Vegan Baked Oatmeal
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.I love making this vegan baked oatmeal that I sweeten with maple syrup. I usually prepare it with fresh blueberries, and I also enjoy trying new flavor variations when I want something different. These vegan baked oats make a hearty brunch or a special breakfast that brings everyone to the table. I do not use bananas, eggs, or refined sugar in this recipe, and the best part is that it is ready in 50 minutes.

Oatmeal is an all-time favorite in our house. From my peanut butter banana overnight oats to vegan baked oats and vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, I love creating plenty of oat-centered recipes for every occasion. Most of my oatmeal recipes serve 1, but this vegan oatmeal bake serves a crowd! One batch provides 6 large servings, making it the perfect breakfast to enjoy for brunch, during the holidays, or on busy mornings before school.
For me, these baked oats are the perfect vegetarian breakfast idea. They’re heart-healthy, high in fiber, and full of antioxidants. I think this is the best vegan oatmeal recipe not only because it’s delicious, easy to make, and versatile, but also because I can make a big batch and have a filling breakfast ready to go all week long.
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
I love this vegan baked oatmeal with fresh berries because it makes Sunday mornings warm and welcoming. Last weekend, I brought a pan to our local community brunch, and the kids at the table couldn’t wait to try it. It’s naturally sweetened, so there’s no processed sugar to worry about, and it’s surprisingly filling. Even though it’s light on calories, the fiber from the oats and the plant-based protein keep everyone full and satisfied.
What makes this recipe work is how simple it is without skimping on nutrition. I mix oats with chia seeds, unsweetened almond milk, applesauce, and fresh berries, then bake until golden and slightly puffed. The chia seeds help bind everything without eggs, so it’s perfectly egg-free, and the oats absorb the liquid just right, creating a soft, comforting texture. Even beginner cooks can handle this recipe. I love that it’s easy to make ahead, so on busy mornings, I just reheat a portion, and breakfast is ready.
This baked oatmeal is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy breakfast. The other day, a friend asked for the recipe after trying a slice for brunch, and I could tell it would become a staple in her home too. It works for family breakfasts, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, and I can’t imagine starting my week without it.
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🥘 Ingredients
I love making this vegan baked oatmeal because it uses simple ingredients. Here’s what I usually keep on hand to make it:

Ground Chia Seeds and Water: I mix ground chia seeds with water to create a chia egg. The mixture thickens into a gelatinous texture that behaves like an egg, binding the ingredients together.
Almond Milk: I use almond milk for its mild flavor and creamy texture. To keep this oatmeal bake healthy and free of refined sugar, I always choose unsweetened almond milk.
Maple Syrup and Vanilla Extract: I use maple syrup for natural sweetness and added antioxidants and nutrients. Agave, coconut sugar, or brown sugar work well too. Vanilla extract adds a hint of vanilla that enhances the sweetness of the syrup. For the best flavor, I use pure vanilla extract.
Applesauce: I add applesauce for moisture and natural sweetness. To keep this vegan breakfast oatmeal bake processed sugar-free, I use unsweetened applesauce.
Rolled Oats: I use old-fashioned oats because they are hearty, a great source of fiber, and bake up perfectly in this recipe.
Baking Powder: I use baking powder to help the vegan baked oatmeal rise in the oven, keeping it from becoming too dense.
Cinnamon: I add cinnamon to bring a warm, comforting spice to this healthy breakfast oatmeal bake.
Blueberries: I add blueberries for a sweet, fresh pop of flavor. I prefer using fresh berries if I can find them for this fruit baked oatmeal.
Substitutions
Milk: I use any plant-based milk, and oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk all work great.
Vegan Egg: Instead of chia seeds, I sometimes swap the ground chia seeds with ground flaxseed to make a flax egg.
Vanilla Extract: If I don’t have any extract on hand, I try one of these vanilla extract substitutes.
🔪 How To Make
I find this healthy baked oatmeal quick and easy to make! I just follow the following steps:
Preheat The Oven and Make The Chia Egg: I preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray an 8 by 8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, I combine the ground chia seeds and water and let it sit for five minutes to thicken.
Add The Wet Ingredients: I whisk the almond milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and applesauce into the chia seed mixture.

