Oh, how I love those cozy weekend mornings when the house smells like cinnamon and sugar! But let’s be real—most days, I’m scrambling to get breakfast on the table before school drop-off. That’s why this Cinnamon Sugar Oat Tray Bake is my absolute lifesaver. It’s the perfect mix of comforting and convenient—just toss everything in one bowl, bake, and boom! You’ve got a warm, hearty breakfast that feels like a hug in food form.
My kids go crazy for it (especially when I sneak in a drizzle of maple syrup), and honestly? I might love it even more than they do. There’s something magical about how the oats soak up all that cinnamon-y goodness while baking into the most delicious, slightly crispy edges. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Oat Tray Bake
Let me count the ways this tray bake will become your new breakfast bestie! First off, it’s ridiculously easy—just whisk, pour, and bake. No fancy techniques or kitchen gadgets required. But here’s what really makes it special:
- Comfort in every bite: That warm cinnamon-sugar aroma? Pure morning magic. It’s like eating oatmeal’s fancier, more delicious cousin.
- One-pan wonder: Minimal dishes = maximum happiness. (My dishwasher agrees!)
- Meal prep hero: Make it Sunday, enjoy all week—just reheat and go!
- Kid-approved: My picky eaters devour this, especially when I let them add their own toppings.
Seriously, it’s the breakfast equivalent of your favorite cozy sweater—simple, reliable, and always hits the spot.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Oat Tray Bake
Okay, let’s gather our simple-but-mighty ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy breakfast magic happen:
- 2 cups rolled oats (not instant—those little flakes need texture!)
- 2 large eggs (room temp works best)
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (that extra molasses flavor makes all the difference)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk gives it richness, but any kind works)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (salted or unsalted—I’ve used both with great results)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (go ahead—be generous!)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (our little rising helper)
See? Nothing fancy—just pantry staples that come together beautifully. Now let’s make some magic!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Oat Tray Bake
Alright, let’s get baking! This tray bake couldn’t be simpler—just follow these easy steps and you’ll have breakfast magic in no time.
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
First things first—grab that trusty square baking dish (I use an 8×8 inch one) and give it a good greasing. Butter works great, but I often use cooking spray when I’m in a hurry. Really get into those corners—nothing worse than stubbornly stuck-on oats!
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Now for the fun part! In a big bowl, whisk together those eggs until they’re nice and frothy. Then add in the sugar (I like to pack mine for extra sweetness), milk, and that glorious melted butter. Keep whisking until everything’s smooth and combined—you’ll see it start to look like liquid gold.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Time to bring in the oats! Gently fold in the rolled oats (don’t use instant—they’ll turn to mush), cinnamon, and baking powder. I like to use a spatula here—just mix until everything’s moistened, but don’t go crazy. A few lumps are totally fine!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour your mixture into the prepared dish, smooth the top, and pop it in the oven. In about 35-40 minutes, you’ll see those beautiful golden edges forming and the center will be set (no jiggle when you gently shake the pan). The smell? Absolute heaven!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Oat Tray Bake
Want bakery-level results every time? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:
- Room temp eggs are key—they blend smoother and help everything rise evenly (just set them out 30 minutes before baking).
- Don’t overmix! Stir just until combined—overworking the batter makes it tough.
- Know your oven—mine runs hot, so I start checking at 30 minutes. Yours might need the full 40.
- Let it rest—those 5 minutes after baking make slicing way cleaner.
Follow these simple tricks, and you’ll get perfect texture every single time!
Print
Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Oat Tray Bake in Just 40 Minutes
A warm and comforting breakfast tray bake made with rolled oats, cinnamon, and sugar. Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
- Stir in rolled oats, cinnamon, and baking powder until evenly mixed.
- Pour mixture into the baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until set and lightly golden.
- Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
Life happens, and sometimes you gotta swap ingredients—no judgment here! Here’s how to adapt this tray bake when your pantry’s looking sparse:
- Milk: Almond milk or oat milk work beautifully if you’re dairy-free (just skip the buttery topping if going fully vegan).
- Sugar: Coconut sugar gives a caramel-like depth, or use maple syrup (reduce milk by 2 tbsp to balance the liquid).
- Eggs: For vegan friends, try flax eggs—but expect a denser texture.
- Butter: Coconut oil works in a pinch, though you’ll miss that rich flavor.
My golden rule? Whatever you substitute, keep the ratios similar—this recipe’s pretty forgiving!
Serving & Storing Cinnamon Sugar Oat Tray Bake
Now for the best part—eating it! I love serving this warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries—the tartness cuts through the sweetness perfectly. My kids go wild for banana slices and a drizzle of honey on top. Leftovers? Just pop them in an airtight container—they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. Pro tip: Cold slices straight from the fridge make an amazing on-the-go snack!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious square (based on my standard recipe): about 180 calories, 7g fat, and 5g protein—plus that wonderful 2g fiber boost from the oats! But remember, these are estimates—your exact numbers will vary depending on your ingredients (especially if you use different milk or sweeteners). Not bad for something that tastes like dessert, right?
FAQs About Cinnamon Sugar Oat Tray Bake
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Technically yes, but the texture won’t be as hearty—quick oats absorb more liquid and can make the bake mushy. If you must use them, reduce the milk by 2 tablespoons and expect a softer result. (Pssst… rolled oats are worth the extra trip to the store!)
Is this tray bake freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge or pop straight into the toaster oven when hunger strikes.
Why did my bake turn out dry?
Oh no! Usually this means it baked too long—ovens vary wildly. Next time, start checking at 30 minutes. Also, make sure you’re packing that brown sugar—it adds moisture. A splash of extra milk in the batter never hurts either!
Can I double this recipe?
You bet! Just use a 9×13 inch pan instead and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Watch for that golden color and firm center—it’s your best indicator of doneness.
Share Your Feedback
Did you make this cozy cinnamon sugar oat tray bake? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or snap a photo—nothing makes me happier than seeing your breakfast creations. Happy baking, friends! You can also follow along for more easy recipes on our Facebook page.
