It’s Time to Preheat the Oven, Bertram!
The sweetest, most savory, and most oat-filled competition in Texas is back—the 2025 Oatmeal Festival Bake-Off! If you’ve ever dreamed of earning bragging rights as the best baker at the Oatmeal Festival, this is your chance to shine.
For nearly five decades, bakers of all ages have wowed the crowds with recipes that turn the humble oat into masterpieces of flavor and creativity. From melt-in-your-mouth cookies to hearty oat breads, the Bake-Off has become a tradition as iconic as the Oatmeal Festival Parade and the Oatmeal Festival Run for your Oats
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie with a love for oats, the 2025 Bake-Off is YOUR year to join in the fun.
When & Where to Enter
📅 Event Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
📍 Location: Bertram Volunteer Fire Department (163 W Vaughan St)
⏰ Entry Drop-Off: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
⏰ Judging Begins: 12:00 Noon
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive early! With record numbers expected this year, securing your spot ensures your entry gets the attention it deserves.
Visiting from out of town? Be sure to check our Visitor Information for Burnet County
Bake-Off Categories & Divisions
Every entry must feature oatmeal or bran as a key ingredient. Categories include:
- Breads – Whole loaf
- Cakes – Whole cake
- Pies – Whole pie
- Cookies – 12 cookies
- Bars – 12 bars
- Snack Mix – At least 2 cups
- Healthy Entry – Whole loaf, 12 items, or 2+ cups
✨ Each category is divided into Junior (under 17) and Senior (18+) divisions.
Entry Guidelines
✅ FREE entry!
⏰ Drop off between 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM on Saturday, September 27
📝 Each entry must include a recipe card
🥄 One entry per category (you may enter multiple categories)
🍪 All entries must be homemade with oatmeal or bran
🏆 Judged on: Flavor, Presentation, Texture, Creative Use of Oats
Judging & Awards
Judging starts at noon, and winners will be announced on the Oatmeal Festival Main Stage at approximately 2:00 PM.
This isn’t just about ribbons—it’s about being part of a 47-year tradition that celebrates community, creativity, and the power of oats.
📢 Call for Judges: Think you’ve got the taste buds for the job? We’re still looking for judges! Contact Jean Pearson or Philomena Carr if you’d like to volunteer. (Judges may not enter the Bake-Off.)
Pick-Up Policy
Entries and containers must be picked up from the Bertram Volunteer Fire Department between 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Any items left after that time will be donated.
Why You Can’t Miss the 2025 Oatmeal Festival Bake-Off
The Bake-Off is more than a contest—it’s the heart of the Oatmeal Festival experience. The air is filled with the aroma of fresh-baked breads, pies cooling on tables, and the excitement of families and friends gathering for a day of fun.
And the Bake-Off is just one piece of the action! After cheering on your favorite bakers, stroll over to the Bertram Festival Parade catch Live Music, or join in the laughter at the Oatmeal Fest Wacky Games.
✨ Go Bold with Flavor – Add a unique twist with fruits, spices, or fillings.
✨ Perfect the Texture – Whether chewy, fluffy, or crunchy, make it memorable.
✨ Presentation Matters – Judges eat with their eyes first!
✨ Double Down on Oats – Use rolled, steel-cut, or ground oats to impress.
Join Us in Bertram for the Bake-Off
The 2025 Oatmeal Festival Bake-Off is your chance to share your talent, celebrate tradition, and create unforgettable memories.
📅 Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
📍 Location: Bertram Volunteer Fire Department, Vaughan & Lampasas Streets
⏰ Entry Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
💲 Fees: FREE
🏅 Awards Ceremony: 2:00 PM at Main Stage
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this oat-filled tradition. Bring your best recipe, your love for community, and your appetite for fun!
👉 Plan your day with the Oatmeal Festival Participant Schedule and make the most of your visit to Bertram.
📲 Stay Connected with the Oatmeal Festival
Celebrate the tradition, fun, and community spirit with us year-round!
Follow the Oatmeal Festival for the latest news, event updates, and behind-the-scenes fun:
👉 Facebook | Instagram | Nextdoor | Tumblr | X (Twitter) | Google
✨ Don’t miss a single update—subscribe to our website News updates for schedules, contests, and exclusive announcements delivered straight to your inbox.
📧 Questions? Reach us anytime at info@oatmealfestival.org
🎉 Don’t miss a moment of the fun — see the complete 2025 Oatmeal Festival schedule here and plan your day in Bertram!
🌟 Visiting from out of town? Be sure to check out The Highland Lakes of Burnet County, Texas for great places to stay, dining options, and more ways to enjoy your visit.
