Description
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a wholesome and comforting dish perfect for a healthy morning start. Featuring rolled oats, fresh apples, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup, it bakes into a deliciously soft and flavorful treat. Topped with optional crunchy walnuts, this recipe is easy to prepare and serves six, making it ideal for family breakfasts or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Topping
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped apples, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. Stir these ingredients thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is fully combined and the oats are evenly coated with the liquid mixture.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the combined mixture into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Sprinkle Topping: If desired, evenly sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top of the mixture to add crunch and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The bake is done when the oats are set and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the oatmeal bake to cool for a few minutes. This helps it set further and makes it easier to cut into squares.
- Serve: Cut into portions and serve warm for a delicious, nutritious breakfast.
Notes
- You can substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy-free alternative for a vegan version (omit eggs or replace with flax eggs accordingly).
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or using a sugar substitute if preferred.
- Walnuts add a nice crunch and extra nutrition but can be omitted or replaced with other nuts or seeds.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated before serving.
- To make this recipe vegan, replace eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 minutes).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American