This recipe takes me straight back to childhood snack runs with my mom, when we’d treat ourselves to Drake’s Cherry Pies (remember them?!). This version gives me the nostalgia, but with far more nutrition and far less sugar. When I first served it to my family, Cole immediately said, “Mom, this tastes like dessert for breakfast!”—which, if you ask me, is the highest compliment. Think golden oats on top, a jammy cherry center that bubbles as it bakes, and the option to add a dollop of yogurt, whipped cream, nuts or an extra spoonful of Cherry Chia Jam on top. It is truly cherr-ific!

Nutrition-wise, oats deliver soluble fiber to support heart health and keep you feeling full, while cherries are brimming with antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect your joints. And because the filling uses chia seeds, you’re also getting a nice boost of plant-based omega-3s. It’s wholesome indulgence at its best.

This recipe’s a hit!

I served this for my Bible study brunch. The ladies of all ages raved after their first bite! Everyone asked for the recipe. They had never tasted a baked oatmeal that was so moist and delicious. Thank you for always sharing your recipes. This is a 5 star but really a 10!

Sandy
(5 stars) 6 ratings
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If you love baked oatmeal recipes, be sure to try my Jumbo Oatmeal Pancake, Banana Bread Overnight Oats, and Protein Oatmeal Bowl. They’re all make-ahead friendly and perfect for fueling busy mornings.

Reasons you’ll be sweet on this bake

  • All-day appeal: Works as a breakfast, after-school snack, or wholesome dessert.
  • Make-ahead magnificence: Bake once, enjoy all week—easy meal prep.
  • Super nourishing: Oats, cherries, chia seeds, and yogurt pack fiber, protein, and antioxidants.
  • Kid- and adult-approved: Comforting, fruity, and not overly sweet.
  • Customizable toppings: Add nuts for crunch, yogurt for creaminess, or an extra jam swirl for fun.

This recipe is also featured on TODAY.com!

Try my Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Bake next!

(5 stars) 6 ratings

Cherry Baked Oatmeal

The oatmeal topping bakes up nice and crispy, the inside Cherry-Chia Jam filling is bubbly and warm, and adding on a little extra dollop before serving is, well, the cherry on top.
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
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Ingredients
 

Cherry Chia Jam:

  • 4 cups frozen pitted sweet cherries
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds

Oatmeal Bake

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, nonfat or low-fat
  • 1 cup almond milk, or any milk of choice
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Optional toppings: toasted chopped pecans or almonds, Greek yogurt, aerated whipped topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375℉.

For the Cherry-Chia Jam:

  • Add cherries to microwave-safe bowl; microwave for 5 minutes until they’re softened and juices have seeped out, forming a pool at the bottom.
  • Smash the larger skins with a fork, breaking them up as best as you can.
  • Stir in chia seeds and let sit for at least 30 minutes or so to set and slightly firm into a jammy consistency.

For the Oatmeal Bake:

  • Mist a 9- × 13-inch casserole dish with oil spray. Add Greek yogurt, milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup (or honey) and eggs (you can crack eggs right into casserole dish, but be sure to whip them with a fork before mixing into entire wet batter).
  • Mix and mash all wet ingredients together until it’s as smooth as possible; you may still have small lumps—that’s completely fine.
  • Add oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt; mix everything together so ingredients are combined. Add cherry-chia jam (that’s been sitting to firm), and stir through so it’s evenly distributed.
  • Bake in oven on middle rack for about 55 minutes.
  • Remove, let slightly cool (it will firm as it cools) and slice into large squares.
  • Garnish slices with an extra dollop of Cherry Chia Jam if desired, and optional toasted chopped pecans or almonds, or any other preferred toppings, like aerated whipped cream, yogurt and sliced berries.
  • This will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

• You can use vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt for a sweeter outcome. I like to use yogurt brands sweetened with stevia or monkfruit (without added sugar), such as Oikos Triple Zero, Chobani 20g, or Too Good. 
• I use almond milk for this recipe, but any other type of milk will work, too.
• I mix everything directly in the casserole dish to avoid cleaning extra bowls (I’m always trying to cut back on cleaning!). However, if you prefer prepping the mixture in a separate bowl, you can certainly do so. First, add the wet ingredients and mix until smooth and well-combined. Then, add the dry ingredients. Once everything is blended together, transfer the batter into your oiled casserole pan and bake in the oven as directed.     
• It may seem like this recipe takes a while, but it’s effortless and fuss-free; much of the time is spent waiting for the jam to firm and the oatmeal bake to cook off in the oven. You could make the chia jam ahead of time and stash in the fridge.
• Store leftover oatmeal bake in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze individual squares for 2 months; reheat in the microwave or thaw on the counter and warm in the oven. 
• If you’re following a gluten-free diet, be sure to carefully read the packaging for each ingredient, especially the oats (look for brands that are certified gluten-free). While these foods are inherently gluten-free, gluten can sometimes be added during processing for a variety of reasons, including for flavor and consistency.
• If you’re looking to make this recipe nut-free, please be sure to use a nut-free milk.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Nutrition Information per serving

Calories: 270Carbohydrates: 43gProtein: 11gTotal Fat: 5g— Unsaturated Fat: 5g— Saturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 230mgPotassium: 556mgFiber: 6gTotal Sugar: 20g— Natural Sugar: 14g— Added Sugar: 6gCalcium: 225mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!