If you’re searching for a warm, comforting breakfast that’s as wholesome as it is delicious, this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender oats infused with cozy cinnamon and nutmeg, baked alongside sweet, cinnamon-coated apples that soften beautifully in the oven. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between nourishing and indulgent, making it an ideal way to start any day with that just-baked aroma filling your kitchen and a plate full of hearty goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this recipe lies in its simplicity and carefully chosen ingredients, each bringing something special to the table—from the creamy moisture of applesauce to the warm notes of spices and the delightful texture of nuts and dried fruit. Together, they create a beautifully balanced breakfast that’s both inviting and satisfying.
- Rolled oats (3 cups): The heart of the bake, providing a chewy and wholesome texture without the mushiness of instant oats.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon) and baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): These leavening agents give the bake just enough lift and fluffiness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon) and nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Classic spices that add warm, comforting aromas and depth of flavor.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Milk, dairy or non-dairy (1 1/2 cups): Adds creaminess and moisture; feel free to use your favorite plant-based option.
- Unsweetened applesauce (1/2 cup): Keeps the bake moist and brings subtle apple sweetness.
- Maple syrup or honey (1/4 cup): Natural sweetness that complements the fruit and spices perfectly.
- Eggs (2 large, lightly beaten): Bind everything together while adding richness.
- Melted coconut oil or butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a gentle richness and helps the bake develop a lovely golden crust.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a fragrant note to the overall flavor.
- Apples (2 medium, peeled, cored, and diced): Choose baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balance of tart and sweet.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the apple topping and aids in caramelization.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon): Added to the apples for richness and a silky finish.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Sprinkled on the apple topping for extra warmth.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup): Provide crunch and nutty flavor.
- Raisins or dried cranberries (1/2 cup): Add chewy bursts of sweetness and tartness.
- Shredded coconut (1/4 cup): Optional, for a tropical twist and texture variation.
- Chocolate chips: Feel free to sprinkle your favorite type for an indulgent touch.
How to Make Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Apple Topping
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While it warms up, peel, core, and dice your apples into half-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, toss these diced apples with brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. This delightful mixture will become the sweet, tender topping that perfectly complements the hearty oatmeal base.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This blend forms the flavorful, textured foundation of the bake, ensuring each bite has that irresistible combination of hearty grains and warm spice.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk your milk, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), lightly beaten eggs, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture provides the moisture and sweetness that makes the bake tender while binding the oats beautifully.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the oats to remain slightly distinct to get that pleasing texture. This is the point where you can fold in any optional add-ins like nuts, raisins, or shredded coconut for added flavor complexity and texture.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared dish and spread it out smoothly. Then, lavishly distribute your prepared apple topping over the oatmeal base. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes to set up perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this breakfast bake to a whole new level. Try sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts right before serving to add crunch and aroma. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream also adds an indulgent creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the apples and oats.
Side Dishes
This bake stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with fresh fruit like berries or a crisp green salad can brighten up the plate. For something savory alongside, crispy bacon or sausage provide a lovely contrast to the sweet and spiced flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming breakfast gathering, serve this bake in individual ramekins or muffin tins for perfectly portioned helpings. You can also layer it with yogurt and honey in a glass for a layered parfait style presentation. The warm, inviting colors and aromas make any serving style a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover oatmeal apple breakfast bake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. It tastes just as wonderful chilled or warmed up, so it’s perfect for grab-and-go mornings or an easy snack.
Freezing
You can freeze the bake for up to 2 months by wrapping it tightly or storing it in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy later, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired. Freezing is a fantastic way to stock up and save time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 60 seconds or until heated through. For a crispier top, you can reheat it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 10-15 minutes. A little extra maple syrup or butter melting on top after reheating is always a treat.
FAQs
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
While instant oats might cook faster, they tend to make the bake mushier and less textured. Rolled oats give you the perfect chew and hold up better during baking, so it’s best to stick with them for this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, substitute eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, and swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. The applesauce and maple syrup keep it naturally sweet and moist.
Can I add other fruits besides apples?
Yes! Pears, peaches, or even berries can be mixed into the bake or used as a topping. Just be mindful that fruits with higher water content may affect the bake’s texture slightly.
How do I know when the bake is done?
Look for a golden brown top and an internal texture that feels set, not liquidy. The simplest check is to insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with maybe a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
Can I prepare this bake the night before?
Definitely. You can assemble the oat mixture and apple topping separately and store them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, layer and bake fresh for a warm breakfast without the morning rush.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of baking apples and spices filling your home, and this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe delivers that comfort in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome family breakfast or a delicious dish to impress overnight guests, this bake brings warmth, flavor, and nourishment together effortlessly. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it transforms your mornings into moments worth savoring.
Print
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a wholesome, hearty, and delicious baked oatmeal recipe perfect for a healthy start to your day. With a comforting blend of rolled oats, warming spices, sweet apples, and optional mix-ins like nuts and dried fruit, it offers a cozy texture and nourishing flavors. Easy to prepare and great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping, this breakfast bake combines nutrition and taste effortlessly.
Ingredients
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 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) – optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the oatmeal breakfast dish.
- Prepare the Apple Topping: Peel, core, and dice apples into 1/2-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon. Toss well until the apples are evenly coated, then set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, ensuring the dry ingredients are well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk (dairy or non-dairy), 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 ingredients mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined, taking care not to overmix for the best texture.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: If using, gently fold in any optional add-ins like chopped nuts, raisins or dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or oil. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
- Add Apple Topping: Evenly distribute the prepared apple topping mixture over the oatmeal base in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven 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 before slicing and serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use rolled oats for best texture; instant oats will make the bake too mushy.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Adjust the sweetness by using more or less maple syrup or honey according to taste.
- Feel free to swap apples with pears or berries for a different flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat before serving.
- This bake is freezer-friendly; freeze in portions for quick breakfasts.
