Description
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a wholesome and comforting dish perfect for a healthy start to your day. Made with rolled oats, fresh apples, warm spices, and optional nuts and dried fruits, this bake combines hearty texture with a naturally sweet flavor. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a make-ahead breakfast option.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 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
Wet Ingredients
- 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 your favorite 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 Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully heat while you prepare the ingredients.
- Prepare Apple Topping: Peel, core, and dice the apples into 1/2-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, mix diced apples with brown sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon until the apples are evenly coated, then set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup or honey, lightly beaten eggs, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If using, fold in chopped nuts, raisins or dried cranberries, and shredded coconut gently to incorporate them evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
- Add Apple Topping: Evenly arrange the prepared apple mixture over the top of the oatmeal base.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving to let it set properly.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey but adjust sweetness to taste.
- Use any baking apple variety you prefer for different flavor nuances.
- Optional add-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips add texture and flavor but can be omitted for a simpler bake.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat before serving.
- This dish can be made with non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly version if eggs are substituted accordingly.