Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty breakfast that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to fall in love with this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe. It’s packed with wholesome oats, tender baked apples, and just the right touch of sweet and spice. This dish isn’t just a way to start your day; it’s a cozy experience that fills your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas while delivering a nourishing meal the whole family will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these simple but essential ingredients together is the first step toward creating something truly special. Each one plays a key role in balancing flavors, textures, and that irresistible golden-baked look.

• 3 cups rolled oats (not instant): The hearty base that gives the dish its satisfying texture and keeps you fueled for hours.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bake rise and become fluffy without being cakey.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder to create the perfect lightness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and an inviting aroma, pairing perfectly with apples.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Lends a subtle depth that makes each bite extra special.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy): Keeps the oats tender and helps everything meld together beautifully.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: Adds natural moisture and apple flavor without extra sugar.
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey): Sweetens gently while contributing a rich flavor complexity.
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten: The binder that holds everything together for a perfect bake.
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or butter): Adds moisture and a tender crumb, plus a subtle hint of richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor, making every bite irresistibly fragrant.
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Choose Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite for bright, baked fruit bits.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar: For coating the apples, giving them a caramelized, sweet finish.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter: Helps the apple topping become golden and luscious.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled on apples for extra warmth and spice.
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Optional, for crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries: Optional, adding chewy bursts of sweetness.
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut: Optional, providing a lovely tropical twist and extra texture.
• Chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white): Optional, for a touch of indulgence in every bite.

How to Make Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready and hot by the time you finish prepping your ingredients, so everything bakes evenly and perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Topping

Peel, core, and dice your apples into half-inch pieces. Then, toss them in a mix of brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. This coating not only sweetens but also caramelizes during baking, creating tender, flavorful fruit that crowns the oatmeal base delightfully.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This dry mixture is the canvas for your oatmeal bake, ensuring every bite is spiced just right and has great texture.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the milk, applesauce, maple syrup or honey, eggs, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth and beautifully blended, which will hydrate the oats and sweeten the dish naturally.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The trick here is to avoid overmixing which can make the bake dense; you want a light, tender texture that’s easy on the palate.

Step 6: Fold in Optional Add-ins

If you’re using nuts, dried fruit, or coconut, gently fold them in now. These additions bring delightful texture and bursts of flavor that make the bake even more memorable and delicious.

Step 7: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour your oatmeal mixture in, spreading it evenly. This creates the perfect bed for your luscious apple topping.

Step 8: Add the Apple Topping

Scatter the apple mixture evenly over the surface of your oatmeal base. These juicy, cinnamon-spiced apple pieces add a beautiful pop of color and flavor right where you want it.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll know the dish is ready when it has a fragrant, inviting aroma and a perfectly set texture.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Let the oatmeal apple breakfast bake cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps it set fully, making it easier to cut and ensuring every serving holds together beautifully.

How to Serve Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon, a handful of chopped nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup to complement the flavors and add a finishing touch. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream also pairs wonderfully to add creaminess.

Side Dishes

This breakfast bake is pretty satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, fresh fruit, a side of scrambled eggs, or a simple green smoothie can complement it perfectly. These sides bring freshness and additional nutrients to your breakfast table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions warm from the oven in cute ramekins, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a brunch treat, or even layered in parfait glasses with alternating layers of baked oat mixture and creamy yogurt for a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover oatmeal apple breakfast bake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness.

Freezing

This bake freezes beautifully! Portion it into individual servings and freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your portions gently in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. Adding a little splash of milk before reheating can help restore moisture.

FAQs

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats in this recipe?

Instant oats tend to absorb liquid differently and can become mushy. Rolled oats provide the perfect chewy texture in this oatmeal apple breakfast bake, so they’re the best choice for an ideal consistency.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the eggs for flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water), use a plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute to make it fully vegan-friendly.

Can I add other fruits besides apples?

Definitely! Pears work beautifully baked in this recipe, and even berries or peaches can be added as toppings or mixed in with the oatmeal base for some variation.

How sweet is this bake? Can I adjust the sweetness?

This bake has a gentle sweetness from the maple syrup and brown sugar, perfectly balanced with tart apples. You can easily adjust by adding a bit more syrup or sugar, or reducing them if you prefer less sweetness.

What are some good toppings to add before serving?

To elevate your oatmeal apple breakfast bake, try topping with a spoonful of vanilla yogurt, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, toasted nuts for crunch, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for that extra touch of love.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like waking up to a warm, hearty slice of this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe. It manages to be both wholesome and indulgent in the best way, making mornings something to truly look forward to. Give it a try, and soon it will become your favorite breakfast tradition.

Print