Raspberry Mango Baked Oatmeal - Healthy - Vegan

​Having healthy carbohydrates like oats is a delicious and easy way to give your body what it needs and an extra boost of energy. Oatmeal is said to keep hunger at bay so having some may stave off cravings and help with goals. Oatmeal has a low glycemic index and no refined sugars are used in this recipe so it is safe for most everyone to consume, less any allergies. Oats are rich are in fiber aiding in heart and colon health. When combined with cinnamon, vanilla, raspberries, mango and dates it creates a heavenly experience. My husband thought it could be renamed shortcake or something grander than baked oatmeal, it truly is wonderful! I'm making some today for a healthy dessert and thought I'd share. It's wonderful for breakfast with coffee too! You can totally pass on the mango and use your favorite fruit and berries, we've tried blueberry banana and it was heavenly!!  Enjoy! Watch the video or get the recipe below.

Raspberry Mango Baked Oatmeal

• 1 Cup Oats
• 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Cup Dairy Free Milk
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• 6 Medjool Dates (aprox. 1/4 cup packed or 1/8 cup maple syrup)
• 1 Cup Mango (1 small champagne mango is great)
• 1 1/2 Cup Raspberries; Divided. 
• Opt: Coconut Flakes

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a small bowl combine 1 cup of oats, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1 tsp cinnamon. Mix well.
3. In a blender add 1 cup of dairy free milk and 1 tsp vanilla. Add the pitted medjool dates, blend until smooth.
4. Add the wet to the dry and mix until well combined. 
5. Place 1/2 cup sliced mango and 1 cup raspberries on the base of the well greased loaf pan. Pour the batter on top, spread evenly. Pound a few times on the counter.
6. Top with remaining 1/2 cup raspberries and 1/2 cup of mango.  If using coconut flakes add a sprinkle on top.
7. Bake for 40-50 minutes in the preheated oven. When a toothpick comes out clean it is done, if you touch it gently it should bounce back. 
8. Cool in the pan on a cooling rack for 10+ minutes. The longer it cools, the firmer the slice. This is so great hot and really fantastic cold! Store in the fridge.

Notes:

• Use any seasonal fruit (bananas, apples, apricots, peaches, cherries) add seeds, nuts, have fun!
• Use Gluten-Free Oats to keep it gluten-free.
• Triple the recipe and make a 9 x 13, keep leftovers in the fridge or freezer. Delightful!
• For Banana Cream click for directions for 1 Ingredient Vegan Ice Cream and add a dash of vanilla. 

Resources: ​http://www.medicaldaily.com/benefits-oatmeal-why-you-should-add-power-food-your-high-fiber-diet-328788