Indulge in the delightful fusion of almond croissant flavors and the heartiness of baked oats with this innovative recipe. Inspired by the classic French pastry, these baked oats incorporate the rich, nutty essence of almonds with the wholesome goodness of oats and whole wheat. Each bite offers a comforting texture with a hint of sweetness, making it an ideal breakfast or snack that doesn't just satisfy your taste buds but also provides a healthy protein boost.
Why You'll Love This: This recipe is a fantastic blend of health and indulgence. With mashed banana and apple sauce as natural sweeteners and almond butter for richness, it caters to health-conscious individuals without sacrificing flavor. The almond filling elevates the oats, mimicking the luxurious taste of almond croissants. Moreover, each serving packs about 20 grams of protein, making it a filling and nutritious option to start your day or recharge in the afternoon.
Perfect Occasion: These almond croissant baked oats are perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast, a special brunch, or as a treat to enjoy after a morning workout. They are also great for meal prepping at the start of the week, ensuring you have a quick, healthy, and delicious breakfast or snack on hand.
Decoration Tips:
- After baking, a sprinkle of icing sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and mimics the classic almond croissant look.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey for extra richness.
- A few fresh berries on the side not only add color but also complement the almond flavor beautifully.
Ingredients:
- Wet Ingredients:
- 320g mashed banana
- 80g apple sauce
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla essence
- 80ml milk
- 2 tbsp flaxseed (mixed with 6 tbsp water to form flax eggs)
- Dry Ingredients:
- 180g whole wheat flour
- 80g oats
- 3 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Almond Filling:
- 60g almond flour
- 140g smooth almond butter
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 4 tbsp maple syrup
- Topping:
- Flaked almonds
- Icing sugar
- Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a baking tin with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients:
- Combine all wet ingredients in a large bowl until well mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a thick batter.
- Layer the Batter and Filling:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared tin.
- Spread three-quarters of the almond filling evenly over the batter.
- Top with the remaining batter and smooth out.
- Distribute the rest of the almond filling over the top and sprinkle with flaked almonds.
- Bake:
- Place in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the baked oats cool in the pan.
- Once cool, sprinkle with icing sugar and cut into 8 slices.
Enjoy these Almond Croissant Baked Oats, where each slice brings a satisfying crunch and a burst of almond flavor, perfect for an energy-filled start to your day or a nutritious midday snack!