The Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe is an absolute game-changer for breakfast lovers who crave something both wholesome and irresistibly delicious. Combining the naturally tart pop of Montmorency cherries with the warm, nutty flavor of almonds, this dish feels cozy and fresh all at once. Each bite offers a delightful balance of chewy oats, a hint of cinnamon, and the subtle sweetness from coconut sugar and applesauce, making it the perfect grab-and-go morning treat or a charming addition to any brunch table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from lending texture and moisture to building that wonderful almond-cherry flavor profile. The simplicity of the components ensures the end result is both nourishing and bursting with natural taste.
- 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk: This dairy-free base keeps the oatmeal moist and adds a subtle nutty undertone that complements the almonds perfectly.
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce: A natural sweetener and binder that infuses moisture without heaviness.
- 2 tablespoons butter or non-dairy buttery spread, melted and cooled: Adds richness and helps give the cups a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract: Intensifies the almond flavor, making it truly stand out.
- 2½ cups old-fashioned oats: The hearty backbone of the cups, providing a chewy texture and whole-grain goodness.
- ¼ cup coconut sugar: A mild, caramel-like sweetness that keeps the flavor balanced without overpowering the cherries.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that gives these cups their perfect rise and lightness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: A pinch to heighten sweetness and balance flavors.
- ½ cup Montmorency tart cherries: The star ingredient bringing bursts of tartness and delightful juiciness.
- â…“ cup blanched sliced almonds, plus more for topping: Offers a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma throughout each bite.
How to Make Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with silicone muffin liners for easy removal. This step is essential for getting those perfectly shaped cups without sticking headaches later.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the almond milk, applesauce, melted butter, and almond extract until everything is well combined. This mixture creates the lovely moist base that will hydrate the oats and infuse the cups with flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Add the oats, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt into the wet mixture. Stir just until everything is evenly incorporated—overmixing can make the texture too dense, so keep it gentle!
Step 4: Fold in the Cherries and Almonds
Gently fold in the tart cherries and sliced almonds. This step ensures every bite has that perfect mix of chewy fruit and crunchy nuts, offering a delightful contrast to the softness of baked oats.
Step 5: Fill and Top the Muffin Tin
Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to the top for generous portions. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra sliced almonds on top—this little garnish gives a lovely crunch and looks beautifully inviting once baked.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake the cups for 28 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be slightly golden and fragrant, hinting at the nutty almond and sweet cherry goodness inside.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the oatmeal cups cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’re perfect enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them an effortless breakfast or snack option anytime.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe by adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or an extra sprinkle of sliced almonds and even fresh cherries for a popping burst of color and texture.
Side Dishes
Serve these oatmeal cups alongside fresh fruit, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, or a warm cup of your favorite coffee or tea. These pairings create a perfectly balanced breakfast plate that nourishes both body and soul.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, pop the oatmeal cups into decorative muffin liners and arrange them on a rustic wooden board or colorful serving platter. You can also offer a toppings bar with nuts, seeds, yogurt, and fruit preserves to allow everyone to customize their cups.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, making them an excellent option for meal prepping busy mornings.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, freeze the baked cups individually on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly when needed.
Reheating
To enjoy these oatmeal cups warm, simply microwave them for about 30-45 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until heated through. The almonds on top gently toast again, bringing back that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried tart cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries add a wonderful juicy burst, but be sure to pit and halve them before folding into the batter. You may want to reduce additional liquids slightly if they release a lot of moisture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I substitute almond milk with another milk?
Definitely! Any milk or milk alternative works, such as cow’s milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Just choose your favorite to suit dietary preferences and the flavour profile you enjoy.
How sweet are these oatmeal cups?
They have a gentle sweetness from coconut sugar and applesauce, balanced perfectly with tart cherries. If you prefer sweeter treats, you can easily add a bit more sugar or drizzle syrup on top when serving.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
If almond extract isn’t on hand, vanilla extract is a fine substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly. The recipe will still taste delicious, just a little less almond-forward.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe a try — it’s become a beloved staple in my kitchen for good reason. The ease of preparation combined with the warm, wholesome flavors makes it an unbeatable breakfast or snack. Once you taste those sweet-tart cherries paired with crunchy almonds wrapped in cozy baked oats, you’ll understand why I can’t stop raving about it. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups are a delightful and nutritious breakfast treat, combining the natural sweetness of tart cherries with the nutty crunch of sliced almonds. Made with wholesome ingredients like old-fashioned oats, almond milk, and unsweetened applesauce, these baked cups offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. They are easy to prepare, baked until golden and set, making them an ideal grab-and-go breakfast or snack option for busy mornings.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons butter or non-dairy buttery spread, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups old-fashioned oats
- ¼ cup coconut sugar (or substitute with regular sugar, brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Add-ins
- ½ cup Montmorency tart cherries
- â…“ cup blanched sliced almonds, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with silicone muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together unsweetened almond milk, applesauce, melted butter (or buttery spread), and pure almond extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the old-fashioned oats, coconut sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
- Add Cherries and Almonds: Fold in the Montmorency tart cherries and blanched sliced almonds carefully to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling each one to the top. Sprinkle additional sliced almonds on top of each cup for an extra crunchy texture.
- Bake: Bake the cups in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal cups to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature as a hearty breakfast or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute almond milk with any milk of your choice, including dairy or other plant-based milks.
- For a sweeter version, substitute coconut sugar with honey or maple syrup keeping the quantities equivalent.
- Use silicone muffin liners or grease the pan well to prevent sticking.
- These oatmeal cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving for a warm treat.
- Gluten-free oats can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
