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, warming spices, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup and applesauce, it’s a deliciously balanced breakfast that’s easy to prepare and bakes to a golden perfection. Topped with cinnamon-coated apples and optional nuts or dried fruit, this recipe offers a delightful texture and flavor combination that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Oatmeal Base
- 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
- 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 preferred 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) to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature while you prepare the ingredients.
- Prepare the Apple Topping: Peel, core, and dice the apples into 1/2-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples with brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until well coated. Set aside to infuse flavors.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the milk, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), lightly beaten eggs, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bake tender.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If using nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips, fold them gently into the oatmeal mixture now.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Next, evenly distribute the prepared apple topping over the oatmeal base.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for 10-15 minutes to set before slicing and serving warm for a nourishing breakfast.
Notes
- Use your favorite baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for tartness that balances the sweetness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and replace butter with coconut oil.
- Adjust sweetness by using honey or maple syrup according to taste.
- Optional add-ins like nuts, raisins, coconut, or chocolate chips add texture and extra flavor but can be omitted for a simpler bake.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat before serving.
- This dish can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
