Here Are The Best Oatmeal-Based Desserts To Celebrate This Often Overlooked Ingredient

Oats are as plain as food gets and that means they’re deeply versatile. From cookies to waffles, here are the best desserts championing oats as the hero ingredient.

Oatmeal is a versatile ingredient that adds a hearty texture and nutty flavor to desserts. Whether you're looking for a healthier alternative or simply love the taste of oats, there are numerous delightful oatmeal-based desserts to satisfy your sweet cravings.

The beauty of oatmeals is its bland flavor notes, which can adapt easily to different styles of cooking, and works well with numerous ingredients. Oatmeal-based desserts offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, proving that oats can be transformed into indulgent treats that are both satisfying and nutritious. Here’s our roundup of the best oatmeal-based desserts:

1. Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal cookies are a classic favorite. They are easy to make and can be customized with various additions, like chocolate chips, dried fruits, and nuts. The oats provide a chewy texture and a subtle nutty flavor, making these cookies a great option for a party or personal snacking.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups oats
• 2 tablespoons water

2. Oatmeal Bars

Oatmeal bars are a wholesome dessert option. They often feature layers of oats, nuts, and fruits, held together with a sweet, sticky binder. Common variations include raspberry oat bars, apple cinnamon oat bars, and peanut butter oat bars, among others.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3. Baked Oatmeal

Baked oatmeal is a delicious dessert or breakfast option. It's made by mixing oats with milk, sweeteners, fruits, and spices, then baking the mixture until it's set and golden brown. Baked oatmeal can be customized with ingredients like bananas, blueberries, or nuts, creating a nutritious and flavorful dish for those sudden mid-day cravings.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup dried cranberries

4. Oatmeal Pudding

Oatmeal pudding is a creamy and comforting dessert that combines oats with milk, sugar, and spices. The mixture is simmered until the oats are tender and the pudding has a thick, velvety texture. Oatmeal pudding can be served warm or chilled, garnished with cinnamon, nutmeg, or fresh fruits for added flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oats
• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup blackberries
• 1 cup strawberries
• ½ cup pecans toasted
• ½ cup almonds toasted
• ½ cup honey

5. Oatmeal Pancakes or Waffles

Oatmeal pancakes or waffles are a great breakfast or dessert option. Ground oats are mixed with flour, milk, eggs and flavorings to create a hearty batter. These pancakes or waffles have a delightful oatmeal texture and can be served with maple syrup, fresh fruits, or yogurt.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder

6. Oatmeal Smoothies

Oatmeal smoothies are a healthy and filling dessert option. Rolled oats can be blended with fruits, yogurt, milk and a sweetener of your choice to craft a creamy and satisfying smoothie. Oats add thickness and a delicately crunchy texture, while also lending a protein punch so you can start your day the right way.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup oats
• 1 chopped banana
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• ½ tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt

7. Oatmeal Pies

Often seen as a replacement to the pecan pie, oatmeal pies are actually a dessert in their own right. The plainness of the oats allows them to absorb richer flavors. This also makes room for more spices and toppings in the dish, as per one’s preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup corn syrup
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
• 1 ¼ cups oatmeal
• 1 pie crust