Baked oatmeal breakfast squares

Delicious baked fresh or reheated from frozen, oatmeal squares are a great way to treat your family to a lazy weekend breakfast on a weekday. Easy to make and more affordable than stopping for another saturated-fat-and-sodium-filled fast-food breakfast, oatmeal squares are a healthy breakfast alternative that provide the energy you need to deal with the workday.

High in fiber and protein, oatmeal squares will keep you from snacking before lunch. Unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup and mixed berries sweeten the squares without any added sugar keeping you from the “crash” often felt after eating a sugary breakfast. Consider serving with a dollop of lowfat vanilla Greek yogurt for a special indulgence. Try a new way to eat your oatmeal!

Ingredients

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350° and coat an 8 or 9 inch square pan with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, baking powder and salt.

3. Thaw mixed berries (if using) and drain well. Cut any extra large berries into smaller pieces.
4. In a smaller bowl, whisk together milk, apple sauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and egg.

5. Add egg mixture to oats and stir to combine. Gently fold in drained mixed berries.

6. Place oats and berries mixture in prepared pan making sure mixture is evenly distributed.

7. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until top is golden brown and the mixture has formed a solid cake, testing the center to ensure it is firm. Let cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares.

8. If freezing squares, allow to cool completely. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store in the freezer in a freezer safe bag. Reheat squares in the microwave.

Serves 9.

Nutrition