Add The Dry Ingredients: I add the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and one cup of blueberries. I gently fold them into the liquid ingredients to combine.

Pour Oats Into A Large Baking Dish: I pour the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish and top it with the remaining blueberries.

Bake Oats, Let Cool: I bake the oatmeal in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I carefully remove the dish from the oven and let the baked oatmeal cool for 20 minutes. This gives it time to set up before I slice it. I then slice and serve this dairy-free baked oatmeal with my favorite toppings.

💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for making this vegan baked oatmeal is to start with the right kind of oats. I always reach for old fashioned rolled oats since they bake up soft but still hold their texture, and that is exactly what I want in the morning when I am cooking for my family. I remember using quick oats once when I was in a rush, and the whole dish baked much softer than I liked. When I use rolled oats, the oatmeal stays hearty, comforting, and perfect for scooping into bowls for everyone at the table.
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Use enough liquid: I always make sure the oats have enough moisture since there are no eggs. A little extra non dairy milk keeps everything tender.
- Making a Single Serving: To make vegan baked oatmeal for one, I divide each ingredient by 6 for 1 large serving and pour the mixture into a large ramekin instead of a baking dish. I decrease the baking time to 15 to 20 minutes, then add more time if needed.
- Oatmeal Cups: To make oatmeal cups, I grease a muffin tin and fill the muffin cups with the oatmeal batter. I decrease the baking time since the muffin cups are much smaller.
- Do not skip the rest time: I let the baked oatmeal rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving much easier.
📖 Variations
This healthy blueberry oatmeal bake is already delicious on its own, but I love how easily I can customize it with so many different flavors. Here are some of my favorite variations:
Peanut Butter Banana: Instead of using berries, I use ripe banana slices and walnuts to create a banana bread flavor. I also like adding a little natural peanut butter for a PB and B taste.
Chocolate Chip: I substitute 3/4 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips for the blueberries, or I leave the berries in for a chocolate berry variation.
Fruity: I turn this vegan blueberry baked oatmeal into an oatmeal fruit bake by adding a mix of my favorite fruits instead of just blueberries. I especially like using a mix of berries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries all taste great alongside the blueberries in this recipe.
Toddler Baked Oatmeal: Vegan baked oats is great for kids of all ages, and you can start giving this hearty dish to your child at age 1. For toddlers, just cut it up into small pieces so it’s easy for them to pick up and “chew.” You can also swap the blueberries with your baby’s favorite fruit, and reduce the maple syrup as needed.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This plant based oatmeal bake is great on its own, but I also love enjoying it with my morning coffee or tea. When I want to change things up, I pair it with my mocha latte or my golden latte.
I also love serving this eggless baked oatmeal topped with flaked coconut, a pat of vegan butter, coconut whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, vegan nutella, fresh fruit, caramelized bananas, or a dollop of my white chocolate hazelnut spread on top.

🧊 Storage Directions
Refrigerating: This eggless baked oatmeal is perfect for making ahead and enjoying all week. I let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for about 4-5 days. When I’m ready to eat, I just pop a portion in the microwave for about a minute and it’s good to go!
Freezing: I cut the baked oatmeal into individual portions and wrap each one loosely in parchment or wax paper. Then I place the wrapped portions in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag and freeze them for up to 3 months.
Reheating: I reheat my leftover baked oatmeal from the fridge on medium power in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it’s warmed through. If I’ve frozen a batch, I let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then microwave it the next day for about a minute until heated. Sometimes I add 1 to 2 tablespoons of almond milk to make it extra moist.
❓Recipe FAQs
I know this can happen if the baking dish isn’t greased well or lined with parchment paper. I make sure to coat the dish lightly with oil or use parchment to lift the oatmeal easily.
I probably baked it too long or didn’t add enough liquid. With oats, you need a good balance of liquid and bake time to keep them moist. If the center overdries, the oatmeal bake turns crumbly instead of soft.
When that happens, the liquid‑to‑oat ratio was likely off, or I added extra juicy fruit without reducing liquid. The top bakes faster than the inside, so the dish needs more time to set. A longer bake (or slightly less liquid) helps.

