Look at that crispy edge. You’re gonna want that crispy edge.
Trust me, I ate a circle around the pan to confirm it’s the best part (and it totally is).
This baked oatmeal is the perfect dish for lazy weekends, hosting a house full of guests, or brunch, because it’s quick and easy and it feeds a crowd.
The recipe comes together in about 1 hour, requires just 10 simple ingredients, and is vegan, gluten-free, naturally-sweetened, and vegan butter-free!
Whew, that was a mouthful (but so worth it).
This oatmeal is inspired by a recipe I saw in Real Simple magazine that immediately caught my eye. Only this version is egg-free, and infused with coconut three ways. That’s right THREE: Coconut flakes, coconut milk, and coconut oil.
That’s a lot of coconut, and it’s oh-so-delicious.
You really don’t need much in the way of toppings. In fact, just pour on some almond milk and call it breakfast! But if you wanna get all fancy, coconut whipped cream, figs (or fresh fruit), and toasted coconut make a perfect finishing touch.
I hope you guys love this recipe! It’s:
Simple
Hearty
Wholesome
Coconut-infused
Perfectly sweet
Satisfying
Healthy
& Delicious
This would make a dreamy weekend breakfast, or even one you could make ahead of time and reheat throughout the week for a quicker meal option! It’s especially ideal throughout the winter, especially when hosting guests – it’s the ultimate warming, comfort food.
If you aren’t into coconut, don’t worry! Simply swap out the coconut milk for almond, and the coconut flakes for something that sounds more your style, like chocolate chips (ey-oh)!
If you give this recipe a try, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it (pretty please), and don’t forget to tag a picture #minimalistbaker on Instagram! We’d love to see your breakfast in action. Cheers, friends!
Toasted Coconut Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
OATMEAL
- 2 Tbsp flaxseed meal (to make flax eggs)
- 5 Tbsp water (to make flax eggs)
- 2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (divided)
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if GF)
- 2/3 cup slivered toasted almonds
- 3 Tbsp dried fruit (like blueberries, cherries or cranberries)
- 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 3/4 cup non-dairy milk (I used 1 cup unsweetened almond milk + 3/4 cup light coconut milk)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
FOR SERVING optional
- Coconut whipped cream
- Non-dairy milk
- Fruit
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and grease a 2-quart (or similar size) baking dish with coconut oil (or vegan butter).
- Prepare flax eggs in a medium-size mixing bowl by mixing flaxseed meal and water and let rest for 5 minutes.
- While the oven is preheating (and isn’t quite at 350), add shredded coconut to a bare baking sheet and bake until just slightly golden brown – about 3-4 minutes. Watch carefully as it browns quickly. Set aside.
- To a large mixing bowl, add oats, almonds, half of the toasted coconut (reserve the rest for serving), dried fruit, coconut sugar, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Add maple syrup and non-dairy milk to the flax eggs and whisk thoroughly to combine. While whisking, pour in the coconut oil and whisk thoroughly to combine. (NOTE: If the mixture gets clumpy, microwave for 10-20 seconds to re-melt coconut oil. However, it will melt in the oven while baking so it’s not a big concern.) Add wet to dry and mix.
- Pour oatmeal into prepared dish and bake for 37-40 minutes, or until slightly golden brown and firm in the middle. Then increase heat to 400 degrees F (204 C) and bake 5-8 minutes more to brown the edges and crisp the top.
- Serve warm with desired toppings, such as coconut whipped cream (or coconut milk or almond milk), extra toasted coconut, and fruit. Best when fresh, though leftovers keep covered in the refrigerator 2-3 days. Reheat in a 350 degree oven, or the microwave.
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated without additional toppings.
*For information on freezing, see this resource.
Nicole says
I loved this – favourite baked oatmeal recipe I’ve ever tried. I loved the drier texture as opposed to other recipes on this blog and elsewhere that call for (non-dried) fruit in the mixture. I used a tiny amount of full fat coconut milk and the rest vanilla oat milk, 2 chicken eggs (not vegan), chopped dried mission figs for the dried fruit, and sprinkled some raw sugar on top for sweet crunch and to help with browning. Once everything was in the dish it looked soupier than I’d like and I added an extra handful of oats. I also added a sprinkle of cinnamon and a smaller sprinkle of ground cardamom to the mix which was lovely and I’ll add more next time. Thanks for the amazing recipe!
Amazing! Thank you for sharing, Nicole! xo
Ananda says
This recipe is sooo good! After making (and loving) your pumpkin baked oatmeal I had to give this a try, and it turned out great! I thought it had a really nice flavour as well as a perfect crispiness on the edges, not to mention it’s both healthy and filling! I modified the recipe by subbing walnuts as well as a bit of sunflower and pumpkin seeds for the almonds, added figs for the dried fruit, and used a bit less coconut flakes than the recipe called for.
