Oatmeal is a healthy and delicious breakfast option that is easy to prepare. However, have you ever wondered what else you can do with your instant oatmeal? You might be surprised to know that you can use instant oatmeal to create a variety of baked goods, from cookies to muffins to bread.
Oatmeal Cookies
Oatmeal cookies are a classic baked treat that is easy to make and delicious to eat. They are perfect for a quick snack or to pack in your lunchbox. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups instant oatmeal
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and stir until just combined.
- Stir in the instant oatmeal.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Oatmeal Muffins
Oatmeal muffins are a healthy and filling breakfast option that is perfect for busy mornings. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite flavors. Here’s a recipe that you can try:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup instant oatmeal
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant oatmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among 12 muffin cups.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Oatmeal Bread
Oatmeal bread is a hearty and delicious bread that is perfect for sandwiches or toast. It has a nutty flavor and a dense texture that makes it ideal for spreading with butter or jam. Here’s a recipe that you can try:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup instant oatmeal
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant oatmeal, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add the warm water and melted butter and stir until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Oatmeal Cakes
Oatmeal cakes are a delicious and unique twist on traditional cakes. They have a tender crumb and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of toppings, from cream cheese frosting to fruit compote. Here’s a recipe that you can try:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup instant oatmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, instant oatmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
FAQs
Yes, you can use flavored instant oatmeal, but keep in mind that it may alter the overall flavor of the baked goods.
Steel-cut oats have a different texture and require a longer cooking time, so they may not be suitable for these recipes.
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends to make these recipes gluten-free.
Yes, you can freeze these baked goods for later. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, instant oatmeal is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious baked goods. From oatmeal cookies to muffins to bread and even cakes, the possibilities are endless.
These recipes are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite flavors and toppings. So next time you have a box of instant oatmeal in your pantry, why not try making some of these delicious treats?