last summer was my first time in a couple of years that i hadn’t volunteered as a middle school softball coach (almost typed couch. i’m always a couch). and though i’m undecided on the having kids thing at the moment, and decidedly against being a softball player, i missed it. maybe it’s the way they make me feel young again (because i’m essentially elderly at this point and because one of them thought that i was trying out ie a middle schooler sigh), or how casual it is, or because i’d rather see softball in a strategic, rather than actually executing it, kind of light.
so that’s probably the reason why i signed up to help coach a recreational girls softball team this past spring. and despite the fact that i’ve coached multiple times before, this new age group + location changed things up a bit. 6, 7 and 8 year old girls are much different than 10, 11 and 12 year old girls. they flop on the dirt more, they cry more (these girls are much more difficult than the supposedly hormonal pre-teens). plus, i think there’s something in the socal air- they all know the softball rules already and they all have gear. aka two things that most certainly were not given with the middle schoolers i worked with in the past. they brought out an olympian for opening day, even though i’m p sure none of my team knew who she was/cared. everyone else over the age of 12 was rightfully in awe when she did a pitching demo. and i look more like a parent, which led to questions about which child was mine. i don’t think i’ve ever explained myself so fast.
but anyways. you came for some oatmeal, right? this healthy baked oatmeal with apples and blueberries, along with and all this softball (coaching little kids involves a fair amount of running after balls and such), is important for balancing out cake (in case you missed it: there’s a jasmine green tea cake up from a few wks ago) and cookies (i’ll have a recipe up someday soon). it’s perfect if you aren’t into slimy oatmeal, and i love the amount of sweetness. it’s sweet enough where i’m not annoyed at my breakfast for playing at being sweet, and yet not so sweet that it’s more dessert than breakfast.
i like serving this healthy baked oatmeal with apples and blueberries alongside some yogurt or milk and fresh fruit. sometimes with nuts, sometimes with a tiny drizzle of maple syrup. tbh, i’m also perfectly happy eating it plain. you do you.
1 year ago: kimchi cucumber naengmyeon | chewy espresso blondies
2 years ago: coconut cake with strawberry compote and pink swiss meringue buttercream | chocolate babka french toast with caramelized banana creme anglaise
3 years ago: garlicky sesame cured broccoli salad | rant thursday #3
4 years ago: thomas keller’s chocolate chip cookies | chicken dijon
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 T brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 14 oz low-fat coconut milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups frozen mixed berries
- 1/2 apple finely chopped
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Mix the dry ingredients.
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Mix the wet ingredients. Mix into the dry ingredients. Fold in the fruit.
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Pour into a greased 9” round or 8x8” pan. Evenly spread mixture around the pan and press the fruit down so that they aren’t sticking out. Alternatively, you can divide the mixture between 14 well-greased muffin cups (I'd recommend using liners).
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Bake at 350F for 35-40 minutes or until center feels firm and edges have browned, or until the oatmeal tests clean. It'll be about 35 minutes for the cups, and 40+ for a pan. Cool 5 to 8 minutes before serving with yogurt and more berries.
Adapted from The Roasted Root.
You can use a different kind of milk if you'd like. I like using frozen berries because they're so easy to cheap (and no need to thaw). Don't bother peeling the apple- the peel softens in the oven, and unless you're super picky, it's not noticeable.
Calorie count does not include serving suggestion.
more sweet breakfast ideas
america’s test kitchen’s clumpalicious almond granola
I can’t tell you how much I love having oatmeal in the morning. It’s the best!!!
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yeah i love how filling it is! sometimes it’s almost a bit too much and i’m full before i finish my portion lol.
This looks like such a great way to start the day! I bet the coconut gives it a lovely flavour.
thanks caroline! yeah i love the hint of coconut here (:
I must say I’ve made and served oatmeal many different ways, but I’ve never baked it! Thank you for this idea!
ooh you’ll have to try baking your oatmeal! so tasty (:
I’ve never coached, but I’m sure its harder than it looks. This looks delicious and smart way to start a morning, or if you’re like me, skip the breakfast and have it for lunch!
haha yeah it’s a little hard. though i have to say that this round of coaching felt more like babysitting than coaching at times (;
What a great healthy breakfast and packed full of so much goodness.
thanks, emma! so much goodness in this oatmeal (:
That is so cool that you volunteered as a softball coach!! I definitely think the younger age group would be more difficult. Loving this healthy oatmeal! I could eat this for breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a snack hehehe 😉
the younger kids are cuter for sure, but also more of a handful (; thanks kelly!
How interesting to bake oatmeal 🙂
thanks tandy! hope you try it out sometime (:
I’ve never coached a team before. It sounds like a lot of work, but fun at the same time. Anyway, this baked oatmeal looks perfect to take on-the-go and eat as a quick breakfast or snack.
yep, exactly! and it’s super rewarding (:
Coaching the younger age certainly comes with its set of struggles, although I think there are equal challenges to every age!
No better way to start the day than with hearty oats and I love them baked so they can be made ahead.
oatmeal in general is just so awesome to make ahead! though i’d rather have a batch of baked oatmeal rather than a pot of stovetop oatmeal in my fridge (;
I’m always looking for make ahead breakfasts and this looks like it could do the trick. Besides I love oatmeal!
thanks, abbe! cheers for make ahead breakfasts that make mornings easier (:
OH YUM this looks so good Heather, perfect breakfast, easy, delicious and healthy 🙂
thanks, ashika! it’s such a good way to start your day (:
Baked oatmeal is one of my fave breakfasts! Easy and delicious, and fills you up!!
yay thanks katherine!!!
I eat oatmeal every single day, so this healthy baked oatmeal with apples and blueberries is right up my alley. OMG I thinking about coaching cheerleading this year, the guy I’m dating is coaching little league baseball and he finds very rewarding. Your plate looks delicious.
ooh coaching cheerleading sounds like fun! all those lifts and flips freak me out though lol.
You had me at baked oatmeal with coconut milk. Such a healthy and tropical twist and these are great as snacks for this kids as well.
thanks maria! when in doubt, add coconut milk to something (;
My friend told me there is no better way to have oatmeal than baked ; this is just so inviting….. love your choice of fruits ! Thank you !
your friend is right! baked oatmeal is my favorite way to have oatmeal (:
I remember when I was a kid my mom used to feed me oatmeal all the time in an attempt to make me HEALTHY – however I only liked the BROWN SUGAR version, hahahaahhaa but she would always give me the crap with all the dried fruit in it that made me wanna gag. Now a days I wish I could still eat oatmeal because I WOULD LOVE TO TRY a baked oatmeal recipe like yours! I just have so many ideas!
HAHAH yeah i used to pick out the toppings in my oatmeal and leave the actual oatmeal in my bowl (; and same with pancakes and basically everything else with great toppings lol.
I miss playing softball as a kid/teen. I was a catcher so my poor knees and predict the rain these days. But I would gladly devour the baked oatmeal and fruit, they look so refreshing and satisfying!
weirdly enough, i like coaching more than playing! and haha catching always seemed so sweaty and tiring- pitching all day, everyday thank you very much (;
I totally understand about feeling young. Though, the way I see it, you’re making yourself an available role model for younger people. It’s pretty cool that you were involved and did whatever you could to help out.
Your oatmeal looks super delicious! It doesn’t make the block taste dry and it looks healthy XD.
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
the oatmeal is more dry than stovetop oatmeal, but i like that- the stovetop stuff tends to be a little too slimy for me (;
This baked oatmeal looks like the perfect make ahead breakfast! Great for busy mornings when you need a grab and go breakfast!
thanks, leanne! it definitely is (: