Baked Cranberry Oatmeal

Name: Baked Cranberry Oatmeal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups unsweetened almond milk; 1 large egg; 1/3 cup maple syrup (sub with your favorite sweetener); 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup fresh cranberries (left whole or halved if very large; divided); 1/2 cup pecan pieces (sub with your favorite nuts); 2 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted); 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon orange zest

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by Marcie // November 26, 2024

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This Baked Cranberry Oatmeal recipe features fluffy baked oatmeal studded with fresh cranberries, warm cinnamon, and a luscious orange cream cheese glaze. It’s an easy yet impressive breakfast that’s perfect for meal prep or Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Baked cranberry oatmeal with orange glaze in baking dish.

Cranberry orange is one of my favorite flavor combinations, as evident in my fresh cranberry orange sauce and cranberry orange muffins.

I decided to give my reader favorite blueberry baked oatmeal a cranberry orange-flavored makeover for the holidays, and it was an instant hit.

This Baked Fresh Cranberry Oatmeal is filling, festive and bursting with fresh cranberries, warm cinnamon and an orange cream cheese glaze that takes it over the top.

It proves that you can have a wholesome breakfast that you look forward to at the same time. 🙂

Cranberry oatmeal with orange glaze on a plate.

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this recipe

You can assemble this recipe in about 10-15 minutes tops, and then the oven does the rest of the work for you.
It’s easy to customize using your favorite milk, sweetener, and nuts.
The cranberry orange oatmeal can be assembled the night before and baked the following morning.
The cream cheese adds a nice creaminess and tang to the glaze, giving it that “wow” factor.

Recipe ingredients

This is an easy recipe that’s naturally gluten-free and great for holiday breakfasts and brunches. Best of all, many of the ingredients can be substituted using what you have on hand.

Almond milk. I used unsweetened almond milk, but use your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk.
Egg. Helps bind the baked oatmeal together.
Maple syrup. Use pure maple syrup or substitute your favorite sweetener.
Orange zest. Infuses the oatmeal with fresh orange flavor.
Vanilla extract. Adds delicious depth of flavor.
Old fashioned oats. Also called rolled oats. Do not substitute with steel cut or instant oats.
Baking powder. Creates a fluffier baked oatmeal.
Ground cinnamon. Adds warm flavor that complements the cranberry and orange flavors.
Cranberries. Use fresh or frozen cranberries.
Pecans. Substitute your favorite nuts or omit entirely.

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.

How to make baked cranberry oatmeal

This is a simple recipe that takes 15 minutes or less to assemble in one mixing bowl. The entire recipe can also be made in advance to enjoy for meal prep or holiday breakfast.

Pro tip: The orange cream cheese glaze is optional, but highly recommended for additional orange flavor and a creamy component that takes this recipe over the top.

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

How to make baked oatmeal with cranberries.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, maple syrup, vanilla, and orange zest.
Stir in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and half of the cranberries.
Pour the mixture into a greased 8-inch baking dish. Top with pecans and the remaining cranberries.
Bake at 350ºF until golden brown and set, about 30 minutes.
To make the glaze, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange juice and zest.
Drizzle the orange glaze over the cranberry oatmeal while it’s still warm.

Cranberry baked oatmeal in baking dish with slice removed.

Recipe FAQs

Can this recipe be made in advance?

If you’d like to assemble the baked oatmeal ahead of time, follow the instructions in my Overnight Blueberry Baked Oatmeal by placing it in the fridge overnight and baking it in the morning.

Can this recipe be made with frozen cranberries?

Yes! I always have fresh cranberries in my freezer this time of year. I didn’t even thaw out the cranberries for this baked cranberry orange oatmeal. I just popped half of the cranberries in the baked oatmeal and half on top.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Most definitely! Simply double the ingredients and bake the oatmeal in a 9×13-inch baking dish. The bake time might need to be increased slightly.

Can the old fashioned oats be replaced with steel cut oats?

Replacing the old fashioned oats with steel cut oats is not a straightforward swap. I suggest referencing my baked steel cut oatmeal for the ingredient ratios. You could easily omit the pumpkin and add cranberries and orange.

Serving suggestions

Pair this cranberry baked oatmeal with your favorite savory breakfast recipes when hosting guests this holiday season.

Recipe notes

Pro tip: Prep the baked oatmeal up to a day in advance if desired.
The glaze is completely optional. Cranberry oatmeal is great served with just a drizzle of maple syrup as well!
If using frozen cranberries, add them straight to the oatmeal mixture. No need to thaw them first!
Store leftover oatmeal in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Baked oatmeal with cranberries on a plate.

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Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram