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!
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.
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a cozy, wholesome breakfast dish loaded with apples, oats, and warm spices. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this easy-to-make bake is perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or weekend brunches. Enjoy it warm on its own or topped with yogurt or a drizzle of honey for a satisfying breakfast.Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Bake
- 2 cups 0.5 lb rolled oats
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups 0.36 L milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup 0.06 lb maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples 0.75 lb total, peeled and diced
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped nuts walnuts, pecans, or almonds
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix the oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Assemble the Oatmeal Bake
- Add the diced apples to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Bake the Oatmeal
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the oatmeal bake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite toppings like nuts, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to eat.
- Make it Vegan: Use plant-based milk and a flax egg substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
- Serving Tip: Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast experience.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!