Fun and Healthy Baked Oatmeal Donuts
A donut meets baked oatmeal: the oats are baked into a soft, cake-like donut with a little bit of a crust so it’s not crumbling all over the place when you eat it. They’re perfect for a portable, handheld snack or stack on a plate like pancakes with toppings as well-balanced meal.
This recipe makes 10-12 donuts, depending on the size of your donut mold. My small donut mold made about 10 donuts, two donuts for an adult serving and one for a child.
So fun, delicious, handheld, and kid-approved!
👩🍳Ingredients
You will also need a silicone or aluminum donut mold. They are super affordable and you can use them for all sorts of recipes (plus, homemade donuts).
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ripe banana, mashed (or ½ cup unsweetened applesauce); I used a large banana.
1 large egg
¾ cup milk (any kind — dairy or non-dairy)
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🍩Toppings Ideas
Fresh or frozen berries. I don’t recommend adding them into the batter because it creates more moisture and the donuts do not hold shape as well.
Greek yogurt. I love to combine Greek yogurt and maple syrup with berries!
Maple syrup or honey. Brush it on or dip each donut into a bowl of maple syrup.
Peanut butter. I drizzled chunky peanut butter on a few.
Chopped nuts.
Mini chocolate chips.
Sliced bananas and cinnamon.
Brown sugar.
Hemp hearts for omega-3’s and additional protein.
📖Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease your donut mold. I sprayed mine with avocado oil spray.
In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together mashed banana, egg, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla.
Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. Fold in any mix ins (don’t recommend anything with too much moisture, like fruit, but mini chocolate chips would work).
Spoon or pipe batter into donut molds (fill each about ¾ full for best results but I filled all the way and they were fine).
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden and set. My oven cooked them in about 20 minutes.
Let cool for 5 minutes, then pop out and enjoy warm or store in an airtight container or zip-loc bag in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Top with a drizzle of peanut butter, Greek yogurt & maple syrup and eat with a fork for the ultimate bite! Dip them in vanilla yogurt for a higher protein snack!
💕Full recipe + nutrition info + variation ideas + increasing protein content at link in bio!
ModeratelyMessyRD.com —> search for donuts.
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Baked oatmeal donuts are a fantastic way to combine the hearty goodness of oats with the fun, portable shape of donuts, making them an excellent choice for a nutritious breakfast or snack. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these baked versions use whole ingredients, including old-fashioned oats, banana, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup, ensuring you get fiber and essential nutrients in every bite. The recipe's clever use of mashed banana or applesauce not only adds natural sweetness but also keeps the donuts moist without relying on excessive fats. Incorporating cinnamon and vanilla extract enhances the flavor naturally, while baking powder helps achieve that light, cake-like texture with a slight crust that holds together well. One of the best features of these baked oatmeal donuts is their versatility with toppings and mix-ins. While fresh or frozen berries are delicious to enjoy on top, adding them directly into the batter is discouraged because it increases moisture and compromises the donuts' structural integrity. Instead, toppings like Greek yogurt combined with maple syrup offer a creamy, protein-rich contrast that complements the oats beautifully. Drizzling with peanut butter adds a satisfying nuttiness and healthy fats. For extra crunch and nutrition, chopped nuts or hemp hearts contribute protein and omega-3 fatty acids, supporting brain and heart health. The recipe's convenience is unbeatable: made in silicone or aluminum donut molds, they bake quickly at 350°F and can be stored in the fridge for up to five days, making them perfect for meal prepping busy mornings. Mini chocolate chips offer a kid-friendly treat without overpowering the wholesome profile. For those looking to increase protein content or customize the recipe, adding a scoop of protein powder or using Greek yogurt as a dip can elevate the nutritional profile. This versatile recipe suits a wide range of dietary preferences, including dairy-free options by selecting plant-based milk. In summary, this healthy baked oatmeal donut recipe combines ease, nutrition, and fun—making it an excellent option for families seeking tasty, nourishing snacks or breakfast alternatives that everyone will love.
