I’m so excited to share this Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe with you! These delightful little cups are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack that combines wholesome oats with the juicy tang of Montmorency tart cherries and the nutty crunch of sliced almonds. They bake up warm, golden, and irresistibly fragrant thanks to cinnamon and almond extract, making every bite a cozy, satisfying experience. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a leisurely morning, these oatmeal cups are guaranteed to brighten your day with their balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s fantastic about this Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe is how simple the ingredients list is, yet each component plays a crucial role in delivering incredible taste, texture, and color. These pantry-friendly basics meld together to create a nourishing treat that’s both wholesome and irresistible.
- 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice): Provides moisture and a subtle nutty undertone that complements the almond flavor perfectly.
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and keeps the oatmeal cups tender and moist without extra oil.
- 2 tablespoons butter or non-dairy buttery spread, melted and cooled: Enriches the texture and ensures a rich, buttery finish.
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract: Intensifies the almond aroma and flavor, making these cups truly special.
- 2½ cups old-fashioned oats: The hearty base that creates chewy, satisfying oatmeal cups full of fiber and nutrition.
- ¼ cup coconut sugar (or substitute with regular sugar, brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup): Adds the right touch of natural sweetness with a hint of caramel depth.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cups a gentle lift, keeping them tender and light.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warms up the flavor profile and pairs beautifully with cherries and almonds.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ cup Montmorency tart cherries: Bursts of juicy tartness that brighten every bite and add lovely red pops of color.
- â…“ cup blanched sliced almonds, plus more for topping: Adds a delightful crunch and reinforces the nutty theme of the recipe.
How to Make Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin well or line it with silicone muffin liners for easy cleanup and perfect shaped cups. This step ensures your oatmeal cups bake evenly and come out cleanly without sticking, making your baking experience smooth.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the almond milk, unsweetened applesauce, melted and cooled butter, and pure almond extract. The applesauce naturally sweetens and tenderizes the mixture while the almond extract amps up that signature nutty flavor you’ll love.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Add the oats, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt to your wet ingredients. Stir gently just until everything is combined. This avoids overmixing and keeps the texture just right—chewy and cozy, but with enough structure to hold its shape.
Step 4: Fold in Cherries and Almonds
Carefully fold in the tart cherries and sliced almonds to distribute them evenly throughout the batter. These additions bring that irresistible contrast of juicy tartness and crunchy nuttiness that makes this Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe truly shine.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the oatmeal mixture into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup all the way to the top. This helps the cups bake into perfectly portioned morsels. Sprinkle a few extra sliced almonds on top of each cup—it adds a beautiful golden crunch right on the surface.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the oatmeal cups for 28 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures they’re cooked through but still moist and tender inside—think warm, soft bites loaded with flavor and texture.
Step 7: Let Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cups to cool in the tin for a few minutes so they firm up nicely. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy warm. These oatmeal cups are delicious anytime, whether fresh from the oven or later in the day.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar or drizzle some honey or maple syrup on top for an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal. You might also add a few fresh cherries or a dollop of Greek yogurt to brighten up the presentation and bring freshness to the palate.
Side Dishes
Pair these oatmeal cups with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced oranges or berries, for a balanced and refreshing breakfast. A hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea complements the nutty and sweet flavors perfectly, turning your meal into a delightful morning ritual.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe in pretty little paper cups or wrap them in parchment for gift-giving or a thoughtful packed breakfast. They also shine on a brunch board alongside nuts, cheese, and fresh fruit, impressing guests with both appearance and taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover oatmeal cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. They stay moist, flavorful, and ready for a quick, wholesome snack or breakfast that you can grab at a moment’s notice.
Freezing
These cups freeze beautifully, making meal prep a breeze. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to three months. This way, you always have a nutritious, homemade option ready whenever you need it.
Reheating
To warm up, microwave a frozen or refrigerated oatmeal cup for about 30 to 45 seconds until soft and heated through. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven to retain a bit of that fresh-baked crunch. Feel free to add a splash of milk or a drizzle of honey after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried tart cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries will add extra juiciness and a fresher taste, though they might release more moisture during baking. Just pit them and chop if needed. The texture might be a little different but just as delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply use a plant-based butter alternative and ensure your sweetener is vegan (maple syrup or coconut sugar are great choices). The almond milk is already dairy-free, so this recipe is easy to adapt for a vegan lifestyle.
Can I substitute the almond extract with another flavor?
While the almond extract is what gives this recipe its signature taste, you can substitute with vanilla extract if needed. The flavor will be a bit different but still quite tasty and comforting.
How do I make these oatmeal cups less sweet?
Feel free to reduce the amount of coconut sugar or sweetener to suit your taste. Since the tart cherries add natural tanginess, you can balance sweetness by adjusting the sugar amounts without compromising flavor.
Can I double the recipe to make a bigger batch?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in two muffin tins or in batches. These oatmeal cups store and freeze really well, so making a larger batch ahead of time is a smart way to have breakfast covered for days.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the warmth and inviting aroma of freshly baked Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe filling your kitchen. They turn simple ingredients into a comforting, wholesome treat that feels like a hug in food form. I hope you give this recipe a try and find as much joy in making and eating these oatmeal cups as I do sharing them with friends and family. Perfect for busy mornings or anytime you need a little homemade goodness!
Print
Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 oatmeal cups
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cups that are perfect for a wholesome breakfast or snack. These baked oatmeal cups combine tart Montmorency cherries with crunchy almonds and warm cinnamon, making for a naturally sweetened, comforting treat. Made with old-fashioned oats, almond milk, and a hint of almond extract, they are easy to prepare and great for meal prepping.
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 and Prepare Pan: 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 almond milk, applesauce, melted butter, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the oats, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt into the wet mixture until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in Montmorency tart cherries and sliced almonds to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the oatmeal mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup all the way to the top. Sprinkle additional sliced almonds on top for extra crunch and decoration.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cup comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal cups to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Substitute milk of choice such as dairy milk, soy milk, or oat milk based on preference or dietary needs.
- For a vegan version, use non-dairy buttery spread and maple syrup or honey alternatives.
- These cups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until heated through.
- Feel free to swap Montmorency tart cherries for other dried fruits like cranberries or blueberries.
- Add a sprinkle of chia seeds or flax seeds for added nutrition.
