Baked Oatmeal with Apples Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, crave-worthy breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Baked Oatmeal with Apples is about to become your new morning favorite. Warmly spiced, gently sweet, and delightfully textured with tender apples and crunchy pecans, every spoonful tastes like autumn comfort—any time of year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Baked Oatmeal with Apples is so wonderfully simple, but don’t underestimate what each one brings! Every element plays a starring role in flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden top.

• Old-fashioned rolled oats: These are the key for hearty, chewy texture; quick oats will turn mushy, so don’t swap them in.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a gentle, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the apples and spices.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans: For craveable crunch in every bite; divide them to get both a nutty filling and a toasted topping.
• Raisins: These little gems plump up in the oven, offering delightful pops of sweetness and chewy texture.
• Baking powder: Just a touch lifts the oatmeal for a soft, sliceable bake.
• Cinnamon: The heart of this recipe—fragrant, warm, and comforting, it makes everything taste like fall.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and wakes up all the flavors (don’t skip it!).
• Large eggs: Keep the bake cohesive and add a hint of richness.
• Milk: Makes things creamy without feeling heavy; dairy or your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk will both work.
• Vanilla extract: Just enough to round out the aromatic, bakery-style flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for the batter plus a bit extra for greasing the baking dish—hello, golden edges!
• Apples (such as Honey Crisp): The stars of the show—use tart yet sweet baking apples for the perfect balance of juicy and crisp.

Variations

The best thing about Baked Oatmeal with Apples is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you’re working with what’s on hand or catering to dietary needs, you have so many delicious ways to tweak this cozy classic.

• Berry Burst: Swap out the apples for fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or even a medley for a summery twist.
• Nut-Free Version: Leave out the nuts for allergy-friendly oatmeal, and consider adding sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Dairy-Free/Plant-Based: Use unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk and vegan butter to keep it creamy and rich.
• Apple-Pear Harmony: Mix in diced pear along with the apples for a delicate, juicy upgrade to the flavor profile.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, clove, or ginger for an extra-warming kick alongside the cinnamon.

How to Make Baked Oatmeal with Apples

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F—low and slow helps the oatmeal set gently. Grab your favorite 8 or 9-inch baking dish and give it a generous swipe of melted butter, paying special attention to those corners. Then, peel your apples and cut them into bite-sized ½-inch cubes; these chunks will soften into jammy perfection, while still keeping a bit of their structure.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, half of the chosen nuts, raisins, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well so everything is evenly distributed—this way, every bite of Baked Oatmeal with Apples will be packed with flavor and texture.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, break the eggs and whisk until smooth. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until the mixture is completely blended. This ensures a custardy, slightly creamy consistency in your finished oatmeal bake.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the milk-and-egg mixture into the bowl of oats. Add the melted butter, then stir until all the oats are moistened and everything looks evenly combined. You’ll notice the batter looks pourable, not stiff, which is exactly what you want.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Scatter the diced apples evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour the oat mixture on top, smoothing it out with a spatula. Finish with a generous sprinkle of the reserved chopped nuts for that irresistible toasty crunch. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the oatmeal is set with just the slightest jiggle in the center.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let the bake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together for those perfect squares or hearty spoonfuls. Baked Oatmeal with Apples is wonderful warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature—making it a fabulous choice for meal prep or leisurely weekend mornings.

How to Serve Baked Oatmeal with Apples

Garnishes

Baked Oatmeal with Apples welcomes all sorts of playful toppings. Try a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or a scattering of fresh berries for beautiful pops of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Make your breakfast even more special by pairing Baked Oatmeal with Apples with crisp bacon, a platter of fresh fruit, or a simple green smoothie. For brunch gatherings, a side of scrambled eggs adds a lovely savory touch to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop your oatmeal into little ramekins for a dinner party-worthy dessert, or slice into bars for lunch boxes and grab-and-go mornings. For a festive brunch, top each square with a dollop of softly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover Baked Oatmeal with Apples tightly and store it in the fridge. It will stay moist and delightful for up to 5 days—making breakfast a breeze all week long!

Freezing

Baked Oatmeal with Apples is freezer-friendly! After cooling, wrap portions individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or gently reheat straight from the freezer for busy mornings.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or warm several servings in a covered dish in a 325°F oven until heated through. For extra freshness, add a splash of milk before reheating to keep each serving moist and creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Baked Oatmeal with Apples, let this be the recipe that wins you over. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just a little morning self-care, you’ll love how easy, comforting, and absolutely delicious it is. Cozy up with a warm piece and enjoy every cinnamon-kissed, apple-studded bite—you deserve it!

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