INTRODUCTION
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a warm, cozy dish that makes mornings simple. It mixes old-fashioned oats with milk, eggs, sweet maple syrup, and fresh apple. The bake cooks in one dish. It fills the kitchen with a sweet, spiced smell. This breakfast is gentle on the stomach. It feeds a family or makes several meals for one person. You can make it the night before and reheat it in the morning. It is a good mix of fiber, protein, and fruit. You can change nuts, milk, or sweetener to fit your needs. The recipe is easy and forgiving. Even new cooks can make it with little stress.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is simple, healthy, and flexible. It uses pantry staples like oats, eggs, and cinnamon. You only need one bowl and one dish. It bakes while you get ready for the day. The apple adds natural sweetness and texture. The bake is soft but slightly crisp on top. It keeps well in the fridge for quick reheats. You can make it dairy-free with almond milk. You can make it nut-free by leaving out the walnuts. It works for busy mornings, meal prep, and a casual weekend brunch. The smell of apple and cinnamon will make the house feel warm and calm.
HOW TO MAKE Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
This recipe is simple to follow. You mix the wet ingredients, stir in the oats and spices, fold in apples, and bake. You do not need fancy skills. The bake will firm up as it cools. You can slice it like bread or scoop it into bowls. Use a dish that fits the amount so the center cooks through. If you want a crisp top, bake a little longer or broil for a minute while watching it. Below you will find the exact ingredients and the full step-by-step instructions.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife (for the apple)
- 8×8 or similar baking dish, greased
- Spatula or spoon to spread the mix
- Oven, set to 350°F (175°C)
- Cooling rack (optional)
Ingredients You’ll Need :
2 cups old-fashioned oats, 1 ½ cups milk (or almond milk for dairy-free), 1 large apple, diced, 2 eggs, ¼ cup maple syrup or honey, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish., Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract., Stir in oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt., Fold in diced apples and nuts (if using)., Bake:
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly., Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set., Serve:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, or refrigerate and reheat for a quick breakfast.
HOW TO SERVE Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
Serve this bake warm for the best texture. Cut it into squares and place on plates. Add a dollop of yogurt or a splash of milk. Drizzle with extra maple syrup or honey if you like it sweeter. For a richer option, add a pat of butter or a spoon of nut butter. Top with fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon. You can serve it with coffee or tea for a light meal. For a fuller meal, add a side of scrambled eggs or a piece of toast.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds or in a warm oven until heated through. To freeze, wrap single portions in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, or reheat from frozen at low heat with a cover to prevent drying.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Top with plain or vanilla yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Add fresh berries or banana slices for extra fruit.
- Sprinkle toasted oats or granola for crunch.
- Serve with warm milk or a splash of cream for a softer bite.
- Add a spoon of nut butter for protein and richness.
- Pair with a side of cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for more protein.
VARIATIONS
- Dairy-free: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. Use maple syrup to keep it vegan if you skip eggs and use a flax egg or commercially available egg replacer.
- Nut-free: Skip the walnuts or pecans. Add sunflower seeds instead if you want crunch.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant milk. Add a little extra baking powder for lift.
- Apple-cinnamon: Add extra cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper spice flavor.
- Apple-raisins: Add 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness.
- Pumpkin-spiced: Swap half the apple for 1/2 cup pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice.
- Savory: Reduce the sweetener and add grated cheese, herbs, and cooked vegetables for a savory oat bake.
FAQ
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
A: You can. Quick oats will make the bake softer and less chewy. The texture will be different but still good.
Q: Do I have to peel the apple?
A: No. You can leave the skin on for more fiber. Dice the apple small if you want a softer bite.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats. Make sure other ingredients are gluten-free as needed.
Q: How do I know when the bake is done?
A: The top should be golden and the center set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Q: Can I add more fruit?
A: Yes. Add berries or sliced pears. If the fruit is very wet, reduce the milk by a couple of tablespoons.
Q: Is this recipe good for kids?
A: Yes. Kids like the mild sweet taste and soft texture. Cut it into small pieces for little hands.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger baking dish and add a few more minutes to the bake time. Check the center with a toothpick.
Q: What if I want it sweeter?
A: Add extra maple syrup, honey, or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top before baking.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
- Night before: Mix everything and cover the baking dish. Keep it in the fridge overnight and bake in the morning. Add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if baking cold from the fridge.
- Fully baked ahead: Bake the dish, cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven. This saves time on busy mornings.
- Portion and freeze: Bake, cool, slice, and freeze portions. Reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
- Prep dry mix: Mix the dry ingredients (oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt) and store in a jar. Add wet ingredients and apple when ready to bake.
Conclusion
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake gives you a warm, simple start to the day. It uses common ingredients and one baking dish. You can make it to suit many diets and tastes. For ideas and variations on apple baked oatmeal, see a classic take at Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal | Mel’s Kitchen Cafe and another easy version at Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal | Kara Lydon. Try one of these links for more tips and flavor ideas.
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Fold in diced apples and nuts (if using).
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, or refrigerate and reheat for a quick breakfast.