Name: Sticky Date Baked Oats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 bananas (ripe); 2 cups oats; 1 cup plain flour; 1/2 cup protein powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda; 630 ml milk (or plant-based alternative); 300 ml water; 200 g medjool dates; 1 tbsp peanut butter; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt

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There’s something magical about transforming simple, everyday ingredients into a breakfast that feels as indulgent as dessert.

Sticky Date Baked Oats are the perfect way to start your day on a sweet, wholesome note.

Imagine the comforting flavour of sticky date pudding but in a form that’s nutritious and satisfying enough to keep you energised all morning.

The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make.

Whether you’re a meal-prep enthusiast or someone looking for a special breakfast to treat yourself, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this Sticky Date Baked Oats recipe:

2 ripe bananas
⁠2 cups oats
⁠1 cup plain flour
⁠1/2 cup protein powder
⁠1 tsp baking powder
⁠1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
⁠630ml milk
⁠300ml water
⁠200g medjool dates
⁠1 tbsp peanut butter
⁠1/2 tsp vanilla extract
salt

The Beauty of Sticky Dates in Breakfast

There’s a reason dates are such a beloved ingredient in so many desserts—they’re nature’s answer to caramel.

When softened and blended, they create a velvety, sweet sauce that feels indulgent without the need for refined sugar.

In this recipe, dates do double duty.

They bring their sticky-sweet charm to the baked oats themselves and then transform into a luscious caramel topping.

Every bite is rich, sweet, and just a little salty—a combo that’s impossible to resist.

Why These Baked Oats Stand Out

If you’ve only ever had porridge or overnight oats, baked oats might just blow your mind.

They have this incredible texture—soft, fluffy, and almost cake-like—that makes them feel much more indulgent.

Plus, they’re versatile.

You can customise them with add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or extra fruit.

But the sticky date twist in this recipe takes things to a whole new level. It’s essentially dessert for breakfast, but packed with nutrients to fuel your day.

A Sweet Way to Meal Prep

Meal prep can sometimes feel like a chore, but having Sticky Date Baked Oats waiting in the fridge makes it feel like a treat.

Bake a dish of these oats at the start of the week, and you’ve got a ready-made breakfast that tastes just as good on day three as it does fresh out of the oven.

They’re great for busy mornings when you need something satisfying and quick but still want to feel like you’re spoiling yourself a little.

How to Perfect the Sticky Date Caramel

The caramel sauce in this recipe is a game-changer.

By blending softened medjool dates with peanut butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, you get a sauce that’s rich, creamy, and ridiculously delicious.

Pro tip: Make extra!

This caramel is so good, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything—yoghurt, pancakes, or even straight onto a spoon for a sneaky snack.

Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll be looking for excuses to make it again.

Serving Suggestions

Sticky Date Baked Oats are delicious on their own, but if you’re feeling extra fancy, serve them with a dollop of Greek yoghurt or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Fresh berries add a nice burst of tartness to balance the sweet caramel, and a sprinkle of crushed nuts can give them a satisfying crunch.

Whether you’re enjoying them warm or straight from the fridge, they’re bound to be a hit.

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Before you do anything else, preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

A properly preheated oven ensures your baked oats cook evenly and develop that golden, slightly crisp top we all love.

Step 2: Mash the bananas

Take the dish you’ll be baking your oats in and mash the bananas directly in it.

This keeps washing up to a minimum (because who has time for extra dishes?) and gives your oats a naturally sweet base.

Make sure the bananas are super ripe—they’re easier to mash and add more flavour.

Step 3: Combine the dry and wet ingredients

Add the oats, plain flour, protein powder, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda to the dish.

Pour in 500ml of the milk and the water, then give it all a good stir.

The batter should be thick but still easy to mix. If it feels a bit dry, don’t worry—you can adjust later.

Step 4: Add the chopped dates

Chop 100g of the medjool dates into small pieces and mix them into the batter.

These little chunks of sweetness will bake into the oats, giving you delightful bursts of flavour in every bite.

Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, making sure the dates are distributed throughout.

Step 5: Bake to golden perfection

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and slightly firm to the touch.

Your kitchen will smell like a cosy bakery, with hints of caramel and warm oats wafting through the air.

Step 6: Soak the dates for the caramel

While the oats bake, prepare the caramel.

Soak the remaining 100g of dates in hot water for about 20 minutes.

This softens them and makes blending much easier, so you get a silky-smooth sauce.

Step 7: Blend the caramel sauce

Drain the soaked dates and add them to a blender along with the peanut butter, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and the remaining oat milk.

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Taste it—you might find yourself sneaking a spoonful (or two) before it even makes it onto the oats.

Step 8: Add the caramel topping

Once the oats are baked, take them out of the oven and use a fork to poke holes across the surface.

Pour the caramel sauce over the top, letting it seep into the oats.

Spread it evenly with the back of a spoon for a glossy finish.

Step 9: Cool and store

Let the baked oats cool before serving or storing.

If you’re meal-prepping, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge.

They’ll stay fresh for a few days, making them a perfect grab-and-go breakfast option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Absolutely! Quick oats work well, though the texture might be slightly softer.

If you prefer a heartier bite, stick with rolled oats.

What can I use instead of protein powder?

If you don’t have protein powder, you can skip it or replace it with almond meal, ground flaxseed, or even a bit of extra flour.

How do I reheat the oats?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about a minute, or warm the whole dish in the oven at a low temperature.

Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps keep them moist.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and ensure your protein powder is vegan-friendly.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

They’ll keep for a few days, though chances are they’ll disappear much sooner!

And that’s it for this Sticky Date 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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