Coffee and Walnut Baked Oats

This coffee and walnut baked oats recipe is the perfect way to start your day with a flavourful and energizing breakfast.

With its rich espresso flavour and satisfying crunch from the walnuts, it’s a dish that’s easy to make but hard to forget.

The combination of ripe bananas, hearty oats, and the bold flavour of espresso creates a comforting yet energizing dish that’s perfect for those mornings when you need a little something extra.

Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or as a make-ahead option, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this Coffee and Walnut Baked Oats recipe:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 cups oats
• 1 cup plain flour
• 1/2 cup protein powder
• 1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 double espresso
• 250ml oat milk
• 60g California walnuts

For the coffee crème:

• 1/3 cup instant coffee powder
• 1/3 cup caster sugar
• 1/3 cup cold water
• 500g plain yogurt

Why Coffee and Walnuts Are a Great Combo

There’s a reason coffee and walnut is such a beloved flavour pairing.

The deep, roasted notes of coffee work beautifully with the buttery richness of walnuts, creating a harmonious balance of flavours.

This combination not only makes for a great flavour profile but also adds complexity to the dish, turning a simple baked oat recipe into something special.

Coffee and Walnut Baked Oats for Any Time of Day

Although baked oats are often thought of as a breakfast dish, this recipe can easily double as a dessert or an afternoon snack.

The added protein powder makes it a filling, energizing option for breakfast, while the sweet maple syrup and coffee crème give it a dessert-like quality that’s perfect with a cup of coffee in the afternoon.

You can also pack a slice to take on the go—whether you’re headed to work or enjoying a day out.

Swaps and Substitutions

This recipe is easy to customize depending on what you have on hand.

If you’re not a fan of protein powder, feel free to leave it out or swap it for more flour.

You can also switch up the milk—almond, soy, or cow’s milk will all work just as well as oat milk.

And for a little variety, swap the walnuts for pecans or hazelnuts, both of which will add their own unique flavour and crunch.

Adding a Sweet Touch to Your Coffee And Walnut Baked Oats

If you’re someone who loves a little extra sweetness in their baked oats, you can drizzle some maple syrup or honey over the top just before serving.

Another fun twist is adding a handful of dark chocolate chips into the oat mixture before baking for an indulgent, dessert-like version of this recipe.

The melted chocolate adds richness that pairs wonderfully with the coffee crème.

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Baking Dish

The first step is preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F) and getting your baking dish ready.

In the dish itself, mash the bananas until they’re smooth. Using a baking dish makes this process super easy and saves you from cleaning extra bowls.

The ripe bananas not only add natural sweetness but also help keep the baked oats moist.

For an even more intense banana flavour, try roasting the bananas in the oven for 5-10 minutes before mashing them.

Step 2: Mixing the Oats and Dry Ingredients

Once the bananas are mashed, it’s time to bring in the dry ingredients.

Add oats, plain flour, protein powder, bicarbonate of soda, and baking powder into the dish, then slowly stir in the maple syrup, oat milk, and your freshly brewed espresso.

Make sure to thoroughly whisk everything together to get rid of any lumps.

The espresso gives a rich, aromatic depth to the oats that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bananas.

If you prefer a stronger coffee kick, you can add an extra shot of espresso or swap in a tablespoon of coffee powder for an extra punch.

Step 3: Adding the Walnuts

Roughly chop the walnuts and fold them into the oat mixture.

Walnuts bring a delicious, buttery crunch to the baked oats and also pack a hefty dose of healthy fats and omega-3s, making this dish even more nutritious.

Stir the walnuts in gently, so they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

To make the walnuts even more flavourful, toast them lightly in a dry pan for a couple of minutes before chopping and adding them to the batter.

Step 4: Baking the Oats

With everything mixed, bake the oats for around 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary depending on your oven.

You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and firm to the touch.

Once baked, set aside to cool completely before adding the final touches. Letting it cool allows the oats to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.

You can bake these oats the night before and store them covered in the fridge for an easy breakfast the next morning.

Step 5: Making the Coffee Crème

While the oats are baking, prepare the coffee crème topping.

In a bowl, whisk together instant coffee powder, caster sugar, and cold water until frothy and stiff peaks form— this should take about five minutes using an electric hand mixer.

Fold in the yogurt until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.

The coffee crème gives a creamy, lightly sweet topping that complements the oats and adds a rich, coffee-flavoured finish.

If you love a stronger coffee flavour, feel free to add an extra spoonful of instant coffee to the crème.

To serve, pour the coffee crème over your baked oats and top with a healthy sprinkling of delicious walnuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, any type of milk works well in this recipe. Almond, soy, or regular cow’s milk are all great alternatives to oat milk.

What can I use instead of walnuts?

Pecans or hazelnuts make excellent substitutes if you don’t have walnuts on hand or prefer a different flavour.

How do I store the baked oats?

Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for several days. You can also bake and freeze individual portions for a quick and easy breakfast.

Is the coffee crème essential?

While the coffee crème adds a delightful layer of flavour, you can skip it or substitute with a dollop of plain yogurt or whipped cream if you’re short on time, or not the biggest fan of coffee!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the oats the night before, then top them with the coffee crème just before serving for a quick, delicious breakfast.

And that’s it for this Coffee and Walnut Baked Oats recipe. You can find the whole thing on a handy recipe card just below, so be sure to Pin it for later!

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