This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is the perfect way to start your day with a comforting, hearty breakfast. Made with rolled oats, fresh apples, and warm spices, this baked oatmeal is a healthy yet delicious morning treat. It’s naturally sweetened, loaded with fiber, and easy to prepare ahead of time for busy mornings. Serve it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of yogurt, and you’ve got a breakfast that tastes like dessert—but good for you!
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Why You’ll Love This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and just reheat in the morning.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with oats, apples, and warming spices—no refined sugar needed.
- Versatile: Enjoy it warm or cold, with toppings of your choice.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Store leftovers in the fridge for easy breakfasts throughout the week.
- Naturally Sweetened: Sweetened with apples and maple syrup for a guilt-free treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (180g / 0.4 lb) rolled oats
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 cups (480ml) milk (or any plant-based milk)
- ¼ cup (60ml) maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (30g / 0.06 lb) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. - Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup (or honey), eggs, and vanilla extract. - Assemble the Bake:
Add the diced apples to the dry ingredients and toss to combine. Pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly mixed. - Add Nuts (Optional):
Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the top for a crunchy finish. - Bake:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the oatmeal is set. - Serve:
Let the oatmeal cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra maple syrup, yogurt, or milk.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze portions in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Add Protein: Stir in a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra protein.
- Vegan Option: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and plant-based milk for a vegan version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture may be softer. Rolled oats work best for a chewy texture.
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Pears, berries, or peaches would work wonderfully in this recipe.
What’s the best way to reheat this bake?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-40 seconds, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
How do I keep the apples from browning?
Toss the diced apples in a little lemon juice if you want to prevent browning before baking.
Can I skip the nuts?
Of course! If you’re avoiding nuts, simply leave them out or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Tips and Notes
- My Tip: If you love a crispy top, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon and sugar over the bake before putting it in the oven.
- Pro Trick: For a richer flavor, use half milk and half coconut milk in the wet ingredients.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy morning meal.
Variations
- chocolate chip Apple Oatmeal Bake: Add a handful of dark chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
- Apple-Pumpkin Bake: Stir in ½ cup of pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired version.
- Berry Apple Oatmeal Bake: Add fresh or frozen berries along with the apples.
- peanut butter Drizzle: Drizzle peanut butter or almond butter over each slice before serving.
- Savory Twist: Swap the cinnamon for a pinch of salt and mix in grated cheddar cheese and cooked bacon for a savory option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake ahead of time?Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead! You can assemble the entire bake the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply bake as directed. For longer storage, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze individual portions for up to a month; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.What are some good ingredient substitutions for this recipe?You can substitute rolled oats with quick oats, though the texture will be softer; use the same 2 cups (180g / 0.4 lb) measurement. For a vegan version, use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and plant-based milk, using the same 2 cups (480ml) measurement. If you’re avoiding nuts, omit them or substitute with ¼ cup (30g / 0.06 lb) of seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Maple syrup can be replaced with honey, using the same ¼ cup (60ml) measurement.How do I know when the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is perfectly cooked?The Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is done when the top is golden brown and the edges are set. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean, with perhaps a few moist crumbs. The bake should feel firm to the touch, not jiggly. The internal temperature should ideally be around 200°F (93°C) when checked with a food thermometer.Can I double or scale up this recipe for a larger batch?Yes, you can easily double this recipe! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. Adjust the ingredient amounts proportionally: for example, use 4 cups of rolled oats, 3 cups of milk, and so on. Keep an eye on the bake as cooking times can vary.What are the nutritional benefits of this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake?This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is packed with nutritional value. Rolled oats provide soluble fiber, which aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Apples contribute fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C. The addition of nuts provides healthy fats and protein. Milk offers calcium and protein, while the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg provide antioxidants.