Thank you so much!! Your baked oatmeal recipes may have become my new favourite breakfast!
Aw, yay! We’re so glad you enjoy them. Thanks so much for the lovely review and for sharing your modifications!
Elizabeth Po says
This has become my go-to recipe for brunch, particularly potluck brunch, since nearly everyone can eat it. (Nuts can be omitted and coconuts can be clearly marked.) It makes a great base for a topping bar as well – try flax, fresh fruit, different types of yogurts (vegan and non-vegan), maple syrup.
With leftovers, warming it in the toaster oven can lead to a fresh crispyness that is so good.
Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth! Love your suggestions! xo
Melissa says
Good info. Lucky me I recently found your blog by chance (stumbleupon).
I have book marked it for later! maglie calcio
Wonderful! Hope you love it, Melissa!
Lauren says
Hi,
Would I be able to substitute the coconut oil for soya yoghurt?
Thanks x
Lauren, we haven’t tried that. We suspect it would affect the flavor and make the oats more soft vs. crispy on the edges. If you give it a try let us know how it goes!
Georgia says
Made this for a brunch with friends and was an absolute hit! Served with coconut yogurt and some extra toasted coconut and maple syrup. Will absolutely be making this again and again year-round.
Alix says
Hi Dana! Could using frozen fruit work out just as well?
Hi Alix, Frozen fruit may in place of dried, but you might want to reduce other liquid ingredients (such as the non-dairy milk) since the frozen fruit will add more moisture. Hope that helps! Let us know if you give it a try!
Yes! That should be fine.
Sherrie says
So good! I’ve made this several times for weekend breakfast. I’m eliminating added sugar and salt so I omitted these 2 ingredients. Toppings are the extra toasted coconut, maple syrup, fresh blueberries and strawberries. Delicious.
Deb says
Do I need to flax as an egg?
Sorry but I don’t understand. If asking about subbing an egg for flax, yes that should work. 1 small chicken egg per 1 flax egg.
Sia says
It’s so good, I even thought of using it as a base for cookies next time!
Loved the taste!
Gwen Stafford says
What does 2 batches of flax eggs mean? How many total eggs?
Hi Gwen, 2 batches flax eggs is 2 Tbsp flaxseed meal (14 g) + 5 Tbsp (75 ml) water. You can refer to our Recipe FAQ if subbing chicken eggs. Hope that helps!
Abby says
I really love this recipe! I’m not vegan, and I did not have flax anything or coconut oil, so I used regular eggs and butter. I also used Macadamia milk since it peaked my interest at sprouts. Overall this recipe is very easily adaptable to whatever you have in your kitchen, and I’m really enjoying it!
Liz says
I am pregnant and have been having coconut cravings so decided to make this and it did not disappoint! I used all coconut milk (from carton), pecans instead of almonds (due to allergy), omitted the coconut sugar (it was still plenty sweet), 1/4 tsp coconut extract. Delish! Thanks!
Isabela says
Prepared this yesterday, and I am quite happy about it – having it now for breakfast. Instead of coconut oil, I used more light coconut milk, used thinly sliced almonds instead of slivered ones and also added less sugar (also xylitol instead of coconut sugar). Reheated it this morning, added a tiny bit more light coconut milk and fresh strawberries… Delicious! Next time, I am going to experiment adding vanilla, cinnamon, and inspired by one of the comments, frozen berries instead of dried cranberries. Looking forward to this experiment.
Thank you for sharing yet another delicious recipe with us, Dana!
PS: Since there is a step-by-step on how to toast the coconut, perhaps it would be nice to include the process of toasting almonds in this recipe as well. :)
Princess C. says
I woke up this morning wanting something different for breakfast and this recipe worked perfectly. I opted for almond milk instead of coconut milk, added cinnamon, and vanilla extract. It was really tasty! I’ll definitely be incorporating this into my breakfast rotation :)
We are glad you enjoyed this baked oatmeal, Princess! Thanks for sharing your recipe changes :D
Laura says
We love coconut in our family and I wanted something to switch out our stovetop oatmeal and this did it! I first made it in mini-muffin tins and without liners it was hard to get out but still delicious! I have a pan version in the oven now for breakfast in the morning!
Charlotte says
This was delicious, I didn’t have ground flaxseed so I just used flaxseed (the seeds itself) and added a mashed banana and had wonderful results :) I was 1 cup short on oats so I added wholewheat flour instead and a bit of baking powder, it turned out more fluffy but still crispy on the edges!
