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"Cheat Code" Lemon-Blueberry Swirl Baked Oatmeal

"Cheat Code" Lemon-Blueberry Swirl Baked Oatmeal

I refuse to let rushed mornings force me into eating sad, cold protein bars. This baked oatmeal is my ultimate Sunday prep secret. We're using fresh summer blueberries and a heavy swirl of store-bought lemon curd—my favorite "cheat code" for massive flavor without having to zest a mountain of lemons on your day off.

Elena Reyes
Elena Reyes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
6
easy
breakfastsnack
meal-prepmake-aheadcheat-codebaking+1

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Timeline

55 minutes
0m15m30m45m55m
Prep Oven & Pan
Mix Wet Ingredients
Add Dry Ingredients
Fold in Blueberries
Swirl Lemon Curd
Bake Oatmeal
35m
Rest & Serve
10m

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp butter or cooking spray(for greasing the pan)
  • 2 large eggs(room temperature if possible)
  • 1.5 cups milk(dairy or plant-based both work great)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup(real maple syrup, please!)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats(do not use quick oats, they turn to mush)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt(crucial for balancing the sweetness)
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries(divided; frozen works too (do not thaw))
  • 1/3 cup store-bought lemon curd(the ultimate flavor cheat code)
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds(for crunch)

Instructions

  1. 1

    First things first: grease an 8x8 baking dish with 1 tsp butter or cooking spray. Do not skip this unless you enjoy chiseling baked oats off glass. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

    2 min

    Tip: An 8x8 metal or ceramic dish works best for an even bake.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, violently whisk together the 2 large eggs, 1.5 cups milk, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. You want the eggs completely broken up so you don't end up with weird scrambled egg bits in your morning oats.

    3 min

    Tip: Whisking the wet ingredients first ensures the eggs are fully incorporated.

  3. 3

    Dump in your 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Give it a good stir until everything is saturated.

    2 min

    Tip: The kosher salt is mandatory. Salt makes everything taste more like itself, especially oats.

  4. 4

    Gently fold in 1.5 cups fresh blueberries, saving the rest for the top. If you're using frozen berries, toss them right in.

    1 min

    Tip: If using frozen blueberries, do NOT thaw them first, or your entire bake will turn a terrifying shade of grey-purple.

  5. 5

    Pour the oat mixture into your greased dish. Now for the cheat code: drop small spoonfuls of the 1/3 cup store-bought lemon curd all over the top, then use a butter knife to gently swirl it through the surface. Scatter the remaining 1/2 cup fresh blueberries and 1/4 cup sliced almonds over the top.

    2 min

    Tip: Don't over-swirl the lemon curd; you want distinct pockets of sweet, tart lemon to hit your palate.

  6. 6

    Bake for 35 minutes until the center is set and the edges are golden and pulling away slightly. The smell in your kitchen right now will be illegal.

    35 min

    Tip: Every oven is a little different—if the almonds are getting too dark by minute 25, loosely tent with foil.

  7. 7

    Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Portion it out into airtight containers for the week. Boom. Breakfast is handled.

    10 min

    Tip: It sets up as it cools. Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, and just microwave a square for 45 seconds when you wake up.

Chef's Notes

Yes, you can absolutely swap the almonds for walnuts or pecans if that's what's currently lingering in your pantry. If you want to boost the protein, serve a warm slice in a shallow bowl with a big dollop of plain Greek yogurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does "Cheat Code" Lemon-Blueberry Swirl Baked Oatmeal take to make?

"Cheat Code" Lemon-Blueberry Swirl Baked Oatmeal takes about 45 minutes total. That includes 10 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 6 servings.

What skill level is needed for "Cheat Code" Lemon-Blueberry Swirl Baked Oatmeal?

This recipe is rated easy — it's beginner-friendly and straightforward.

What ingredients do I need for "Cheat Code" Lemon-Blueberry Swirl Baked Oatmeal?

The main ingredients are: butter or cooking spray, large eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, old-fashioned rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, fresh blueberries, store-bought lemon curd, sliced almonds.

What type of meal is "Cheat Code" Lemon-Blueberry Swirl Baked Oatmeal?

"Cheat Code" Lemon-Blueberry Swirl Baked Oatmeal is categorized as: breakfast, snack.