It’s been a long time since I’ve posted recipes regularly, or even at all, and I’m hoping to start changing that. I’ve just gotten out of the habit of blogging as this active little boy in my life has taken over it almost completely.  So here’s the first recipe of hopefully many more to come this year. :)

Don’t mind the hair, he has bedhead twice a day. :)

Have you ever baked oatmeal? I haven’t been feeling traditional oats for quite a while, but I saw this recipe on Marsha’s blog, The Better Baker (her last name is Baker and she loves to bake – how cute is that?), and it sounded really yummy to me.  I baked it the minute I saw it and we enjoyed it for lunch when Joshua woke from his nap.  I wouldn’t say it’s like eating cookie dough, but it’s more like cookie dough than other baked oatmeal recipes so I’ll keep the title. :) It’s more dry and dense than traditional oats and can be eaten in hand if you don’t mind a few chocolate smears.  I found it especially good topped with some peanut butter, but my little man was really happy to eat it as is!  He and I ate the entire pan ourselves over the course of several days.

Cookie Dough Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

Printable recipe
Printable recipe with picture

2 cups rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon salt, scant
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice OR additional cinnamon
4 packets stevia or 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1-1/3 cups pumpkin puree
2/3 cup milk of choice (cut back to 1/3 cup if using maple syrup)
2 tablespoons coconut oil, butter, or or more milk of choice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips, plus more for the top if desired

Grease an 8″ x 8″ square pan. Set aside. Preheat oven to 380*F. In a large mixing bowl, stir together all dry ingredients, then add all remaining ingredients. Smooth evenly into the prepared pan, sprinkle chips on top if desired, and press down with a spoon. Bake 24 minutes, then let sit in a closed oven 20 minutes with the heat turned off. Top with syrup, or coconut or nut butter.

Recipe source: Chocolate Covered Katie, as seen on The Better Baker

Other oatmeal favorites:

Banana Oatmeal Bake – this is probably my favorite baked oatmeal dish.

Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal – it’s even baked in a pie dish! :)

Savory Oatmeal – onions, cheddar, bacon, and an egg turn the classic breakfast on its head.