Gingerbread Baked Oats | Slimming World Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Are baked oats as healthy as overnight oats? ›

The intensity of heat while cooking is the contributing factor, lower the heat better the nutrient availability. When you soak the oats overnight, it's almost like you're cooking them, but the process is much longer and slower, and it's done without heat. Hence, it is more nutrient rich than cooked version.

Oats contain a type of soluble fiber, called beta glucan, which lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels, thus reducing risk of heart disease and diabetes. Beta glucan also promotes healthy gut bacteria and intestinal health.

If the center is soggy, the oats likely need a little more time in the oven. Be sure to bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips for making baked oats

The difference between baked oatmeal and baked oats is all in the texture. And getting that cake-like texture comes from adding the egg, but also blending the ingredients well.

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

Did you know that oats in oatmeal are packed with lectins which poke holes in your gut lining and can lead to health issues in the future, according to Dr. Gundry. One great way to avoid this is by using sorghum in your breakfast bowl rather than oats.

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount.

if you want to double the recipe, make it in a 9×13-inch pan and double the ingredients. Feel free to add nuts or use fresh or frozen fruit instead of the dried fruit. Store the baked oatmeal in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I use water instead of milk for baked oats? ›

It doesn't even have to be a milk—you can just use water, or a mix of yogurt and water, or applesauce and water, or keifer or whatever liquid you want to infuse your baked oatmeal with.

There are three possible reasons why your baked oatmeal is raw inside. First, you may be using too much milk - use less next time. Second, it may need more baking time. Third, the ramekin is too deep.

Compare 100 calories of baked potato to 100 calories of oatmeal, and you find a bit less protein (3 grams vs. 4), a bit more starch (18 grams vs. 16) and a similar mineral profile (potatoes have more potassium, but oats have more selenium). But potatoes beat out oats in just about every vitamin, as well as fiber.

Additionally, overnight oats retain more of their natural nutrients since they are not exposed to high heat during the cooking process. Cooked oats, on the other hand, have a higher glycemic index compared to overnight oats. This means they may cause a more rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

There aren't any major differences in the nutrition benefits of the three types of oats. All forms of oats are 100% whole grain, a good source of fiber and have the same nutritional information – same calories, fiber and protein per serving.

The benefits of overnight oatmeal

As discussed in the previous section, the soaking and temperature make it retain nutrients better. Overnight oats retain its fiber content better, keeping you full and energetic for a long period. People aiming at weight management can draw many benefits from this aspect of oatmeal.

In many overnight oats recipes, rolled oats is used. They are slightly less processed than quick oats and take longer to cook. In overnight oats, rolled oats are chewy whole quick oats are softer and less chewier.

Because quick oats absorb more liquid than rolled oats, they are more likely to become soggy in overnight oats where the oats are sitting in liquid like milk and yogurt overnight. I have made overnight oats using quick oats before. The taste is usually good, but they do tend to be more on the soggy side.