Craving some old-timey oatmeal for breakfast these days? Who doesn’t love the aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen?
This Classic Baked Oatmeal recipe is a cinch to pull together … with just a little preplanning. Soaking the rolled oats overnight, with the addition of phytase-rich buckwheat and an acidic medium, improves the digestibility. (We’re careful not to overdo grain-based recipes in our family and you should note that oats can be cross-reactive with gluten so take care if you are gluten-intolerant.)
Enjoy this delicious and warming treat for cool mornings or amytime!
Classic Baked Oatmeal {Gluten-Free}
(OPTIONAL: Replace 1/2 cup oats with 1/2 cup buckwheat groats or buckwheat flour*)
2 tablespoons of an acidic medium such as apple cider vinegar, yogurt or whey
1 cup full-fat milk (if dairy-free, you can substitute coconut milk or almond milk)
2 to 4 large eggs from happy pastured hens, lightly whisked
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
4 tablespoons fat of choice (butter, coconut oil, lard or palm shortening), softened PLUS additional for preparing the baking dish
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
Eight to twenty-four hours prior to serving oatmeal:
Combine oats (and optional buckwheat, if using) with apple cider vinegar in large bowl. Fill bowl with just enough filtered water to cover and to allow for expansion of oats.
Place dish towel over the bowl and set aside to soak. [*NOTE: If you don't have access to buckwheat groats or buckwheat flour, no worries. The addition of buckwheat helps to neutralize phytic acid found in the oats but a long soaking time also helps.]
When ready to prepare the Classic Baked Oatmeal
Pour oat mixture into large, fine sieve or strainer to drain. Rinse and drain well. [Note: If using buckwheat flour instead of groats, you will rinse away the flour but it has done its job to aid in reducing phytic acid during the soaking time.]
Place oatmeal mixture in a large bowl and combine with remaining ingredients, stirring well to incorporate.
Pour into well-greased 9″ x 12″ baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Serve warm or slice and refrigerate to serve cold.
Freezes well!