Vanilla Fig Baked Oats

Prep Time: 5 Mins

Cook Time: 35 Mins

Total Time: 40 Mins

Serves: 6-8

This vanilla fig baked oats is the best way to use up the bountiful harvest of figs when they are in season! Baking them makes them even sweater, and it pairs so nicely with the ginger and vanilla. If you haven't tried baked oatmeal yet, you are missing out. If you don't like regular oatmeal, because of the mushy texture, but enjoy a good granola or oatmeal cookie, this is how you need to eat oatmeal. Most baked oatmeal recipes have a ton of added sugar or fat, defeating the purpose of a healthy breakfast (I'll take the pancakes instead). This recipe uses only bananas to help sweeten the mix. But if you have more of a sweet tooth, add a tablespoon or two of maple syrup to the batter.

Ingredients

2 bananas

1 3/4 cup milk (any milk product can be used)

2 large eggs

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon table salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

2 cm vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)

8-9 figs, sliced (reserving some slices for topping)

Milk, yogurt, nuts, or nut butter for serving

Directions

---

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), with the rack set in the middle. Using a paper towel grease your baking pan (I used a 9x12 inch) with coconut or canola oil.

2. Everything can be prepared in the baking pan. Mash the banana, add the milk, eggs, and maple syrup (if using), and whisk to combine. If you are using the vanilla bean, use a knife to scrape out the vanilla seeds and add them to the mixture; if not, add vanilla extract and mix.

3. Add the oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. Mix until combined and fold in the fig chunks. Top with the fig slices.    

4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center appears almost set. Cool for 5 minutes before serving with any desired toppings.

• Storing Tips

  Leftovers keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

• Nutrition

  Per 1 serving (6 total):

  Calories: 291

  Carbohydrates: 51g

  Protein: 10g

  Fat: 6g

  Saturated Fat: 2g

  Fiber: 7g

  Sugar: 20g