If you don’t care for coconut, simply omit it from the recipe. For added ease, prepare this filling casserole the night before and gently reheat in the morning. Serve as is or with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of milk.
1/2cuptoasted, slivered or sliced almonds, divided use
1/2cupshredded coconut, divided use (I use unsweetened; could use sweetened if preferred)
1teaspoonbaking powder
1/2teaspoonground cinnamon
1/2teaspoonkosher or sea salt
1/3cupmaple syrup (may use honey)
2cupsyour choice of milk
1large egg
3tablespoonsmelted coconut oil (may use melted butter)*
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
2cupsblueberries (may use one 10-ounce bag frozen; if using frozen, do not thaw)
2-3packed tablespoons brown sugar
Optional: 1 large banana, peeled and sliced into coins
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F, and lightly grease an 8 x 11-inch or similar size (2 to 2-1/2 quart) baking dish.**
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, 1/4 cup of the coconut, 1/4 cup of the almonds, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, milk, egg, coconut oil or butter, and vanilla.
If using the optional banana, lay the slices over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle half of the berries over the bottom of the baking dish. Cover the fruit evenly with the dry oat mixture. Slowly drizzle the milk mixture over the oats. Scatter the remaining blueberries, coconut, and almonds over the top. Finally, sprinkle the brown sugar over all.
Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until the oat mixture has just set in the center. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
This may be eaten immediately or made ahead and reheated. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
*When using melted coconut oil or butter, it is helpful if the cold ingredients have come to room temperature prior to mixing so that the oil or butter doesn’t re-harden once stirred in. If this happens, you may slowly heat in the microwave until the liquid mixture is just warm enough to soften the butter or coconut oil.
**I have made this oatmeal in pan sizes ranging from 9x13 to 9x9 and they all work well. In my oven, baking time for a 9x9 pan is 35 minutes, a 9x13 pan is 25 minutes, and an 8x11 pan is right about 30 minutes. Choose your pan size based on what you have and how thick you think you might like your pieces--and then check a few minutes early until you know how long the oatmeal takes in your oven.