Smart! Thanks for sharing, Charlotte!
Michelle says
I’ve made this before and its wonderful. I want to make it tonight, but don’t have any dried fruit on hand (and am trying to clear out my freezer). Do you think you could use frozen berries instead of dried?
Yes that will work!
Dave R says
If you were to throw some chocolate chips in, would you leave out the dried fruit? Having some family over on Christmas morning and planning to make this. Sounds amazing!
Michelle says
This was delicious! I used all almond milk, dried cranberries, and topped with raspberries – wonderful!! I mixed all the dry ingredients together at night so that all I had to do when I woke up was add in the wet ingredients. 5 minutes in the AM and I had a delicious hot breakfast! I will totally make this again!
Farren says
This recipe sounds amazing! I’ve been wanting to try baked oatmeal for a while but was convinced I wouldn’t be able to find a good vegan recipe. Then I found your site. Yay! Anywho, do you have suggestions for Maple syrup and sugar substitutes? If possible, I’d like to use puree fruit as the only sweetener. Thank you!!
Lindsay says
Why have I never heard of baked oatmeal until now?? I love oatmeal in cookies but am not a fan of it in liquid/cereal form. This has a cake-like texture and is seriously delicious. I used chia instead of flax eggs and all vanilla soy for the milk. I added chocolate chips to the batter but served it as-is (no toppings). My son and I had it fresh for breakfast yesterday and re-heated today, and it was equally good both times. This is sure to be my new go-to breakfast recipe!
Janet says
I didn’t have blueberries so I used chocolate chips. So yum. I wish I could post a pic
Melissa says
Hey Girl I’m totally going to try this!! I tried making the coconut yogurt and I’m on day 2 and it’s still liquidy, no solidity at all…it’s been room temp, covered with the cheese cloth. Not in sunlight. Am I doing something wrong. I used the Whole Foods 365 full fat milk??
Elise says
This oatmeal was delicious and super easy! I wanted to try baked oatmeal because I saw an episode of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives (I know, but seriously) where a restaurant served their oatmeal like this. BUT they cooked it and then baked it on a baking sheet so it got kind of crunchy and they served it with milk almost like cereal. I really wanted to try that so today I reheated my oatmeal in the oven at 400 degrees for 10 minutes on a baking sheet (I crumbled it up.) It was delicious and even better than the first day! Thanks for this recipe!
Sandy says
Second time I’ve made this. Very good recipe. Thanks
Kelly-Anne says
Thanks for this recipe. I made it for breakfast this morning and I loved it.
Megan says
I absolutely love this recipe! I’ve made it every week for the past three weeks!
Do you think it would freeze okay if I wanted to make it a week ahead of time?
Hi Megan! Yes, I think that would work! If you want to give it a try, use this for reference :D
Tash says
Do you think I could make this with chai eggs instead? Still searching for flaxseeds in my local supermarkets!
Chia? You bet!
Amber says
YUM! I made this for breakfast, since I didn’t want a huge pan, I just halfed it, which turned out great. I like the fact that it wasn’t overly sweet. I didn’t have any maple syrup, so I used honey instead. My bf loved it…he said the only change he would make is to leave it in a little longer for the crust to get more brown. I told him “If it gets more brown, it will burn!” He’s a guy, he’s weird lol
I served it with almond/coconut milk blended with mashed over ripe bananas.
Erica says
Excellent! Dried mango was a tasty and tropical addition. Next time I’ll use less coconut oil though…it was a tad greasy.
Jana du Plessis says
I have made more than one of your recipes, I have cooked some of them twice and I have left a trail of comments probably longer than three. I am not vegan, vegetarian or eat gluten free. But I do believe in homemade, no added extras and experimenting with ingredients that pose a challenge or deliver a interesting flavour. Many times I read a recipe that tickles my fancy, but I don’t have the ingredients on hand and it silently it slips from my mind. And that is what I love about you as Minimalist Baker: Your recipes are simple, quick and most importantly requires ingredients I usually only have to walk to my kitchen for. THANK YOU for staying on my recipe radar and allowing me to easily have fun in the kitchen. That is why I cannot wait to prepare this breakfast for my family tomorrow morning and show them how doable healthy and delicious can be!!
Kath says
You forgot to mention the coconut sugar! So there are 4 sources of coconut in the recipe…can’t wait to try it!
Farhaana says
Do you have any suggestions on how to make this with soaked oats?
