For those busy mornings when you want something nutritious but don’t have the time to fuss over a complicated recipe, this Lazy Morning Oatmeal Pudding is the perfect solution. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, fruits, and nuts, and it’s so simple to prepare that you can throw it together in just minutes. Best of all, there’s no need for flour, making it a naturally gluten-free option if you use certified gluten-free oats. This delicious baked oatmeal is a great way to start your day with a satisfying and healthy breakfast.
Ingredients
- 300 g (10.5 oz) oat flakes
- 80 g (2.8 oz) chopped walnuts
- 4 tablespoons sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
- 1 apple, finely chopped
- 1 banana, peeled and sliced
- 1 egg
- 240 ml (1 cup) milk
- 150 g (1 cup) cherries, pitted
Instructions
1. Fruit Preparation
Begin by preparing your fruits, which will add natural sweetness and flavor to the pudding. Take 1 apple, peel it (if desired), and finely chop it into small cubes. Next, peel 1 banana and slice it into thin rounds. These fruits will provide a nice contrast of textures and flavors—soft and sweet from the banana, and slightly tart and crunchy from the apple.
If you have additional fruits like berries, pears, or even a sprinkle of raisins, feel free to add them to the mix. This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to use whatever fruits you have on hand.
2. Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 300 g of oat flakes with 80 g of chopped walnuts. The oats provide a hearty base for the pudding, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy fats.
Next, add 4 tablespoons of sugar or your preferred sweetener. If you’re watching your sugar intake, natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia are great alternatives.
Now, toss in the finely chopped apple and the sliced banana. Crack 1 egg into the bowl, and pour in 240 ml of milk. The egg and milk will bind the ingredients together, creating a creamy texture as the pudding bakes.
Stir everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. The mixture should be evenly distributed, with each spoonful containing a bit of everything.
3. Adding the Cherries
Now it’s time to add a burst of color and flavor with the cherries. Take 150 g of pitted cherries and gently fold them into the mixture. The cherries will provide little pockets of juicy sweetness throughout the pudding, making each bite deliciously fruity.
If cherries aren’t in season, you can use frozen cherries (thawed and drained) or substitute with another fruit like blueberries, raspberries, or diced plums.
4. Baking the Pudding
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven heats up, prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or oil to prevent sticking. There’s no need to flour the pan, as the oats will naturally prevent sticking.
Pour the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This will ensure that the pudding bakes uniformly, with each portion getting the right balance of fruit, oats, and nuts.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the pudding turns golden brown and is firm to the touch. You’ll know it’s done when the top is lightly crispy, and the center is set but still moist.
5. Serving the Oatmeal Pudding
Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This baked oatmeal pudding can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Cut the pudding into squares or scoop it out with a spoon. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also top it with a dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: Approximately 8 portions
- Calories per serving: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 12 g
- Protein: 5 g
Conclusion
This Lazy Morning Oatmeal Pudding is a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome and satisfying breakfast without the fuss. Packed with oats, fruits, and nuts, it’s a nutritious start to your day that will keep you energized and full until your next meal. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to customize it with your favorite fruits and sweeteners. Try it out, and you may find yourself baking this delicious pudding every morning!
