Description
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a wholesome, hearty, and delicious morning dish perfect for meal prep or a cozy weekend brunch. Combining rolled oats with warm spices, apples, and optional add-ins like nuts and raisins, it’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup and applesauce for a healthy start to your day. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy, comforting, and nutritious recipe that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Oatmeal Base
- 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Topping
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or preferred baking apple)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- Chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) as desired
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the oatmeal dish evenly.
- Prepare the Apple Topping: Peel, core, and dice the apples into 1/2-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples with brown sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon until they are evenly coated. Set this mixture aside for assembly.
- Make the Oatmeal Base Dry Mix: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to combine all the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup or honey, beaten eggs, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, making sure not to overmix to keep the texture light.
- Add Optional Mix-Ins: If using, carefully fold in the chopped nuts, raisins or dried cranberries, and shredded coconut to add texture and extra flavor.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and pour the oatmeal mixture into it. Spread the mixture evenly across the dish.
- Add Apple Topping: Evenly distribute the prepared apple topping over the oatmeal base to ensure every bite gets a burst of apples and cinnamon sweetness.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the oatmeal bake to cool for 10-15 minutes. This helps it set for easier serving and enhances the flavors before enjoying.
Notes
- You can substitute the maple syrup with honey or agave nectar depending on your preference.
- An assortment of baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp will provide the best texture and flavor balance.
- This dish can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for a convenient breakfast.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use non-dairy milk and butter alternatives.
- Optional mix-ins like nuts and dried fruit add texture but can be omitted or swapped based on dietary needs.
