There’s something blissfully nostalgic about the combination of peanut butter and jelly, swirling together on soft bread as a childhood favorite. When I was rummaging through my pantry one afternoon, I found a treasure trove of oats and decided to recreate that comforting taste in a new, delightful way. Imagine a warm, gooey Vegan Baked PB&J Oatmeal that can become your go-to breakfast or a delightful snack.
After a long week of fast food takeout, this recipe has been my saving grace, transforming my mornings into a delicious experience that bursts with flavor and heart. Packed with wholesome ingredients like gluten-free oats and chia jam, this dish is not just easy to make but is also a vivid canvas for your favorite jams and nut butters. Whether you enjoy it solo or share it with friends, this Vegan Baked PB&J Oatmeal is bound to please you while bringing a hint of childhood joy back to your table. Get ready to indulge without the guilt!
Why Choose PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal?
Nostalgic comfort: This recipe brings back the sweet memories of childhood with every bite.
Easy to whip up: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delightful dish ready to bake!
Wholesome goodness: Packed with gluten-free oats, it’s a nutritious option that satisfies your cravings without the guilt.
Versatile topping: Personalize it with your favorite jams or extra peanut butter for a delicious twist.
Perfect for sharing: Serve it warm to friends and family—everyone will love this crowd-pleaser!
Dive into this deliciousness and explore more yummy recipes like my Chia Jam for even more flavor!
PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal Ingredients
• To create your delicious Vegan Baked PB&J Oatmeal, gather the following ingredients.
For the Flax Egg
- Ground flax seeds – Offers a vegan binding agent that adds a wonderful texture.
- Water – Just plain water is needed to activate the flax seeds.
For the Oatmeal Base
- Gluten free rolled oats – Provides a hearty base that makes this dish filling and nutritious.
- Baking powder – Helps the oatmeal rise for that delightful fluffiness.
- Cinnamon – Infuses a warm spice flavor that complements the sweetness.
- Non-dairy milk – Choice of almond or oat milk will keep it vegan and creamy.
- Apple sauce – Acts as a natural sweetener and moisture enhancer.
- Peanut butter – Adds creaminess and that classic PB&J flavor; set aside some for topping!
- Vanilla extract – Elevates the overall taste with a touch of sweetness.
- Maple syrup – Adjust according to your sweetness preference for the perfect balance.
- Salt – Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
For the Topping
- Chia jam – A delightful spread that brings back the essence of your favorite childhood sandwich; feel free to substitute with any jam of your choice.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a delightful batch of PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal that everyone will adore!
How to Make PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal
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Preheat your oven to 350°F. This temperature is essential for that perfectly baked oatmeal, ensuring it comes out fluffy and golden brown.
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Combine the ground flax seeds and water in a bowl. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5 minutes—this will thicken and create a fantastic vegan binding agent!
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Whisk together the gluten-free rolled oats, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. This dry mix forms the hearty base of your oatmeal, ensuring a wonderful texture.
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Add all remaining ingredients to the mixture, including the now-thickened flax egg. Combine until everything is well blended and the mixture has a creamy consistency.
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Transfer the batter into a greased 9×9 baking dish. Don’t forget to top it with chia jam and a drizzle of extra peanut butter if you’re feeling indulgent!
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Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once done, let it cool for about 10 minutes, then serve warm topped with fresh berries and additional peanut butter for a delightful touch!
Optional: For an extra sweetness boost, sprinkle with nuts or seeds before baking!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal?
Transform your serving of this scrumptious bake into a complete meal that delights every sense.
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Fresh Berries: Bursting with flavor, fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries complement the sweetness of the oatmeal perfectly. Their natural tartness provides a refreshing contrast.
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Creamy Nut Yogurt: A dollop of almond or coconut yogurt adds a creaminess that enhances each bite. It also brings a delicious, healthy fat that rounds out the meal beautifully.
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Maple Glazed Pecans: The nutty crunch of maple-glazed pecans provides a delightful texture and sweet touch, bringing a new layer of flavor that enhances the oatmeal’s appeal.
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Chia Seed Pudding: Pair it with a silky chia seed pudding for an extra healthy boost. The pudding’s smoothness plays off the baked oatmeal’s texture, making every spoonful feel indulgent.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: For a touch of decadence, serve with coconut whipped cream. Its light and airy nature adds a sweet, creamy moment that’s perfect alongside this warm dish.
