We all dream of those serene, slow mornings where breakfast is a leisurely affair, savoured over a newspaper or a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. The reality, however, often looks very different. For many of us, mornings are a whirlwind of getting ready, packing lunches, and rushing out the door, often leaving breakfast as an afterthought—or worse, skipped entirely.
But what if we told you that you could have a warm, delicious, and nutritionally powerhouse breakfast waiting for you every single weekday morning, with minimal effort?
Enter the magic of meal prepped baked oats, elevated to an art form with a luscious topping of creamy yoghurt and our velvety 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter. This isn't just about convenience; it's about setting yourself up for success, ensuring you start each day feeling nourished, satisfied, and ready to take on anything.
The Meal Prep Revolution: Why Baked Oats Are Your Best Friend
Meal prepping has become a lifestyle for a reason: it saves time, reduces stress, and helps you make healthier choices throughout the week. Baked oats are particularly brilliant for meal prep because:
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They Hold Up Beautifully: Unlike stovetop oats that can become gummy when reheated, baked oats retain their delightful texture. They're like a soft, comforting cake that reheats perfectly in the microwave.
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Easy to Scale: You can easily bake a big batch at once, dividing it into individual portions for the entire week.
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Customisable: While our focus today is on the ultimate creamy topping, baked oats themselves are a blank canvas for various flavours and additions.
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Grab-and-Go: Once baked and portioned, they're ready to grab from the fridge, warm up, and enjoy, making even the busiest mornings a breeze.
Imagine waking up, grabbing your prepped breakfast, and knowing you’re about to enjoy something truly delicious and good for you. That's the stress-free morning we're talking about!
The Secret to the Creamiest Baked Oats: Yoghurt and 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter
While baked oats are fantastic on their own, the real game-changer lies in the topping. A simple mix of creamy yoghurt and our 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter transforms a wholesome breakfast into an indulgent, satisfying, and nutritionally complete meal.
When you combine these two, you create a luxurious, velvety topping that melts ever-so-slightly into the warm baked oats. The tang of the yoghurt cuts through the richness of the almond butter, creating a perfectly balanced flavour profile. But it's the texture that truly elevates the experience: the soft, cake-like oats meet that dreamy, creamy, nutty swirl, making every spoonful an absolute delight. It’s the kind of mouthful that makes you pause and savour.
The Nutritional Powerhouse: Fuelling Your Week
Let's break down why this combination isn't just delicious, but also incredibly beneficial for your body and mind. Each ingredient brings its unique set of nutritional advantages to the table.
Oats: The Foundation of Sustained Energy
Oats are a true superfood and the bedrock of this breakfast.
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Complex Carbohydrates: Oats are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a slow, sustained release of energy throughout your morning. This means no sudden sugar spikes or crashes, keeping your energy levels stable and your focus sharp.
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Fibre Powerhouse: They are particularly rich in soluble fibre, specifically beta-glucan. This type of fibre is known for its incredible health benefits:
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Heart Health: It helps lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.
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Blood Sugar Control: It slows down the absorption of sugar, which helps regulate blood glucose levels.
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Digestive Health: Fibre promotes a healthy gut, aiding in regular digestion and supporting a thriving gut microbiome.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Oats provide essential vitamins and minerals like manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, B vitamins, and iron, all vital for overall bodily function.
Yoghurt: The Creamy Protein & Probiotic Boost
Yoghurt, especially Greek yoghurt, is a fantastic addition for both texture and nutrition.
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High in Protein: Yoghurt, particularly Greek yoghurt, is incredibly high in protein. This protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and it's a key player in promoting satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer.
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Probiotics for Gut Health: Many yoghurts contain live and active cultures (probiotics), which are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome. A healthy gut is linked to improved digestion, enhanced immunity, and even better mood.
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Calcium for Strong Bones: Yoghurt is an excellent source of calcium, critical for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
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Versatile Texture: Its natural creaminess makes it the perfect partner for oats, adding a cool, tangy counterpoint to the warm, sweet flavours.
99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter: The Healthy Fat & Flavour Enhancer
This is where the magic truly comes alive, both in taste and nutrition.
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Healthy Fats for Satiety: Our Smooth Almond Butter is packed with healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are incredibly important. They not only contribute to heart health but also significantly slow down digestion, prolonging the feeling of fullness and preventing those mid-morning cravings.
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Plant-Based Protein: Almond butter provides an excellent source of plant-based protein, further boosting the protein content of your meal. This makes your breakfast even more satisfying and supports muscle maintenance.
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Fibre Content: Almonds are a good source of dietary fibre, adding to the gut-friendly benefits of your meal.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Almonds are rich in Vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant), magnesium (important for energy production and muscle function), and potassium.
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Pure, Wholesome Ingredients: At 99th Monkey, our almond butter is made with one simple ingredient: almonds. No added sugars, no unhealthy oils, just pure, wholesome goodness. This ensures you're getting all the benefits without any unwanted additives.
When these three components come together, you're not just eating breakfast; you're indulging in a meal that systematically fuels your body, keeps you satisfied, supports your gut, and tastes absolutely incredible.
Your Guide to Meal Prepping Baked Oats
Here’s a simple, versatile baked oats recipe to get you started. Remember, the beauty of meal prep is making it your own!
Basic Baked Oats Recipe (Makes 4-6 servings)
Ingredients:
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2 cups rolled oats (not instant)
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended!)
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Pinch of salt
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2 cups milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
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1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (adjust to your sweetness preference)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9x9 inch (23x23 cm) baking dish or individual oven-safe ramekins/containers.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup/honey and vanilla extract.
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Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not over-mix.
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Bake: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish or individual containers. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the oats are set and golden brown on top. A skewer inserted into the centre should come out mostly clean.
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Cool & Portion: Let the baked oats cool completely before cutting into individual portions (if using a large dish) and transferring them to airtight meal prep containers.
To Serve (The Best Part!):
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When ready to eat, simply reheat your baked oat portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warm.
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Top generously with a dollop of Greek yoghurt and a big spoonful of 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter. Stir it through the warm oats and watch it melt into creamy perfection.
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Optional: Add fresh berries, sliced banana, or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.
Embrace the Morning Calm
This week, reclaim your mornings. By investing a little time in meal prepping these delicious and nutritious baked oats with our 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter topping, you're not just preparing food; you're preparing for a week of calmer, more energised starts. It’s a simple act of self-care that pays dividends in focus, satiety, and pure breakfast enjoyment.
Say goodbye to rushed, unsatisfying breakfasts and hello to your new favourite morning ritual.
What's your favourite way to enjoy your baked oats? Share your delicious creations with us!
