Name: Cranberry Orange Baked Oatmeal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or melted cooled coconut oil, or light olive oil); ¼ cup pure maple syrup or honey; ¼ cup orange juice; 1 ¼ cups milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract; 2 ¼ cups gluten free rolled oats; 1 tablespoon orange zest (zest of 1 medium orange); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons orange juice

This Cranberry Orange Baked Oatmeal features jammy tart cranberries and sweet orange bursting through a big batch of baked oats. A fun and festive healthy breakfast that’s easy to make ahead, and makes a showstopping treat for the holidays!

Extra cranberries on hand? Be sure to make Cranberry Crumble Bars, Cranberry Orange Bread and Cranberry Bundt Cake.

pieces of cranberry orange baked oatmeal on oval plate

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Celebrates cranberries during the best time of year!
Make ahead, tasty breakfast for a stress-free Christmas morning!
Wow your family or serve during holiday brunch with friends!
Perfect grab and go treat to enjoy the rest of the week!

Recipe Ingredients

The ingredient list for this cranberry baked oatmeal is a mix of healthy pantry ingredients and a few you can find in the produce section of the grocery store. We will need:

eggs – pull out two large eggs and allow to come to room temperature while you gather the remaining ingredients. To speed up the process, pop them in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes or so. I have not tested a vegan version of this recipe with flax eggs, but please leave a note in the comments if you do.
oil – go for a neutral oil like avocado oil, or sub it out for melted coconut oil or light olive oil instead.
pure maple syrup – I love the dark, deep flavor of maple syrup. Feel free to use honey for a lighter, more floral sweetness, or light brown sugar.
orange juice – fresh orange juice tastes much better than orange juice concentrate. You will need the juice of about 1 orange.
milk – use your favorite plant-based milk, such as oat milk, cashew milk, coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Regular dairy milk will also work if there are no dietary concerns.
vanilla extract – opt for vanilla extract or almond extract, which really compliments the fresh cranberries.
gluten free rolled oats – use rolled oats rather than quick oats or steel cut oats, which don’t offer the same texture. Pick up a bag of certified gluten-free, if that is a dietary concern.
orange zest – zest a whole orange before slicing and juicing.
baking powder – for lift and to keep this baked oatmeal light and fluffy.
ground cinnamon – for warming spice. Feel free to add ginger for a little extra flavor!
fine sea salt – to enhance all those orange cranberry flavors.
cranberries – feel free to use fresh or frozen cranberries – no need to thaw! You can sub in an equal amount of dried cranberries, but the baked oatmeal will miss out on the fresh juice and jammy texture of fresh cranberries.
confectioner’s sugar – although optional, the sweet orange glaze at the very end adds that special finishing touch.
optional mix-ins – add a handful of white chocolate chips or toasted pecans or walnuts.

Scroll below to the recipe card for the ingredient measurements and recipe instructions.

cranberry orange baked oatmeal ingredients with text labels

How to Make

Baked oatmeal with cranberries is ready from the oven in only 45 minutes! Here’s how to do it in just a few easy steps:

Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Grease 9×9 inch square baking dish or line with parchment paper. You can also use a similar size baking dish, like an oval casserole dish – just watch baking time after 30 minutes.

Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl whisk together eggs, oil, maple syrup, orange juice, milk and vanilla (or almond) extract.

Add Dry Ingredients

To the bowl of wet ingredients, add rolled oats, orange zest, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Fold in cranberries.

Bake

Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until edges are golden and the middle is set. You can serve immediately bowl style, or wait about 20 minutes to serve as squares.

Make the Glaze (Optional)

In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar and orange juice until your desired consistency is reached. Drizzle over baked oatmeal.

The glaze really does add a lovely sweet finish but you could also just with powdered sugar or serve with honey.

Enjoy!

Serve this cranberry orange baked oatmeal with your favorite toppings, a little extra maple syrup or honey and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Depending on your preferred serving style, the cranberry baked oatmeal can be enjoyed after a few minutes cooling time or left to cool until completely set. Some of my favorite ways to serve include:

Scoop and serve: Serve immediately, still warm, to enjoy as a cozy breakfast on a cold morning. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a cooling contrast.
Oatmeal bar / square: Wait at least 20 minutes for the cranberry orange oatmeal to cool, then cut into bars or squares. Enjoy right away and stash the rest in an airtight container. It’s the perfect grab and go treat for busy mornings.

cranberry orange baked oatmeal squares in baking pan

How to Store

This orange cranberry oatmeal will keep for up to 4-5 days in the fridge. Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.

Freezer Instructions: Cool completely. Then, cut the into oatmeal singles (either big or small) and wrap each one individually in plastic wrap. Keep in a plastic freezer storage bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

Warm the entire baking dish: Tent with foil. Reheat in a preheated 350ºF oven for 15-20 minutes.

Reheat oatmeal bars: Place on a baking sheet and bake in a 350ºF oven or toaster oven for 5-10 minutes. OR, pop individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

cranberry orange baked oatmeal in bowl with spoon and orange slice

Recipe Tips & Notes:

Zest the orange first. Use the zest and juice from the same orange, just make sure to zest before juicing.
Spread into one even layer. Make sure the oatmeal is spread into all four corners of the baking dish.
Size of the baking dish will determine bake time. I used a 9×9 inch square baking dish, which baked up in approx 35 minutes. If you use an 8×8 inch, it will need a few more minutes in the oven.

More Baked Oatmeal Recipes You’ll Love:

Be sure to check out all of our oat recipes if you love oats like we do!

If you make this Cranberry Orange Baked Oatmeal recipe, be sure to leave a comment and review on the blog! I love hearing from you, and it helps others learn more about the recipe too! Xx Ashley

Cranberry Orange Baked Oatmeal

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Recipe Ingredients