If you’re anything like me and love that nostalgic comfort food vibe with a modern healthy twist, you’re going to adore this Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s like your childhood sandwich transformed into a warm, cozy, and oh-so-satisfying breakfast dish. I absolutely love how this turns out—creamy oats infused with peanut butter and sweet bursts of jelly swirling through every bite. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my little tips so you get it just right on your first go.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in Every Bite: This dish perfectly captures that classic peanut butter and jelly flavor in a warm, baked form that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.
- Super Easy to Make: With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, it’s a no-fuss breakfast winner.
- Versatile & Customizable: Whether you want to swap almond milk or try different jams, it’s a recipe that adapts to your cravings.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully and makes great leftovers — your mornings just got easier!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Taking simple ingredients and turning them into something magical is one of the best parts of cooking for me. This Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe uses rolled oats for heartiness, peanut butter for richness, and a swirl of jelly to bring in that sweet surprise. Look for good-quality peanut butter and your favorite jam for that extra flavor boost.
- Rolled Oats: Old fashioned rolled oats soak up the almond milk nicely, giving the bake a tender, chewy texture rather than mushy.
- Almond Milk: I love almond milk here because it’s subtle and dairy-free; you can swap for any milk you like.
- Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness that blends well without overpowering the peanut butter and jelly flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: A tiny touch that ties all the flavors together, making every bite taste a little more special.
- Baking Powder: Helps the oats puff up just slightly, so you get a light texture but still satisfying density.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth – don’t skip it unless you want less flavor complexity.
- Salt: A pinch brings balance and enhances all the sweet and savory notes.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy works best for smooth distribution in the batter and that classic peanut butter goodness.
- Jelly: Use your favorite flavor — grape, strawberry, or even something fun like raspberry preserves.
Variations
I love that this Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe is a blank canvas for your morning cravings. Over time, I’ve experimented with different jams, nut butters, and mix-ins to keep things exciting. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand!
- Nut Butter Swap: I once tried almond butter instead of peanut butter, and it added a lovely subtle flavor that was just as comforting.
- Fruit Jam Variations: My family prefers blueberry jam, which adds a slightly tart contrast that balances out the peanut butter perfectly.
- Added Texture: Toss in chopped nuts or some dark chocolate chips before baking for a bit of crunch and indulgence.
- Vegan-Friendly: Just double-check your jelly is vegan, and this recipe is already dairy-free with almond milk—a win for plant-based diets.
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper—this makes it easier to lift out the oatmeal later on. I like using parchment because it keeps the edges from browning too much and helps with cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give them a good stir so everything is evenly distributed. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor and the oats bake evenly.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and peanut butter. Here’s my trick: warm the almond milk slightly before mixing—that helps the peanut butter melt in smoothly and avoids any clumps. Stir everything until well combined, making sure those oats get fully coated and the peanut butter is nicely blended in.
Step 4: Add Jelly and Swirl
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Now, dollop your jelly evenly over the batter—don’t be shy! Take a butter knife and gently swirl the jelly into the top layer, creating those beautiful ribbons of jam that bake into the oatmeal. This swirl is what makes this recipe feel truly special and gives you that classic PB&J vibe in every bite.
Step 5: Bake, Cool, and Enjoy
Bake the oatmeal at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll want to look for set edges and a firm center—similar to how you’d check baked brownies. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares. This rest time helps it firm up and makes serving easier. Trust me, patience here is worth it!
Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Warm the Milk: Warming your almond milk before mixing helps peanut butter blend smoothly without clumps.
- Swirl Gently: Use a light hand when swirling the jelly so you preserve those pretty ribbon patterns without mixing it all in.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bake near the 35-minute mark to prevent drying out your oatmeal.
- Cool Before Cutting: Letting the baked oatmeal cool for 10 minutes keeps it from crumbling and helps slices hold their shape.
How to Serve Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my peanut butter and jelly baked oatmeal with a drizzle of extra peanut butter or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add creaminess. Fresh berries or sliced bananas also work beautifully here, adding extra natural sweetness and texture that brighten the dish.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded breakfast, I like to pair this baked oatmeal with a side of scrambled eggs or a small green smoothie. The protein from the eggs balances out the carbs and sweetness nicely, and the smoothie adds refreshing nutrients to start your day strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving this baked oatmeal in individual ramekins topped with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent brunch treat. You can also cut it into mini squares and serve as a grab-and-go snack at parties or weekend gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which usually doesn’t happen in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It keeps well, and the flavors deepen as it sits.
Freezing
I’ve had great success freezing individual portions of this baked oatmeal. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap then foil, and freeze up to 2 months. It’s a breakfast lifesaver when you’re in a rush.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your portion in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through, or gently heat it in a small oven-safe dish at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Adding a splash of milk before reheating will keep it moist and delicious.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats for this recipe?
You can, but I recommend sticking with rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats tend to get mushy during baking and won’t hold up as nicely, resulting in a less satisfying bake.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats, as regular oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
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Can I substitute other nut butters for peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work wonderfully and give slight flavor variations. Just choose a creamy version for best mixing.
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How can I make this dairy-free and vegan?
This recipe is already dairy-free by using almond milk. Just check that your jelly is free of gelatin or other animal products to keep it vegan-friendly.
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Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder—but be mindful to adjust the liquid slightly or the texture may become dry or dense. I usually add an extra tablespoon of almond milk if I include protein powder.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become my go-to comfort breakfast. It’s quick to pull together, satisfies that sweet and nutty craving, and fills you with warmth that lasts all morning. If you’re looking to shake up your breakfast routine with something wholesome yet indulgent, give this a try—I’m confident you’ll go crazy for it like my family does. And hey, once you nail it, you’ll have a recipe to share over coffee with your friends that always draws compliments!
Print
Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peanut Butter and Jelly Baked Oatmeal is a comforting and nutritious breakfast option that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly with wholesome rolled oats. Baked to perfection, it offers a warm, hearty start to your day with a deliciously gooey texture and a sweet swirl of jelly.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup jelly (any flavor preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir these together until evenly mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and peanut butter to the bowl. Thoroughly mix until all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated into the dry ingredients, creating a consistent batter.
- Prepare to Bake: Pour the oatmeal batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Dollop the jelly onto the surface of the batter in several spots, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the jelly into the batter, creating marbled patterns.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set in the center and lightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Then cut into four pieces and serve. Optionally top with additional peanut butter, jelly, fresh fruits, or nuts as desired and enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute almond milk with any other plant-based or dairy milk.
- For a vegan version, ensure the peanut butter and jelly contain no animal products.
- Use gluten-free oats if you require a gluten-free option.
- Feel free to switch the jelly flavor to your preference, such as strawberry, grape, or raspberry.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg

