Name: Baked Oatmeal with Apples Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy); 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 medium apples, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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If you’re searching for a breakfast that’s as cozy as it is nourishing, Baked Oatmeal with Apples will be your new morning hero. This comforting classic combines tender apples, hearty oats, and warm spices into a dish that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and maple. Whether you prep it for special brunches or easy weekdays, every bite delivers just the right amount of sweetness and home-baked goodness. It’s wholesome and deeply satisfying — and I can’t wait to share this favorite with you!

Baked Oatmeal with Apples Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Oatmeal with Apples is in its simple lineup of pantry staples and fresh fruit. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and nourishing comfort, while keeping the prep totally approachable for even the busiest mornings.

Old-fashioned rolled oats: These provide the perfect chewy texture and nutty base for the bake—avoid quick oats, which can turn mushy.
Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds creaminess and helps meld the ingredients; feel free to use almond, oat, or your favorite milk.
Eggs: Bind everything together to create that sliceable, custardy texture.
Pure maple syrup or honey: For natural sweetness and a hint of flavor complexity. Maple syrup really elevates the apples!
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps crisp the top edges just right.
Vanilla extract: Gives a subtle floral warmth and brings out the apple flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Delivers that signature warmth we’ve all come to love in apple desserts.
Ground nutmeg: Adds earthy depth—just a little makes a big difference.
Salt: Balances all the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
Baking powder: Lifts the oatmeal bake gently, giving it a lighter, tender texture.
Apples (peeled and diced): The star ingredient—choose a crisp and tangy variety for bursts of flavor in every bite.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Sprinkle these in for crunch and a hint of toasty richness.

How to Make Baked Oatmeal with Apples

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your oatmeal will release beautifully after baking, and the even temperature is key for that custardy, soft-in-the-center texture.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, pure maple syrup or honey, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Take your time here! Whisking until everything is well combined means your baked oatmeal with apples will be perfectly tender and infused with flavor from the ground up.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Stir in the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. The spices and leavening are sprinkled in at this stage so they distribute evenly, amping up the cozy flavor throughout every bite of your oatmeal bake.

Step 4: Add Apples and Nuts

Now, fold in the diced apples and (if using) the chopped walnuts or pecans. Gently mix just until everything is combined. The apples will soften as they bake and add sweet, juicy pockets, while the nuts stay perfectly toasty for bonus crunch.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. If you like extra texture, sprinkle a bit of brown sugar over the top here for a caramelized finish. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is just set and the top is lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell incredible as everything bubbles and caramelizes!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your baked oatmeal with apples cool for a few minutes before slicing in. This helps everything firm up beautifully and makes serving so much easier. Serve it warm, straight from the pan, with a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a dollop of creamy yogurt.

How to Serve Baked Oatmeal with Apples

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted nuts, a handful of dried cranberries, or even a generous drizzle of maple syrup can transform a square of baked oatmeal with apples into something extra special. For a creamy contrast, I love adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a little whipped cream right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your oatmeal bake with crisp bacon or veggie sausage for a hearty breakfast spread, or balance the natural sweetness with a platter of fresh citrus fruit. A cup of coffee or spiced chai is the perfect companion, making breakfast feel like a little celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Try portioning baked oatmeal with apples into individual ramekins before baking for an elegant brunch touch, or serve alongside bowls of assorted toppings (think chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or nut butters) so everyone can customize their own slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any extra baked oatmeal with apples to cool completely, then store tightly covered in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to four days, making it ideal for prepping ahead or grabbing a nutritious breakfast on busy mornings.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Slice into portions, wrap them individually, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge—perfect for effortless meal planning.

Reheating

Reheat single servings of baked oatmeal with apples quickly in the microwave (about 30–45 seconds does the trick), or pop a whole pan in a low oven until warmed through. Add a splash of milk to keep things extra moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I make Baked Oatmeal with Apples dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use any non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or coconut) and swap the butter for coconut oil or your favorite plant-based margarine. The result is just as delicious and tender.

What are the best apples to use in this recipe?

Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith are all fantastic. Choose apples that are crisp and a bit tart for the best flavor and lovely texture balance in your baked oatmeal.

Can I prepare this the night before?

Yes! Assemble everything the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed (add a couple extra minutes since it’s starting cold). It’s a real lifesaver on hectic mornings!

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Definitely—just use certified gluten-free oats. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap without sacrificing taste or texture.

Can I add other fruits or flavors?

Of course! Try stirring in dried cranberries, raisins, or even fresh berries for variety. Chopped pears or a handful of shredded coconut also blend beautifully with the apples and spices.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of Baked Oatmeal with Apples, now’s the time! It’s an easy, comforting recipe that brings warmth to any breakfast table, and I promise you’ll come back for seconds. Happy baking and enjoy every cozy bite!

Baked Oatmeal with Apples Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Start your day with this delicious Baked Oatmeal with Apples recipe. It’s a comforting and nutritious breakfast dish that combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with hearty oats and nuts.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

2 medium apples, peeled and diced
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Add dry ingredients: Stir in oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder.
Combine: Fold in diced apples and nuts, if using. Pour mixture into the prepared dish.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until set and lightly golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
Serve: Enjoy warm with additional maple syrup or yogurt.