If you’re after a cozy, nourishing start to your morning, Baked Oatmeal with Apples is pure comfort in a casserole dish. Imagine sweet apples mingling with hearty oats, a hint of cinnamon weaving through every bite, all baked to golden perfection. This recipe is as easy as stirring together pantry basics, yet it delivers a texture that’s both creamy and slightly crisp on top. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish brings smiles to the breakfast table—any day of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Baked Oatmeal with Apples pulls its weight beautifully, from offering natural sweetness to building that irresistible texture and warmth. Gather these everyday items and you’ll be amazed by how they transform into something extraordinary.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The backbone of the recipe, giving that perfect heartiness and chew that defines baked oatmeal.
- Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel sweetness that complements the apples and spices – try maple syrup or honey for a twist!
- Baking powder: Lends a subtle lift, ensuring your oatmeal is never heavy or dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the oatmeal with comforting spice that pairs so well with apples.
- Salt: Just a bit heightens all the flavors and keeps sweetness in balance.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Creates a silky, custard-like base; almond or oat milk work just as well as dairy.
- Large egg: Helps bind everything together and gives lovely structure after baking.
- Unsalted butter (melted): A small amount adds richness and that classic, homey baked flavor.
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances both the apples and cinnamon.
- Medium apples (cored and diced): Juicy, sweet-tart apples get tender in the oven and add brightness to every bite.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For crunch, depth, and a little extra decadence if you’re in the mood.
How to Make Baked Oatmeal with Apples
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. This small step makes clean-up a breeze later and ensures your Baked Oatmeal with Apples releases perfectly in beautiful squares.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a roomy bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these together at the start ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed, so every bite is just as flavorful as the last.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisking ensures the egg is smoothly incorporated, and the vanilla gets a chance to perfume the liquid base for the oatmeal.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Pour the wet mixture over the combined dry ingredients. Stir just until everything is evenly coated—don’t overmix. Now gently fold in the diced apples and, if using, the chopped nuts. Folding keeps the apples in perfect chunks, giving your Baked Oatmeal with Apples irresistible bursts of flavor and texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. For a hint of elegance, add a few extra apple slices or sprinkle more nuts on top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the center feels set. Let it cool slightly before slicing—this short wait makes it easier to serve, and the apple aroma is positively mouthwatering!
How to Serve Baked Oatmeal with Apples
Garnishes
The simplest touches often make the biggest impact! Try a drizzle of pure maple syrup, a dollop of creamy yogurt, or a sprinkle of cinnamon right before serving. These little garnishes make each portion of Baked Oatmeal with Apples feel extra special and customizable.
Side Dishes
Pair your oatmeal bake with sides like crisp bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad for a complete breakfast feast. If you’re keeping things light, a cup of hot coffee or spicy chai tea makes the perfect accompaniment to this comforting dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch get-togethers, cut the oatmeal into neat squares and serve them individually on decorative plates with a few extra apple wedges. Or, scoop it straight from the dish into big mugs, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy breakfast by the fire or on the porch. Baked Oatmeal with Apples is also fantastic in a parfait layered with yogurt and berries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Oatmeal with Apples stores beautifully! Simply cover the cooled dish tightly with foil or transfer slices into an airtight container. Stash it in the fridge, and you’ll have ready-to-eat breakfast for up to 5 days.
Freezing
If you want to extend the life of your oatmeal bake, this recipe freezes very well. Once cooled, cut into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating
For a warm breakfast on a busy morning, microwave individual slices for 30–60 seconds, or cover the entire dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep the oatmeal moist and creamy!
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut or quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats provide the ideal soft-yet-chewy texture in Baked Oatmeal with Apples. Steel-cut oats take much longer to cook and won’t absorb the liquid the same way. Quick oats, on the other hand, will result in a softer, mushier texture but can work in a pinch.
What apples are best for this recipe?
Firmer varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold up well during baking and add a lovely, slightly tart bite. Feel free to mix and match your favorites for added depth of flavor!
Can I make Baked Oatmeal with Apples dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap in your favorite non-dairy milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk), and substitute melted coconut oil or a vegan butter for the dairy butter. The end result is just as delicious and still comforting.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, this dish is gluten-free by nature! Just double-check that all your ingredients, especially the oats, are labeled gluten-free if you have sensitivities or allergies.
Can I add other fruits or flavorings?
Yes! Try folding in berries, raisins, or a handful of chopped dried fruit for extra bursts of sweetness and color. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can also add a new layer of spice that complements Baked Oatmeal with Apples perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast that feels like a treat and couldn’t be simpler to pull together, Baked Oatmeal with Apples is the answer. Whip up a batch, make it your own with toppings or mix-ins, and savor every bite of this warm, inviting dish. Trust me—once you taste how easy and satisfying it is, you’ll be serving it up again and again!
Print
Baked Oatmeal with Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Baked Oatmeal with Apples is a delicious and wholesome breakfast option. With a perfect blend of oats, apples, and warm spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Additional:
- 2 medium apples (cored and diced)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Blend the mixtures: Pour wet ingredients into dry, stir, then fold in apples and nuts.
- Bake: Spread mixture in the dish and bake for 35–40 minutes until set and golden.
- Serve: Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup or honey for brown sugar.
- For added texture, top with apple slices or extra nuts before baking.
- Serve warm with milk or yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
