There’s something downright magical about pulling a tray of Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups from the oven — the scent alone will draw everyone to the kitchen. Each bite is soft and chewy with bursts of juicy cherry, a gentle hint of almond, and a sweet, nutty crunch on top. These oatmeal cups taste like a cozy breakfast treat, but they’re healthy enough to keep you feeling good all morning long. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups never fail to impress!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose, contributing to the wholesome flavor, tender texture, or beautiful appearance of the finished cups. Here’s what you’ll need — and a few tips for getting the best results.
- Rolled Oats: Go for old-fashioned rolled oats for the perfect chewy texture — avoid instant oats, which get mushy.
- Baking Powder: Gives these oatmeal cups just the lift they need to set up light and fluffy.
- Salt: It might seem small, but salt balances out the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a cozy, subtle warmth that pairs perfectly with cherries and almonds.
- Milk: Use your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk; both work beautifully to moisten the oats.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Sweetens naturally and gently — choose whichever you love best.
- Egg: Binds everything together so the oatmeal cups don’t fall apart.
- Melted Coconut Oil or Butter: A touch of healthy fat keeps the texture moist and satisfying.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and makes the flavors sing.
- Almond Extract: Just half a teaspoon makes the almond flavor shine (don’t skip it!)
- Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Halved cherries bake up juicy and sweet — no need to thaw if using frozen.
- Sliced Almonds: Sprinkled on top for a toasty crunch and lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly. Either lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy clean-up. Don’t skip this step — sticking oatmeal cups are no fun!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Give everything a quick stir so the baking powder is evenly distributed through the oats. This step sets up the foundation for the Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups, so mix well!
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk (any variety will do), maple syrup or honey, the egg, melted coconut oil or butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk until everything is totally combined and the egg is fully incorporated. This mixture brings moisture, sweetness, and just the right amount of richness to the cups.
Step 4: Combine and Add the Cherries
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently, just until all the oats are moistened. Now, fold in those beautiful halved cherries. If you’re using frozen cherries, there’s no need to thaw — just stir them right in. The batter should look thick and full of fruit.
Step 5: Fill and Top
Divide the oatmeal mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 of the way. The easiest way is with a large spoon or ice cream scoop. Next, sprinkle sliced almonds across the tops — they’ll toast up deliciously as they bake, adding flavor and crunch to every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the tops are golden and set. Every oven is a little different, so start checking at 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean. Cool them in the pan for about 5 minutes, then gently lift them out and let them finish cooling. Enjoy the heavenly aroma!
How to Serve Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups
Garnishes
A final flourish can turn Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups into something truly special. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top. If you’re feeling extra fancy, add a few more fresh cherries or an extra sprinkle of almonds for color and crunch.
Side Dishes
While these oatmeal cups are more than satisfying on their own, they play wonderfully with other breakfast favorites. Pair with a creamy latte, a fruit salad bursting with berries, or scrambled eggs for extra protein. For brunch gatherings, serve alongside a platter of fresh croissants or muffins to offer plenty of options for everyone.
Creative Ways to Present
Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups are as impressive as they are practical. For a brunch buffet, arrange them on a tiered cake stand to show off their golden tops and almond garnish. Want to pack them to go? Slip a few in parchment bags for an elegant grab-and-go presentation. You can even tuck one into a lunchbox for a midday treat — they hold up beautifully all morning!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few extra Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups, you’re in luck — they store wonderfully. Place cooled oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They’ll taste just as moist and fresh throughout the week, perfect for busy mornings or quick snacks.
Freezing
These bake-and-freeze wonders are perfect for meal prep. Let the oatmeal cups cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months. When you’re ready, just grab what you need — no thawing necessary before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy a warm, just-baked taste, pop a Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cup into the microwave for about 20–30 seconds. You can also reheat a batch in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–8 minutes. Either method brings back that irresistible, cozy morning flavor without much effort.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits besides cherries?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped peaches all work beautifully in place of cherries. Each fruit adds its own flair, but the basic recipe for Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups is delightfully versatile.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Just use certified gluten-free rolled oats. All other ingredients in Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Are these oatmeal cups suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups are made to be meal-prepped. Make a batch ahead of time, then store in the fridge or freezer for a quick, nourishing breakfast any day of the week.
Can I leave out the egg for an egg-free version?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed “egg” (mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water and let sit for 5 minutes). This keeps the Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups together and works well for a vegan alternative.
Should I thaw frozen cherries before adding them?
No need to thaw — you can add frozen cherries straight to the batter. They’ll bake up perfectly and help keep the oatmeal cups moist and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something joyful about starting the day with a batch of Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups, knowing you’re treating yourself to both joy and nourishment. If you haven’t tried these yet, this is your sign — your kitchen will smell amazing and your mornings will never be the same!
Print
Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 oatmeal cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups are a delightful and nutritious breakfast option that can be made ahead for busy mornings. Filled with wholesome oats, sweet cherries, and crunchy almonds, these baked oatmeal cups are perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy grab-and-go breakfast.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by greasing or lining with paper liners.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup, egg, melted oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Add cherries: Gently fold in the cherries.
- Fill muffin cups: Divide the mixture among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Add almonds: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of each cup.
- Bake: Bake for 25-28 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin. Enjoy warm or store for later.
Notes
- Store oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
- Variation: Try using blueberries, raspberries, or peaches instead of cherries for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oatmeal cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
