown sugar, which contributes to both flavor and moisture. If you prefer to reduce the sugar content, you can experiment with zero-calorie sweeteners. Just ensure the sweetener you choose is a 1:1 substitute for brown sugar to maintain the correct sweetness level without affecting the texture too drastically. Some sugar substitutes may require slight adjustments to liquid content, so monitor the batter consistency.
Why Choose Baked Oatmeal Singles for Your Meal Prep?
In our fast-paced lives, finding time for a nutritious and enjoyable breakfast can be a challenge. This is where Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Singles truly shine. They offer a multitude of benefits that make them a superior choice for meal planning and healthy eating:
- Unbeatable Convenience: Imagine grabbing a perfectly portioned breakfast as you head out the door. No cooking, no mess, just instant wholesome goodness. These singles are designed for ultimate portability, making them perfect for commutes, office snacks, or school lunches.
- Excellent for Meal Prepping: One batch yields 12 servings, meaning you can bake them on a Sunday and have delicious breakfasts or snacks ready for the entire week. This saves precious time during busy mornings and helps you stick to your healthy eating goals.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Made with old-fashioned oats, these singles are rich in fiber, which keeps you feeling full and satisfied longer, preventing mid-morning hunger pangs. The added protein from eggs, yogurt, and almonds further enhances their satiating power.
- Health-Conscious Choice: With only 109 calories and 2 WW Points per single, they are a fantastic option for weight management. They provide essential nutrients without excess calories, fat, or sugar, making them a smart start to your day.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: The cherry almond combination is a classic for a reason – it’s delightful! But the beauty of baked oatmeal singles is their adaptability. Once you master this recipe, you can easily experiment with other fruits, nuts, and spices to create endless variations.
- Warm & Comforting: A warm baked good evokes comfort. These oatmeal singles, especially when lightly reheated, offer that cozy, comforting feeling that makes breakfast a joy.
Embrace the simplicity and nutritional benefits of these baked oatmeal singles. They are more than just a recipe; they are a game-changer for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing time or taste.
Explore More Baked Oatmeal Creations
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of these Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Singles, you’ll be thrilled to know that the possibilities for baked oatmeal are endless! Expanding your repertoire of flavors means you can enjoy a different delightful option almost every day of the week, keeping your breakfast routine exciting and never boring. Baked oatmeal is a versatile canvas for a myriad of flavor combinations, ensuring there’s something to tantalize every palate.
Consider delving into other fantastic recipes designed for portion control and ultimate flavor. For a warm, aromatic start to your day, try the Chai Spiced Baked Oatmeal Singles, offering a comforting blend of spices and tender pear. If you’re a fan of classic combinations, the Peanut Butter and Berry Baked Oatmeal Singles provide a protein-packed and fruity option. For a taste of the tropics, the Pineapple Upside Down Baked Oatmeal Singles are an unexpected delight, while chocolate lovers will rejoice over the indulgent Chocolate Mocha Baked Oatmeal Singles. Don’t forget timeless favorites like Oatmeal Raisin Baked Oatmeal Singles for a taste of nostalgic comfort. You might also enjoy the rich flavors of Chocolate Coconut Banana Baked Oatmeal Singles or the wholesome goodness of Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal Singles.
Fruity variations abound, from the bright and tangy Raspberry Peach Baked Oatmeal Singles to the ever-popular Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Singles. For seasonal delights, explore the zesty Orange Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Singles, the festive Pear Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Singles, or the autumnal Pumpkin Chocolate Baked Oatmeal Singles. And for those who love classic fruit and oat pairings, don’t miss the Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Singles and Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Singles. You can discover even more exciting ideas in the comprehensive Oats section of the recipe index!
Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Singles
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Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked old fashioned oats
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract, optional
- ⅔ cup skim milk
- 1 (5.3 oz) container nonfat cherry Greek yogurt (I use Dannon Light & Fit Greek)
- ⅔ cup halved cherries, fresh or frozen
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
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Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly mist a 12-count standard-sized muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside.
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir together until all dry ingredients are well combined.
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In a separate large mixing bowl, add the egg white, whole egg, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), skim milk, and cherry Greek yogurt. Whisk these wet ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Pour the dry oat mixture into the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the halved cherries and sliced almonds until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Spoon the mixture evenly into each well of the prepared muffin tin.
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Place the filled muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20-24 minutes. The oatmeal singles are done when they are lightly browned around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center of an oatmeal single comes out clean.
Notes
WW Points per oatmeal single: 2* (Points calculated using the recipe builder in the WW app)
*4 Points each if following the diabetic WW plan
Nutrition Information per (1 oatmeal single) serving:
109 calories, 18 g carbs, 8 g sugars, 3 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 5 g protein, 2 g fiber, 82 mg sodium (from myfitnesspal.com)
Weight Watchers Points Plus:
3 per (1 oatmeal single) serving (P+ calculated using a WW PointsPlus calculator and the nutrition information)