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Spiced Chai Latte: A warm spiced chai latte is the ideal drink to sip alongside your oatmeal, bringing cozy flavors that tie in beautifully with the cinnamon notes.
These pairings will elevate your breakfast experience, creating a memorable feast that brings joy to your table!
Expert Tips for PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal
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Flax Egg Magic: Make sure to let your flax seeds sit in water for at least 5 minutes. This thickens the mixture and acts as a great vegan binder!
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Oat Variety: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep your dish safe for gluten-sensitive friends while still enjoying a hearty texture.
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Syrup Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup according to your taste preferences. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take away sweetness!
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Baking Time: Keep an eye on your oatmeal as it bakes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning while it finishes cooking!
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Personalize Toppings: Experiment with different jams and nut butters for unique combinations. Let your creativity shine and make this PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal your own!
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Serving Warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm straight out of the oven. Add fresh fruits on top right before serving for an extra burst of flavor!
Make Ahead Options
These PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal squares are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping! You can combine the dry ingredients (oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon) and store them in an airtight container up to 3 days in advance. For the wet ingredients, you can prepare the flax egg, and mix together the non-dairy milk, apple sauce, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup up to 24 hours ahead; just refrigerate them. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine everything, transfer to a greased baking dish, and bake as directed. This means you can enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast with minimal effort, all while keeping that comforting flavor just as delightful!
PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal Variations
Feel free to explore these fun twists that can transform your oatmeal into something spectacular!
- Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a delicious nut-free option.
- Extra Fruity: Add chopped bananas or diced apples into the mix for added natural sweetness and texture.
- Chocolate Lovers: Stir in cocoa powder or mini dark chocolate chips to satisfy that chocolatey craving.
- Protein Boost: Mix in a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder for a hearty breakfast.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for an unexpected heat that pairs well with the sweetness.
- MAPLE-HONEY: Swap maple syrup for agave or honey (for non-vegan) for a different sweet profile.
- Creamy Coconut: Use coconut milk instead of non-dairy milk for a tropical flavor that is irresistibly luscious.
- Autumn Spice: Experiment with pumpkin spice or nutmeg to bring delicious seasonal warmth to your baked oatmeal.
Whichever variation you choose, let your culinary creativity shine!
How to Store and Freeze PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal
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Room Temperature: Allow the oatmeal to cool completely, then keep it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Enjoy it fresh for maximum taste!
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick breakfast or snack.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cut portions in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: To enjoy your frozen PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F until heated through. Add a little non-dairy milk if it needs more moisture!
PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right oats for my PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal?
Absolutely! Opt for certified gluten-free rolled oats to ensure a safe and hearty base, especially if you’re cooking for gluten-sensitive friends. Look for oats that are plump and whole, without any dark spots, as fresher oats will provide the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftover PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal?
Very! Once your oatmeal has cooled completely, keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I often reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick snack or breakfast; just give it a little stir and pop it in for about 30-60 seconds!
Can I freeze PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, cut the baked oatmeal into servings and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months! Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of non-dairy milk for extra moisture if needed!
What if my oatmeal is too dry after baking?
Don’t worry! If your PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal seems a bit dry after baking, next time, try adding a little more non-dairy milk into your mixture before baking. Also, consider checking your oven’s actual temperature with an oven thermometer; sometimes, it can be hotter or cooler than indicated, which might affect the final texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many diets. However, if you or anyone you’re serving has nut allergies, you could swap peanut butter for sun butter or soy nut butter instead. Always double-check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of jam?
Yes, feel free! Fresh fruit can be a delightful substitute for chia jam on top of your oatmeal. For example, sliced bananas or strawberries work beautifully, adding a fresh burst of flavor and nutrition. Just add them right before serving for the best results!
Satisfy Your Cravings with PB&J Vegan Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Combine the ground flax seeds and water in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Whisk together the gluten-free rolled oats, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl.
- Add all remaining ingredients, including the thickened flax egg, and mix until well blended.
- Transfer the batter into a greased 9×9 baking dish and top with chia jam and extra peanut butter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.