Description
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a warm, hearty, and wholesome breakfast perfect for chilly mornings. Made with rolled oats, fresh apples, warming spices, and a touch of natural sweetness, it bakes to a golden, comforting dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. Easily customizable with nuts and different milk options, it’s an ideal make-ahead meal to start your day off right.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins and Toppings
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup, melted butter (or coconut oil), egg, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold the diced apples and chopped nuts into the oatmeal mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the top with brown sugar if using, to add a slight caramelized crunch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set, golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before serving to let it set further and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Use rolled oats for best texture; instant oats can result in a mushier dish.
- Non-dairy milk options like almond, oat, or soy milk work well for dairy-free or vegan adaptations (replace egg accordingly).
- Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutrition, or leave them out for a nut-free version.
- Substitute brown sugar topping with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for sweetness after baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated with a splash of milk to freshen them.
