12 Oatmeal Dessert Recipes That Prove Oats Aren't Just For Breakfast

Sneak some whole grains into your sweet treats.

Updated on June 24, 2024

Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake — Photo: Alison Miksch; Food Styling: Erin Merhar; Prop Styling: Prissy Lee

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.

01 of 12

Oatmeal-Caramel Cream Pies

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.

Get The Recipe

02 of 12

No-Bake Chocolate-Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Craving a quick-fix oatmeal dessert? These no-bake cookies fit the bill. Cookie dough lovers will appreciate the no-bake texture.

Get The Recipe

03 of 12

Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake

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.

04 of 12

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

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.

Get The Recipe

05 of 12

Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Blueberry Breakfast Bars — Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Loren Wood; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

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.

Get The Recipe

06 of 12

Soft Oatmeal Cookies

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.

Get The Recipe

07 of 12

Baked Oatmeal

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.

Get The Recipe

08 of 12

Chewy Apple-Cran-Oatmeal Cookies

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.

Get The Recipe

09 of 12

Cranberry-Apple Casserole

Just eight ingredients and a little bit of stirring are needed to whip up this dessert casserole.

Get The Recipe

10 of 12

Oatmeal Cake

This humble cake came from the kitchen of Pat Ynesta of Navarre, Florida. It's simple, comforting, and will please any crowd.

Get The Recipe

11 of 12

Apple And Pear Crisp

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.

Get The Recipe

12 of 12