Sticky Toffee Baked Oats
Sticky Toffee Baked Oats are a soft, gooey, and warming breakfast or dessert that combines the comforting flavors of toffee with the wholesome goodness of oats. Served with creamy Greek yogurt and a drizzle of simple salted caramel, this dish is the perfect way to start your day or indulge in a cozy treat.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Pitted medjool dates
Milk of choice
Almond butter
Salted butter
Maple syrup
Vanilla extract
Old-fashioned rolled oats
Cinnamon
Baking pwoder
Salt
Greek yogurt, for serving
Coconut oil
Why You’ll Love Sticky Toffee Baked Oats:
Soft and Gooey Texture: These baked oats are delightfully soft, gooey, and reminiscent of traditional sticky toffee pudding.
Warm and Comforting: Perfect for cozy mornings or chilly evenings, this dish delivers all the comforting flavors of toffee in a wholesome form.
Naturally Sweetened: Sweetened with maple syrup, the oats and caramel offer a balanced sweetness without refined sugar.
Decadent Salted Caramel: The simple salted caramel, made with coconut oil, almond butter, and maple syrup, adds a luxurious, nutty finish.
High in Nutrients: Packed with fiber from oats and healthy fats from almond butter and coconut oil, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing.
Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a warm breakfast, indulgent snack, or healthy dessert option.
Greek Yogurt Pairing: The creamy tang of Greek yogurt perfectly complements the rich sweetness of the toffee flavors.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is quick to prepare yet feels indulgent.
Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavors and tailor it to your taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch in advance for easy breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
Tips for Making Sticky Toffee Baked Oats:
Soak the Dates Properly: Soak pitted dates in hot warm milk for at least 10-15 minutes to soften them. This ensures they blend smoothly into the batter and provide a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
Blend the Dates Completely: Use a blender or food processor to puree the soaked dates until smooth. This creates a creamy base that mimics the texture of traditional sticky toffee pudding.
Use Fresh Oat Flour: If making oat flour at home, blend rolled oats into a fine consistency. This ensures the baked oats are soft and tender.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Carefully: Mix the date puree and oat flour mixture just until combined to avoid over-mixing, which can make the batter dense.
Don’t Over-Bake: Bake the oats until the center is just set but still soft for a gooey texture. Over-baking can dry out the dish.
Prepare the Salted Caramel Ahead: Make the caramel (with coconut oil, almond butter, maple syrup, and salt) in advance. Store it in the fridge and warm it gently before drizzling.
Serve Warm: Sticky toffee baked oats are best served warm to highlight their gooey texture and rich flavors.
Adjust Sweetness: The dates naturally sweeten the dish, but you can add a touch more maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter bake.
Top Just Before Serving: Add the salted caramel and Greek yogurt just before serving for the freshest texture and best presentation.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh dates, unsweetened almond butter, and pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter for extra warmth and depth.
Reheat Gently: If reheating, use a microwave at low power or a 300°F (150°C) oven to avoid drying out the oats.
Batch Bake for Meal Prep: Double the recipe and portion out the baked oats for easy breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
How to Store Sticky Toffee Baked Oats:
Room Temperature (Same Day): If planning to serve within the same day, keep the baked oats covered at room temperature for up to 6 hours. Add Greek yogurt and salted caramel just before serving.
Refrigeration (Up to 5 Days): Transfer the baked oats to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions before serving and add toppings fresh.
Freezing Individual Portions (Up to 3 Months): Slice the baked oats into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Freezing the Entire Dish (Up to 3 Months): If freezing the whole batch, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Store Salted Caramel Separately: Keep the salted caramel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Warm slightly before drizzling over the reheated oats.
Reheating in the Oven: For best results, reheat refrigerated or thawed oats in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through. Cover with foil to retain moisture.
Reheating in the Microwave: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 20-second intervals until warmed. Add a touch of milk or water if needed to restore moisture.
Avoid Adding Toppings Before Storing: Greek yogurt and salted caramel should be added fresh when serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
Prevent Moisture Loss: Use parchment paper between slices if stacking them in a container to prevent sticking and maintain the gooey texture.
Label and Date Freezer Storage: If freezing, label the container with the date to ensure the oats are consumed within the recommended time.
FAQs:
Q: What makes these baked oats sticky toffee flavored?
A: The sticky toffee flavor comes from soaking dates and blending them into the batter, mimicking the rich caramel flavor of traditional sticky toffee pudding.
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making the salted caramel?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought salted caramel as a shortcut. However, the homemade version with coconut oil, almond butter, maple syrup, and salt adds a unique nutty flavor.
Q: Can I make the salted caramel ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The salted caramel can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Warm it slightly before drizzling over the baked oats.
Q: How should I reheat the baked oats?
A: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or water if needed to restore moisture.
Q: Can I make these baked oats dairy-free?
A: Yes! Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, and ensure any other toppings are dairy-free as well. The salted caramel is already dairy-free.
Q: Can I freeze sticky toffee baked oats?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked oats in individual portions or as a whole dish. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What type of oats should I use for this recipe?
A: Use oat flour made from finely blended rolled oats for the best texture. If you don’t have oat flour, you can make it at home by blending rolled oats in a food processor until smooth.
Q: How can I prevent the baked oats from drying out?
A: Avoid overbaking and remove the dish from the oven when the center is just set. Cover leftovers tightly and reheat with a splash of milk or water to maintain the gooey texture.
Q: Can I add extra toppings to the baked oats?
A: Yes! Chopped nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a handful of raisins can enhance the flavor and texture. Add these before baking or as a topping when serving.
Q: How long can I store these baked oats?
A: Refrigerate the baked oats for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Store the salted caramel separately to maintain its texture.
Q: Can I use other sweeteners besides maple syrup?
A: Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup for a similar sweetness, but maple syrup provides the most authentic flavor.
Check out my other breakfast recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these sticky toffee baked oats. Happy baking!
