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Best Zesty Lemon Baked Oats: An Easy 25-Minute Breakfast

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Bright, sunny, and incredibly easy, these zesty lemon baked oats are a quick 25-minute breakfast that feels like a treat. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they have a tender, custardy texture and a fresh citrus flavor that will brighten any morning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
  • 1 medium ripe banana, mashed
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (any kind)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: poppy seeds, fresh or frozen blueberries, Greek yogurt, or lemon glaze for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (8×5-inch loaf pan) or two 8-ounce ramekins.
  2. In a mixing bowl, mash the banana with a fork until mostly smooth.
  3. Add milk, egg, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Whisk until well combined.
  4. Add rolled oats, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Stir until evenly incorporated. If adding blueberries or poppy seeds, fold them in now.
  5. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow oats to absorb liquid.
  6. Pour batter into prepared dish. Smooth the top. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until top is golden brown and edges are set. Center should have a slight jiggle.
  7. Let cool in dish for 2-3 minutes. Serve warm with desired toppings.

Notes

Don’t skip the 5-minute resting time for the oats. Zest the lemon before juicing. Start checking for doneness at 18 minutes to avoid over-baking. Use room temperature ingredients for fluffier texture. This recipe doubles well for a crowd.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon baked oats, baked oatmeal, lemon breakfast, healthy breakfast, easy oatmeal recipe, baked oats, lemon oats