Alexandra says
This was wonderful! I’ll have to try again when I have some almonds and dried fruit. My 2 year old even loved it and she hasn’t cared for oatmeal before now. I think baking it made such a difference in texture and that yummy toasted coconut <3
Stephanie says
Thank you for posting this, Dana. This works perfectly for my request in November for some type of oatmeal cake. I made this for the elderly woman I take care of occasionally. She does not have access to anything to heat up food except a toaster, so I cut the baked oatmeal into generous squares and wrapped them individually so they could be doled out each evening for her to toast in the morning.
I’m don’t care much for oatmeal myself, but she loved them, and they held up well for the week that I had them. Thank you again for a brilliant solution.
Colleen says
Made this twice now and I LOVE IT! It definitely takes me more than five minutes to prep (more like 20). The second time around I added some ginger and cinnamon for some added flavor. I’m not vegan, so one day I served it with yogurt and that was delicious! Next time I’m trying the coconut whipped cream…!
Laureen says
I love baked oatmeal, but having switched to a gluten, dairy and egg free diet for health reasons, I thought I’d never have it again. As soon as I saw this, I planned to make it the next Saturday. It was GREAT. Everyone in my family came back for seconds. I used chia seeds instead of flax, and a little more coconut milk than almond milk, and gluten free oats. Oh, and sliced instead of slivered almonds. I didn’t use the toppings, just poured some heated almond milk over it. My husband and daughter added blueberries on top. I’ll be making this for Christmas morning next year, it’s that good. Thanks for making these vegan, gluten free recipes!
Melinda says
Mind blown! Made this on Sunday morning and it was gone in the blink of an eye. All kids ages 6 and under inhaled it. I almost skipped the toasting the coconut step, just because I was running very low on time. Glad I didn’t. It was the best part! THANK YOU! I will be making this recipe often. You’re the best!
Lydia says
This is in the oven right now. I’m not vegan, but for some reason the thought of putting eggs in baked oatmeal icks me out, so I always look for vegan baked oatmeal recipes.
By the way, I think you forgot to include the step where you mix the wet and dry (in between adding the coconut oil and putting it in the oven.)
Thanks for the catch! Added.
Claire says
Any suggestions for a family member who can’t eat shredded coconut?
Lydia says
Just leave it out.
Claire says
Do you think I should up the amount of other dry ingredients? I wasn’t sure if it would mess with the texture too much.
Ana @ Ana's Rocket Ship says
You’re right I do want that crispy edge!!!! I made this last night for this morning, but when I came to serve myself this morning half the edge had been stolen. I wonder who did that? My flatmates love it also!
S says
Any alternatives to the almond/coconut milk for those who are allergic to both? Thanks!
I would say rice milk!
Holly says
Made this today! I added a little vanilla and almond extract–which I love with coconut–and resisted the urge to add cinnamon. Perfectly sweet and so yum. Making this again very soon. Love to have ready to go breakfasts for my daughter. Thanks.
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Holly!
Sina @ Vegan Heaven says
This looks so delicious, Dana! I love coconuts and I can’t wait to give this a try! :-) Thanks for sharing!
Dextosterone says
This is great I used to make an oatmeal breakfast bake before I was vegan and this seems very similar I will definitely give this a try. Thanks for sharing.
Meg says
Instead of dried fruit do you think it would work with frozen fruit?
Yes!
Tammy Thiele says
What I think I am starting to love the most about your recipes is that I seem to have most of the ingredients on hand already, making the inspiration to make this deliciousness that much closer! Making this as soon as possible! Yum!
It makes it easier for us all! Thanks, Tammy! xoxo
C. Marie says
Adding a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top of my piece while still warm made this coconut lover one happy girl! I love baked oatmeal, and this has become one of my favorite recipes. Thank you, Dana!
Yay! So great!!
Sarah says
This looked so good, I’m making it the night I read the recipe ! I’ve made a few adjustments : I don’t have access to flax seeds so I made chia eggs and I didn’t have maple syrup and no more honey (T.T) so more coconut sugar went in. And I also used full fat coconut milk and a lesser amount of coconut oil :)
This recipe also came at the right time : I was getting tired of overnight oats. I hope this replaces it but I don’t know how well this will keep or how I should keep it. I’ll see how it evolves xD
So great! Thanks for sharing your substitutions!
Stacy @ Nourishing Health says
This looks incredible! I can’t wait to make it!
And I LOVE that you ate the edge around the bake. HAHA! (I have…maybe…done that before ;)
Han says
Looks so delicious!
Cassie says
I love baking my oatmeal–it tastes so cake-like and fluffy! This is a fantastic way to add a coconutty flavor and indulgence in your oats!
Sarah | Well and Full says
I love huge granola clusters, so this is a cluster lovers’ dream!! It’s basically just a huge cluster of granola! Genius!!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
I cannot find fresh figs to save my life right now. Where did you get yours? Also this oatmeal is totally going on the list.
