Baked Oatmeal Casserole

I came across this recipe on Pinterest last week from Urban Nester and have been desperate to try it ever since. Yesterday afternoon Zachary was watching a movie and Louis and Michael were playing a computer game together so I thought it was a perfect opportunity to give it a go.

I had to convert the measurements because its an American site so below is the Aussie version :)

Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup mixed berries (she used raspberries but I had mixed berries in the freezer)
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
2 cups milk
1 large egg
3 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 Tabelspoon vanilla extract
1 ripe banana, peeled, cut into 1 cm slices
1 cup walnut pieces (I didn't use these because I don't like walnuts but you might)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 190'C and spray the inside of a 29cm by 18cm baking dish with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet.

In a large bowl, mix together the oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, half the walnuts (if you are using them), half the berries and half the chocolate (save the other half of the berries, walnuts and chocolate for the top of the oatmeal)

In another large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, butter and vanilla extract.

Add the oat mixture to prepared baking dish. Arrange the remaining berries, walnuts and chocolate on top.

 Add the banana slices to the top then pour the milk mixture over everything. 

Gently shake the baking dish to help the milk mixture go throughout the oats.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is nicely golden brown and the milk mixture has set. 

For an extra tasty top, sprinkle a tablespoon or so of extra brown sugar.

I have to admit I had no idea what it was going to be like when I tried it but I was pleasantly surprised this morning. It was really tasty, the different berries added bursts of flavour and the chocolate added just the right amount of sweetness to the dish. I think this is going to be a favourite come the cooler months.