Berry Oat Bake USDA Recipe for Child Care Centers

Serving Size: 25-50
Berry Oat Bake is a moist, flavorful Indigenous-inspired treat made with wild blueberries or rosehips, oats, dried cranberries or mulberries, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla—honoring Native American roots in a delicious school lunch option.
CACFP Crediting Information:
1 square provides ⅝ cup fruit,1.50 oz eq grains.
Source:
USDA Standardized Recipe Project — 2025
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to bake:
    Conventional 400 °F.
    Convection to 375 °F.
  • Soak cranberries (or rosehips) in hot water for 10-15 minutes or until softened. Drain thoroughly and set aside. Save for step 5.
  • Spray a full-size steam table pan (12" x 20" x 2 1/2") with a pan-release spray or line with parchment.
  • Drain blueberries (or mulberries).
  • Add drained cranberries (or rosehips), drained blueberries (or mulberries), and water to a medium saucepan or pot. Heat to just boiling while crushing the berries with a spoon or fork to release moisture. Continue to simmer over low heat uncovered for about 30 minutes and stir until a slightly thickened, jam-like consistency is reached. Remove from heat.
  • While the saucepan is still hot, add vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, nut butter, and low-fat margarine to the berry mixture and stir thoroughly to melt and combine ingredients.
  • Add oats to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to incorporate.
  • Spread mixture into prepared pan, pressing down firmly for even thickness.
    For 25 servings, use 1 pan.
    For 50 servings, use 2 pans.
  • Bake for 15 minutes at 400 °F. Do not over-bake. Allow to cool completely before cutting. Cut into 25 square pieces, 5x5 (2 ½" x 4").
    Serve a 2 ½” x 4” piece at room temperature.

Nutrition INFORMATION

Berry Oat Bake USDA Recipe for Child Care Centers
Amount Per Serving
 
0 1 square (2 ½” x 4”)
Calories
357
Total Fat
 
17
g
26
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Cholesterol
 
10000
mg
3333
%
Sodium
 
29
mg
1
%
Total Carbohydrate
 
47
g
16
%
Dietary Fiber
 
9
g
38
%
Total Sugars
 
3
g
3
%
Added Sugars included
 
0
g
Protein
 
8
g
16
%
Vitamin A
 
3
mcg RAE
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
47
mg
5
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
N/A=data not available
*Marketing Guide

Notes

The food safety temperatures are based on the FDA Food Code. Some information included may be different in your state. Always check with your local regulatory authority (health department) or sponsoring organization (sponsor) for guidance on current food safety requirements in your operation.
Cooking Process #2: Same Day Service.
Crediting may vary depending on selection of frozen wild blueberries or standard frozen blueberries. Please verify.
Yield / Volume
25 Servings:
About 9 lbs 4 oz, 25 pieces (2 ½" x 4”)
50 Servings:
About 18 lb 8 oz, 50 pieces (2 ½" x 4”)