![Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/shjp2VEJbULtCPU_Km8qgIHFThM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LazyDaisyOatmealCake_266-S-2000-f7303308c87a483d9e13a0580ea6090a.jpg)
Oatmeal often gets a bad rap. If you're not a big oatmeal fan, it may be due to one too many experiences with a congealed bowl that sat out too long or didn't get enough milk before it hit the microwave. But oatmeal doesn't have to be like that.
Oatmeal desserts can be just as elevated and flavorful as your favorite chocolate or peanut butter sweets. Plus, since oats are good for you, you may get a little extra satisfaction from the idea of a slightly healthier dessert. So, pick one of these tempting oatmeal recipes, pull out your mixing bowl, and discover a new way to enjoy this breakfast staple as an end-of-the-meal treat.
Oatmeal-Caramel Cream Pies
![Southern Living Oatmeal Caramel Cream Pies in a dish to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Wam79IYvVewFZMHkZXwarW-kyxk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Oatmeal-Caramel-Cream-Pies-Beauty2--Audit7024_3497-cc1bf558dd494198a3792fbbbce60551.jpg)
Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Give the classic oatmeal cream pie a little elevated twist with the addition of some salted caramel buttercream—no candy thermometer required. Refrigerate the pies until the filling is nice and firm. "Best. Cookies. EVER," according to a recent reviewer.
No-Bake Chocolate-Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
![No-Bake Chocolate-Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Bt6EDux0EjExRCVM3sDxcXfGqmY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2692801_Snack_27615-2000-439831ec790c40ffa8dd0e460d791997.jpg)
Craving a quick-fix oatmeal dessert? These no-bake cookies fit the bill. Cookie dough lovers will appreciate the no-bake texture.
Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake
![Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/shjp2VEJbULtCPU_Km8qgIHFThM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LazyDaisyOatmealCake_266-S-2000-f7303308c87a483d9e13a0580ea6090a.jpg)
This scrumptious cake serves up comfort in a 9x13 pan. One of the highlights of this oatmeal dessert is the topping—keep sharp watch or sneaky fingers may filch it.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
![Southern Living Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies on a cooling rack ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/0RPJhdji7gyjHGRPTzKbOpqpdTs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Peanutbuttter_Oatmeal_Cookies_014-9f2f6eaa32e04945b33808ef6e79a9b7.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Pour a tall glass of milk to accompany these minimal-effort oatmeal cookies. Oats and peanut butter offer up a fun combination of flavors and textures.
Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
![Blueberry Breakfast Bars](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/mp9ArPDci-IFmGIi4vahVjOjzL0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Blueberry-Breakfast-Bars114-2000-bf9923ca1a7a461e829a2155a779e41c.jpg)
Wait for blueberries to come in season at the height of summer before you whip up these bars. Though they have the name breakfast in the name, they are plenty sweet enough to enjoy for dessert.
Soft Oatmeal Cookies
![Soft Oatmeal Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/k87hGB-M2TJIY9917bLOQp9QCjo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living_Soft_Oatmeal_Cookie_051-890af7429e0a4a648b76485fec0daf2e.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stying: Torie Cox
Whip up a batch of these oatmeal cookies for your next party, and we bet they'll be right up there in popularity with the beloved chocolate chip. Of course, you can throw in a few chocolate chips or dried cranberries if you like.
Baked Oatmeal
![Baked Oatmeal](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/XPa4OQ-oJXhnV5qzlQkCEQHGB24=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-Baked-Oatmeal-Hero-4x3_preview-e0e9499e96a5489680e025da98545b11.jpg)
Brittany Conerly; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin
Take a bite before you deem this breakfast fare. After trying it, you'll want to eat it for dessert, as a snack, and at every meal in between.
Chewy Apple-Cran-Oatmeal Cookies
![Chewy Apple-Cran-Oatmeal Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/anzLcVXr4U-h6yjVigZ_f_q5hxI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2696601_Apple-Desserts_002_16x9-2000-4ad1992cf9f34ed1a96eb20760276a92.jpg)
Granny Smith apples, sweet dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts load these cookies up with incredible texture and flavor. A simple blend of powdered sugar and orange juice is the icing on the cake.
Cranberry-Apple Casserole
![Cranberry-Apple Casserole](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/sIwiuwSyTEr7Hd_oUSGRkpLUGIc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-Cranberry_Apple_Casserole_001-df22fde7884546138503901d36c94267.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Just eight ingredients and a little bit of stirring are needed to whip up this dessert casserole.
Oatmeal Cake
![Southern Living Oatmeal Cake in the pan to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/96zH6GYlFD57SsNgATtbEXBMYkI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27523_Souths-Most-Treasured-Desserts_109-1-21144a53490b430baa3055d1a2117b79.jpg)
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
This humble cake came from the kitchen of Pat Ynesta of Navarre, Florida. It's simple, comforting, and will please any crowd.
Apple And Pear Crisp
![Apple and Pear Crisp](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/eaoBkOVdV-zK_28YqLMjc_A_VQE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/apple-pear-crisp-2356301-2000-64a0b05f8ad14df08244348f588c4a06-1-d5ed4f4694354241b410a1fed49be78c.jpeg)
This is the gooey crisp you remember from childhood, prepared in a slow cooker. Dust it with cinnamon after cooking for more spice and add a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
Hummingbird Oatmeal Cookies
![Hummingbird Oatmeal Cookies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/zDWo2L024OpERAV0xBdalr6CL6s=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hummingbird-oatmeal-cookies-sl-x-712508f0632746a984261e708574afe7.jpg)
A classic Southern cake gets the cookie treatment. And, don't worry if you don't have time for frosting. These cookies shine with or without it.