Whole Foods!
Amelia Littlejohn says
Oh my goodness – what a dream! I love baked oats, I’ll have to try this recipe :)
x
Bethany @ Athletic Avocado says
Hallo beautiful wholesome pan of oatmeal! Toasted coconut in oatmeal is the BEST!
Lori says
Looks amazing! Do you think I could prep this the night before and cook it in the morning since the oil melts again in the oven? Or maybe just bake it the night before and reheat? Which do you think would be better? And last question: To make it a bit bigger and fit into a 9×11, woud you double or do 1 + 1/2 on the ingredients?
Thanks!!!
If I were you, I’d bake it and then reheat the next day! I wouldn’t double the ingredients, I would do 1.5x as you said. Good luck!
Ana @ Ana's Rocket Ship says
ooooooh….. I love how theres been no going easy on the coconut!
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet says
I can already tell this is going to be my new favorite breakfast recipe! Loving all the ingredients you used here! Pinning!
Jennifer says
I usually cook oil-free. Is there a purpose for the oil in this recipe that would make it fail if I left it out?
It helps moisten the oats and also crisp up the edge. But you can probably leave it out and sub a bit more coconut milk.
Patsy Kimble Brunner says
I’ve made this with absolutely no oil at all and it’s great! Today I’m making it again, a bigger batch, leaving out the nuts and subbing more dried fruits. That way, when I have it for breakfast, I can decide at that time if it’s a nuts & seeds morning or not. Planning on introducing houseguests to this next week!
Joslyn McIntyre says
What’s the thought on using real eggs instead of flax eggs? Kosher? Same ratio?
Yes! I would use the same ratio.
Sylvie says
So tempting! I don’t have any slivered almonds. Could I just leave them out or what can they be substituted with? Thank you!
Hmm, I would suggest subbing chopped almonds, if you have them. Or pecans!
Mary-Clay | The Open Oven says
I have all of these ingredients and will be making this ASAP. Like tomorrow. Looks delicious!
Brittany says
This looks so tasty and I definitely want the crispy edge bite!
Stephanie says
Think these would work in a muffin tin, to make portable, individual portions?? The recipe sounds delicious, and I would love to try them in a muffin pan form!
I do!
Samantha @ThePlantedVegan says
Oooo can’t wait to try this out! Looks so warm and delicious!
Lucia says
I almost always put coconut in my oatmeal – it’s such a great combination! Can’t wait to try this!!
Adele says
Oh. My. Goodness. You best bet I’ll be making this tomorrow morning! Holy yum :) :)
hannah says
I have been searching for weeks for a good vegan baked oatmeal recipe. I’ve tried many and felt totally underwhelmed by all of them. But here you are to the rescue! Can’t wait to try it this week!
Erica says
This looks absolutely INSANE! In the best way. I’m definitely going to try this one – thank you!
Tarra says
Hello!
I was wondering if there was an easy way to make these into a portable snack? Maybe bars? Would you suggest using a larger pan to spread it out and make it thinner and then cut into bars?
Thank you so much :)
Hi Tarra! I have a breakfast cookie coming up that might be a better option! Otherwise, try making them in a muffin tin and baking them longer so they crisp up! Good luck!
Tarra says
Thank you so much…Looking forward to the breakfast cookie recipe!
Samantha says
This looks beyond gorgeous Dana! I love all of your oatmeal recipes and can’t wait to add this one to my collection :) Also, love the idea of topping with figs…I have always wanted to give those gems a try!
Tonya says
Mmmm, this looks heavenly delicious! I love the combinations here, will add to my breakfast rotation for sure! Thanks for sharing!
Emily @ Robust Recipes says
This looks amazing! I love coconut! The fresh figs are beautiful. Again, fresh figs are something I can’t seem to find here in Iowa :(. But I’m sure any type of fresh fruit would be delicious. Blueberries and coconut go well together!
Celeste @The Whole Serving says
This looks seriously delicious and I will give this a try. Oatmeal has been on my breakfast list a lot lately.
Thanks for this awesome recipe!
Meg says
I want to try this in granola form so all the bits are crunchy! Sounds delicious!
Tom ~ Raise Your Garden says
Whoa, that’s a brilliant idea!!! Sparkle right there. Had baked granola for the first time Christmas Eve, my mom made it. We have a tradition of making breakfast for dinner on Christmas Eve and then go to the service together. Loved it! Was hesitant to try, but wife had already scooped some on my plate. The crispy edges are shockingly the best. Didn’t think to add coconut flakes though.