If you’re looking for a cozy, nostalgic breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s like your favorite childhood sandwich reimagined into a warm, comforting baked dish that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or even meal prep. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep baking it week after week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort food meets nutrition: You get the wholesome goodness of oats infused with the classic peanut butter and jelly flavors.
- Super simple to make: No fancy ingredients or complicated steps—it’s a straightforward bake you can whip up any time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Bake it once, enjoy it all week; it’s just as delicious cold or reheated.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: Everyone from picky eaters to breakfast enthusiasts loves it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe, I keep it simple and use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The magic here is how these simple items come together to create that perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and sweet, fruity jelly enveloped in hearty oats.
- Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned oats for the best baked texture — steel-cut won’t work here!
- Almond milk: Any milk works, but almond milk adds a nice, mild nuttiness that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
- Maple syrup: For natural sweetness—feel free to swap with honey or agave.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Baking powder: Helps the oats puff up slightly, giving you that light yet hearty bite.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth — don’t skip it!
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out flavor.
- Peanut butter: Creamy or chunky, whichever you prefer — both work fabulously.
- Jelly: I go classic grape or strawberry, but you can play around with flavors.
Variations
I love how flexible this Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe is — you can easily tailor it to suit your mood or diet, and it’s fun to experiment with flavor combos. Here’s what I’ve tried so far that works beautifully.
- Swap the nut butter: When I’m out of peanut butter, almond or cashew butter gives it a delicious twist.
- Try different jellies: Mixed berry, raspberry, or even apricot jam adds exciting new layers of flavor.
- Add mix-ins: Toss in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even fresh fruit for extra texture.
- Make it vegan: Use a plant-based milk and a vegan sweetener if needed—it’s just as comforting.
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Get your oven and pan ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab an 8×8 inch baking dish and grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your oatmeal won’t stick and makes serving up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. I like to stir these together well so everything is evenly distributed — it sets a great base for the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Add the wet ingredients and peanut butter
Pour in the almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla, then add your peanut butter. I find it helps to soften or slightly warm the peanut butter beforehand so it blends smoothly. Mix everything together until the oats are thoroughly coated — the mixture will be thick but scoopable.
Step 4: Add jelly and swirl
Pour this batter into your prepared dish and dollop the jelly over the top. Use a knife to swirl the jelly gently through the batter—it creates beautiful streaks of fruity sweetness that peek through every bite.
Step 5: Bake and cool
Bake your oatmeal at 400°F for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and the edges turn a lovely golden brown. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing — this helps the oatmeal firm up so it holds its shape when served.
Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Warm peanut butter: Softening it slightly (10-15 seconds in the microwave) helps it blend smoothly without clumps.
- Don’t over-swirl the jelly: You want pretty streaks, not one big blob! A gentle swirling is the key.
- Rest before slicing: Waiting 10 minutes post-bake means cleaner cuts and less crumbling.
- Use parchment paper: Lining your baking dish makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking—especially important if your peanut butter mixture is very thick.
How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with a drizzle of extra peanut butter or a swirl of additional jelly to amp up that classic flavor combo. Fresh berries or sliced bananas also add a fresh, bright contrast that makes the dish feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This baked oatmeal pairs wonderfully with a simple side of Greek yogurt for creaminess and extra protein. A glass of fresh orange juice or even some crispy bacon on the side balances out the sweetness too — if you’re into savory and sweet combos.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, I like to bake the oatmeal in mini mason jars for individual servings. Top each with a tiny spoonful of jelly and a peanut butter dollop for a cute, portable treat. It feels fancy but is super easy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually cut mine into portions right after it cools and stack them with parchment paper in between so they don’t stick together.
Freezing
If you want to keep Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe on hand longer, freezing works like a charm. Just wrap individual squares tight in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend microwaving a portion for about 60-90 seconds, or warming it gently in an oven at 300°F until heated through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating keeps it moist and creamy.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats are finer and absorb liquid faster, so they tend to turn mushy when baked. I highly recommend sticking to old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture in your Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid any cross-contamination, and double-check your baking powder and other ingredients for gluten content.
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Is it okay to substitute peanut butter with other nut butters?
Absolutely. Almond, cashew, or even sunflower seed butter can be wonderful alternatives, giving your baked oatmeal a lovely new flavor profile.
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How do I prevent the baked oatmeal from drying out?
Don’t overbake! Start checking around the 35-minute mark. Also, resting it after baking and adding a splash of milk when reheating keeps it moist and delicious.
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Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Definitely! I like to add a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder to boost nutrition. Just reduce the baking powder slightly to compensate for the extra dry ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s like the comforting flavors of childhood teamed up with healthy, hearty oats to start the day right. I love that it’s kid-friendly, forgiving if you’re new to baking oats, and endlessly customizable. So go ahead and try making it your own, whether with your favorite nut butter or a twist on the jelly. I promise once you give this a go, it’ll become a regular in your breakfast rotation — just like it has in mine!
Print
Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast treat combining the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly in a wholesome baked oatmeal dish. Easy to prepare and perfect for a nutritious start to your day, it features rolled oats with almond milk, sweetened with maple syrup and enhanced by a cinnamon hint, baked to a soft, creamy texture with swirls of jelly throughout.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
Topping
- 1/4 cup jelly (any flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the oatmeal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until evenly mixed to distribute the leavening and spices throughout the oats.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and peanut butter to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the wet ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a batter-like consistency.
- Pour Batter and Add Jelly: Pour the mixed batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Dollop the jelly on top of the batter in small spoonfuls. Using a knife, gently swirl the jelly through the batter to create a marbled effect without fully mixing it in.
- Bake the Oatmeal: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The oatmeal is ready when it is set in the middle and slightly golden around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Once cooled slightly, cut into four pieces and serve with your preferred toppings or additional peanut butter or jelly if desired.
Notes
- You can use any type of jelly or jam based on your preference, such as strawberry, grape, or raspberry.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Ensure baking powder is fresh for proper rise and texture.
- This dish can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated for a quick breakfast.
- Adding a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and flavors in the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg