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Baked Apple Oatmeal is a cozy breakfast that tastes like apple pie but delivers all the goodness of wholesome oatmeal. Naturally sweetened and filled with hearty whole grains, fiber, and tender apples this cozy breakfast makes a satisfying start to any day.
When the temps begin to drop, school is back in session, and I find myself juggling carpool and hungry teens, I love turning to this Baked Apple Oatmeal. It's hearty, easy to prep ahead, and tastes just like warm apple pie--yet healthy enough for breakfast. And when breakfast is reminiscent a slice of Dutch apple pie or a scoop of apple crisp, you know the entire family will devour it!
Reasons to Love Apple Oatmeal
Whether you are a parent trying to simplify mornings or just someone craving a cozy fall breakfast, you will love this apple baked oatmeal recipe for so many reasons.
- Easy Prep. After you dice the apples, you simply mix and bake the oatmeal all in one pan. Because the last thing we need is more dishes!
- Hearty & Wholesome. Naturally sweetened and packed with whole grain oats, fiber, healthy fats, and calcium, this baked oatmeal will keep you (and your kids) going strong for hours!
- Make-Ahead Friendly. Prep the night before and bake in the morning OR bake, cool, and reheat throughout the week. It's delicious either way!
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Ingredients for Apple Oatmeal
This Baked Apple Oatmeal stars apples of course! Add in a few pantry staples, and you have a breakfast that is as delicious, as it is wholesome. I have also provided modifications to keep this recipe dairy-free, nut-free, and egg-free if needed.
- Oats: Use rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking), not steel-cut oats. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Milk: Any variety or fat percentage of milk or non-dairy milk. Use what you like or have on hand.
- Apples: While any firm apple suitable for baking will work, I recommend a sweet variety, to help naturally sweeten the baked oatmeal.
- Maple Syrup: Speaking of naturally sweetening, maple syrup is the perfect sweetener for apple oatmeal, as it pairs beautifully with the apple flavor. Honey will work if that is all you have on hand.
- Nuts: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans add an irresistible crunchy texture to the oatmeal along with a dose of healthy fats. Feel free to omit the nuts if desired.
- Egg: The egg helps to hold the baked oatmeal together, allowing it to slice into squares after baking. If you are egg-free, simply omit it, noting the oatmeal won't slice quite as nice, but still taste incredible.
- Melted Coconut Oil: Adds a rich, nutty undertone. Feel free to use melted butter in place of the coconut oil.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder helps the oatmeal to rise slightly and form a thick, cake-like consistency.
- To Flavor: Vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, ground cinnamon (of course!), and a bit of nutmeg. Instead of using ground nutmeg, use whole nutmeg and grate it yourself using a Microplane for optimum flavor.
How to Make Baked Apple Oatmeal
This Baked Apple Oatmeal is one of the easiest breakfast recipes. Dice, mix, bake! It only takes a few minutes of prep, but let's break this recipe down in detail.
- Prepare Apples. Wash and dry the apples and dice into ½-inch cubes. You can peel the apples if desired, but I typically leave the peel on for added fiber, nutrients, and ease.
- Mix. Add milk, egg, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking powder to a greased baking dish and whisk well.
- Fold. Add oats, diced apples, and nuts to the mixture and fold together to combine.
- Let Sit While Oven Preheats. Instead of preheating the oven before you begin preparing the oatmeal, heat after combined. Those few extra minutes allows the oats to soften slightly, giving this baked oatmeal the ideal texture.
- Bake. Pop into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the oats are slightly golden brown and set.
- Serve. Slice the baked apple oatmeal just like you would a cake. Then serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein or whipped cream for a more decadent touch to breakfast.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
While this apple oatmeal is incredibly easy to make, I love prepping it in advance to make hectic weekday mornings that much easier!
- Assemble Up to 24 Hours in Advance: Prepare the oatmeal as directed. Once combined, cover the baking dish, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the fridge, uncover, and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until set.
- Meal-Prep for the Week: Bake, cool, then slice into individual portions. Place the sliced oatmeal in an airtight container and store in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices on a heat-safe plate or bowl in the microwave for 45-60 seconds, or until warmed through.
- To Freeze: Bake, cool, then slice into individual portions. Wrap each slice in parchment paper, then place into a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, unwrap one serving and place it into a heat-safe bowl. Reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, until warmed through.
More Baked Oatmeal Variations
Baked oatmeal is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a warming, wholesome breakfast. After you try this apple baked oatmeal, don't miss my other variations.
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Baked Apple Oatmeal
Video
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet, firm apple, diced (~1 cup)
- 1½ tablespoons melted coconut oil, or melted, unsalted butter
- 1¾ cups milk, any variety
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup maple syrup, or honey
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg, *grated from whole nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt, ~1 small pinch
- 2 cups rolled oats, quick or old-fashioned
- ½ cup chopped nuts, walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the apple. Remove the core and seeds and dice into ½-inch cubes. Set to the side.
- Grease a 2 quart or 8-inch square pan with a bit of the coconut oil.
- To the greased pan, add the remaining 1½ tablespoons melted coconut oil, 1¾ cups milk, 1 large egg, ⅓ cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt. Whisk to combine.
- Add the diced apples, 2 cups rolled oats, and ½ cup chopped nuts to the milk mixture and stir to combine.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃) and let the oatmeal sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. This will give the oats time to soften and absorb the milk.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until oats are tender, set, and lightly golden.
- Serve warm or let chill and refrigerate to enjoy later throughout the week.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Sooooo good!! I'm normally not a huge fan of baked oatmeal but this was delicious! I cut back on the nutmeg since we're not crazy about it (and I did peel the apple for picky eaters). It was so good that we ended up having the leftovers later that evening, warmed up with ice cream for dessert 🙂 Thank you for another wonderful recipe. Can't wait to make it again!
Hi Elaine! I am just thrilled you and your family enjoyed. And what a great idea to serve with ice cream for dessert. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.