Inspired by a menu item at a local cafe, these satisfying breakfast bowls can be prepped in advance and assembled when ready to eat with seasonal fruit of choice.
Move over granola (if only briefly)… we’re replacing crunchy with chewy.
Traditional breakfast parfaits involve layers of fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, and crisp granola–and what’s not to love? But a wonderful alternative entered the landscape last summer when I was out to breakfast and I ordered just that…or so I thought.
When I first dug my spoon into what was, at first glance, the typical yogurt-fruit-granola concoction, the granola seemed chewy, almost cakey. It soon occurred to me that what I expected to be granola was actually crumbled baked oatmeal.
After enjoying this cool, satisfying breakfast at a local favorite, Prince Street Cafe, and later lucking into a similar version at Cafe One Eight, I pulled out an old baked oatmeal recipe that I knew would be perfect for an easy, at-home version. (If you’re local or visiting Lancaster, I highly recommend both cafes for their casual-hip vibe and quality menu highlighting local ingredients.)
Both cafes layer their baked oatmeal with bright red strawberries and creamy vanilla yogurt (both use local Pequea Valley Farms yogurt–which is decadent enough to be dessert–but you can use your go-to brand), and each spoonful is nothing short of sweet bliss. When strawberries aren’t in season, other seasonal fruit may be substituted. Juicy peaches are a personal favorite.
- Baked Oatmeal (I often use this Amish Baked Oatmeal recipe)
- Vanilla yogurt (may substitute your favorite flavor)
- Fresh fruit of choice (fresh strawberries and peaches are a personal favorite)
- Optional toppings: slivered toasted almond, flaked or shredded coconut, etc.
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For Baked Oatmeal Parfaits, slightly crumble a serving of the baked oatmeal and layer it in a glass or Mason jar, parfait-style, with vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit or choice. I use approximately 1/6 (1/8 for smaller appetites) of an 8×8 pan of baked oatmeal and 1/2 cup each vanilla yogurt (or flavor of choice) and fruit. Start with half of the crumbled oatmeal, followed by half of the yogurt and half of the fruit. Repeat, adding more or less of the individual components according to preference. Feel free to add shredded coconut, toasted almonds, etc.
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For Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Bowls (a slightly quicker but equally tasty alternative to the layered parfait), place a square of the baked oatmeal in a cereal or soup bowl and top with yogurt and fresh fruit. Berries and peaches are delicious. Out of season, try canned peaches or frozen blueberries.
I have been a longtime fan of your baked oatmeal recipes and love this new serving idea. The cool, creamy combo has been especially satisfying during the hot weather we’ve been experiencing. Thank you for a new way to enjoy an old favorite!
My pleasure, Carole. So glad you like!