Who doesn’t love sprinkles?!? Anyone? Anyone?

They are the creamy, sweet frosting to life. Or the fun adornment on top.

Ok, so they’re mostly sugar and there’s likely some corn syrup and wax. So…not often made of the best ingredients, but they’re so small, colorful, and somehow they just make everything better!

Boring chocolate chip cookie? Add some sprinkles!

Want to make sure they know it’s a Christmas cookie? Add some red or green sprinkles!

Simple topping for ice cream sundaes? Rainbow sprinkles!

Decorating a fancy cake? Pearl sprinkles!

Want to get your kids to eat something healthy? Add some sprinkles!

This oatmeal recipe is as close to basic as you can get…but with a little extra vanilla and some funfetti sprinkles- this healthy breakfast becomes cute, fun, and delicious!

‍

‍

BASIC HEALTHY BAKED OATMEAL INGREDIENTS

Coconut Oil: This provides some healthy fat. It also ensures muffins won't stick to paper cupcake liners.

‍Old-Fashioned or Rolled Oats: This healthy whole-grain provides both fiber and protein.

‍Maple Syrup: For a natural sweetness. I also add some brown sugar.

‍Eggs: These help to bind all of the ingredients together.

‍Applesauce or Yogurt: Either one will work! This gives the oatmeal a touch of extra sweetness and keeps the oatmeal from drying out while baking.

‍Flour: The secret to my mush-free baked oatmeal! Flour plus baking powder brings this dish closer to a cake/muffin texture. I use oat flour.

‍Milk: Both dairy and dairy free varieties work well.

‍Mix-Ins: Strawberries, blueberries, apples, pears, chocolate chips, pecans, walnuts, peanut butter, cinnamon, cream cheese, caramel sauce…the possibilities are endless!

Can you make vanilla funfetti baked oatmeal ahead of time?

Of course! That’s the best part! I make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy during the week for breakfast or even a snack!

‍

Why do I love baked oatmeal?

Let me count the ways…

1. Sadly, I didn’t begin eating oatmeal until well into my adult years, but I LOVE oatmeal! Just make mine mush-free.
2. There are sooooo many flavor combinations! Peanut butter, carrot cake, shoo fly pie, coffee cake… You’ll never get bored.
3. Baked oatmeal, at least my versions, include mostly wholesome ingredients, with just a little bit of flavor fun!
4. Just a bit of baking on Sunday means that I can have breakfast ready for the week!
5. This recipe is very forgiving. You can use applesauce or yogurt, any kind of milk, protein powder, no protein powder…it always works!
6. I ALWAYS look forward to it!

‍