‘In Char’s Kitchen’ Fitness Edition ~ Char’s Pumpkin Coconut Baked Oatmeal

Char’s Pumpkin Coconut Baked Oatmeal

Baked oatmeal is a simple, nutritious and an economical breakfast the whole family can enjoy! I’ve loaded this recipe with a ton of plant protein = makes a great post workout indulgence (for additional protein, add a scoop of vanilla flavoured protein powder to batter).

My recipe is not overly sweet – that’s why I like to drizzle each serving with a splash of maple syrup! Enjoy!

Wet Ingredients:

1 ½ cups (375 mL) milk

1 cup (250 mL) pure pumpkin puree

1/2 cup (125 mL) Canadian maple syrup

2 eggs

2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla extract

1 tsp (5 mL) coconut extract

Dry Ingredients:

2 cup (500 mL) large flake oats

1 cup (250 mL) roughly chopped almonds (or walnuts or pecans)

¼ cup (60 mL) pumpkin seeds

¼ cup (60 mL) Char’s magic seed mix *see note below

2 tsp (10 mL) each; ground cinnamon and ground ginger

1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder

3/4 tsp (3 mL) salt

¼ tsp (1 mL) each; ground nutmeg and ground cardamom

Garnish (optional): plain (or vanilla) Greek style yogurt, fresh berries, additional maple syrup and toasted coconut flakes

Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Whisk together wet ingredients. Add dry ingredients and stir until evenly combined. Place batter in an 8-inch (2 L) well greased baking pan (or casserole dish). Bake in centre of oven for about 35 minutes or until top is lightly golden and oatmeal has set. Remove from oven and cool slightly. Garnish each piece of oatmeal bake with a dollop of yogurt, fresh berries, drizzle of maple syrup and toasted coconut. Makes 8 servings.

Char’s Magic Seed Mix: Place equal parts chia, ground flax and hemp seeds in a large mason bowl and shake to combine. Use in baking, in smoothies or sprinkle on salads for a boost of: plant protein, fibre and healthy fats.