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🎥 Watch How to Make It
Vegan Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ground chia seeds
- 6 tbsp water
- 1 ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ cup applesauce
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 ½ cup blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F / 180 C. Spray an 8×8 square baking dish with spray oil.
- In a mixing bowl, mix together the ground chia seeds and water, allow it to sit for 5 minutes to form a paste.
- Whisk the almond milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup and applesauce into the prepared chia seed mixture.
- Add remaining ingredients, only adding 1 cup blueberries and reserving remaining blueberries for the top, gently fold to combine.
- Pour the oatmeal mixture into the baking dish, top with reserved blueberries. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean.
- Remove and allow the baked oatmeal to cool and set for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve topped with whipped coconut cream, drizzle of maple syrup or toasted almonds.
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for making this vegan baked oatmeal is to start with the right kind of oats. I always reach for old fashioned rolled oats since they bake up soft but still hold their texture, and that is exactly what I want in the morning when I am cooking for my family. I remember using quick oats once when I was in a rush, and the whole dish baked much softer than I liked. When I use rolled oats, the oatmeal stays hearty, comforting, and perfect for scooping into bowls for everyone at the table.
- Use enough liquid: I always make sure the oats have enough moisture since there are no eggs. A little extra non dairy milk keeps everything tender.
- Making a Single Serving: To make vegan baked oatmeal for one, I divide each ingredient by 6 for 1 large serving and pour the mixture into a large ramekin instead of a baking dish. I decrease the baking time to 15 to 20 minutes, then add more time if needed.
- Oatmeal Cups: To make oatmeal cups, I grease a muffin tin and fill the muffin cups with the oatmeal batter. I decrease the baking time since the muffin cups are much smaller.
- Do not skip the rest time: I let the baked oatmeal rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving much easier.





Hi what can I replace the applesauce with? I can’t have apple or banana…
Thanks!
Hi Beth! Typically, I recommend bananas as a replacement for applesauce as I haven’t tried this recipe with any other replacement, but can you have pears? If so, you could try replacing the applesauce with an equal amount of cooked down, pureed pears (essentially, pear sauce). I haven’t tried that modification but theoretically it should work. Let me know if you try it and if that ends up working for you!
I ended up using pear and it turned out great. Thanks!
Awesome! So happy to hear that! 🙂
Do you put the reserved blueberries on top before or after baking?
Hi Pat! You add them on top right before baking, after you pour the oat mixture into the baking dish. I updated the instructions to clarify that! Hope that helps!
I love starting my day with oats and you can’t beat this vegan baked oatmeal that can be served in so many ways.
Totally! Thanks Sharon! 🙂
So many great flavor ideas. LOVE them all!
Thanks Jess! Enjoy!
I LOVE baked oatmeal and this flavor combination is delicious. Makes great leftovers too!
Yes! We love this as leftovers during the week – makes for super easy breakfasts!
This is one of my family’s new favorite breakfasts! We love all the different variations. Thank you.
Thanks so much Colleen! So happy to hear that!
I’m going to try this since I love oatmeal for breakfast. Just wondering, if I use flax seed meal instead of chia are the amounts the same? Also, if fresh blueberries are’t available can frozen berries be used and is there any adjustment to the liquid amounts??
Hi Sue! Yes you can use flax seed meal instead of ground chia seeds in a 1:1 substitution and it should work. Essentially you’ll be creating a “flax egg” instead of a “chia egg”. For frozen berries, you might have to reduce the liquid slightly in the recipe. I haven’t tested this recipe with frozen berries specifically, but I would assume they would have a slightly higher water content than fresh berries!
What a healthy and delicious way to start the day. Looks extremely scrumptious!
Thank you so much! You will love this recipe!
My husband eats oatmeal every morning for breakfast. This was a nice change from his ordinary breakfast.
So glad he liked this recipe! Thanks for letting me know!
Enjoyed this for breakfast this morning and started my day off right! Perfectly crisp and sweet; easily, a new favorite recipe!
Awesome, so happy to hear that Sara!