Description
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a wholesome and comforting breakfast dish that combines hearty rolled oats with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples. Packed with nutritious ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, and the natural sweetness of maple syrup, this bake is perfect for a healthy start to your day. It’s easy to prepare, baked to perfection, and serves a large group with delicious, fiber-rich goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 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
Wet Ingredients
- 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) as desired
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the dish.
- Prepare the Apple Topping: Peel, core, and dice the apples into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss the diced apples with brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until they are evenly coated. Set this mixture aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them together to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), beaten eggs, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract to create a smooth mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If you are using nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips, fold them carefully into the oatmeal mixture now.
- Assemble the Bake: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the dish and spread it evenly to form a smooth layer.
- Top with Apples: Evenly distribute the prepared apple topping over the surface of the oatmeal base.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the breakfast bake to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to let it set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the milk with any plant-based milk to keep it dairy-free.
- For added sweetness, feel free to drizzle extra maple syrup before serving.
- The bake can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated for a quick breakfast.
- Use your favorite baking apples for different flavor profiles; tart apples work best to balance sweetness.
- Optional add-ins like nuts and dried fruits add texture but can be omitted for a simpler bake.
