1-First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. This ensures even cooking and easy cleanup later.

2-Second, in a large bowl, mix the 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt thoroughly. These dry ingredients form the base of your bake.

3-Third, in another bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups milk, ¼ cup honey or maple syrup, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or coconut oil, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; whisk until well blended. This creates the wet mixture that binds everything together.

4-Fourth, pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir to combine, then gently fold in 2 ½ cups frozen mixed berries and ½ cup sliced almonds. Be careful not to mash the berries for the best texture.

5-Fifth, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining ¼ cup sliced almonds for a nice crunch.

6-Sixth, bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.

7-Seventh, remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice.