The Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is the epitome of cozy comfort, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baked apples and warm spices while packing a wholesome punch that keeps you satisfied all morning long. Imagine tender oats, juicy apple chunks, and a hint of cinnamon all mingling together in one golden, hearty square—that’s this dish! Whether you’re looking for meal prep magic or simply want a breakfast that feels like a treat, this bake delivers crowd-pleasing flavor with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake works together to deliver the perfect balance of creamy oats, gentle sweetness, soft apples, and a satisfying texture. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each item essential (and a few swaps if you’re feeling creative!).
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Offer a hearty texture that stands up beautifully to baking and soaks up flavor from the spices and milk.
- Walnuts (optional): Add a lovely crunch and earthy depth—swap for pecans or skip for nut-free!
- Baking powder: Gives the bake a light lift, ensuring it isn’t too dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Warms up every bite and is absolutely classic alongside apples.
- Ground nutmeg: Provides a hint of spice for extra complexity and cozy vibes.
- Salt: Brightens and balances all the sweet and warm notes.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Makes the bake creamy—try almond, oat, or dairy, depending on your mood or dietary needs.
- Maple syrup or honey: Delivers natural sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
- Eggs: Bind everything together for that perfectly sliceable texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds soft sweetness and really ties the flavors together.
- Melted butter or coconut oil: Lends richness; coconut oil works for a dairy-free version, while butter brings indulgence.
- Apples: The star—pick sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best balance.
- Raisins or dried cranberries (optional): Give bursts of chewy sweetness in every bite.
How to Make Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish—this keeps the bake from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! While the oven heats up, you can gather and prep all your ingredients so the rest comes together seamlessly.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, walnuts (if using), baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing the dry components first ensures the baking powder and spices get distributed evenly, so every spoonful tastes just right.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, maple syrup (or honey), eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter or coconut oil. Whisk until everything’s well-blended—this step helps the eggs and syrup disperse evenly, giving your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake its signature moist, tender crumb.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Pour the wet mixture over your bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until everything is combined—don’t worry if it looks a little runny at this point! Fold in the diced apples and raisins or cranberries if you’re adding them. The apples release their juice and plump up with flavor as the bake cooks.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer your oat mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula. Slide the dish onto the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. Watch for a golden top and a set center—those are your cues that breakfast is ready. Let it cool for 10 minutes before digging in so it holds its shape beautifully when sliced.
How to Serve Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
Garnishes
Dress up your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Sliced fresh apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a scattering of extra nuts give a little more flair to each serving.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded morning meal, serve this bake with a side of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fruit salad. Pair with your favorite morning beverage—a mug of hot coffee or a chai latte would make it a feast to remember.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Cut your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake into thick wedges and stack them parfait-style in jars with yogurt and berries. Or portion it into muffin tins for grab-and-go bites—kids and grownups alike love these fun, handheld servings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days. Store slices in an airtight container—whether for busy weekday mornings or a speedy snack, it reheats like a dream.
Freezing
If you’re a plan-ahead breakfast fan, this recipe is a lifesaver. Let the baked oatmeal cool completely, cut it into squares, and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the portions in a zip-top freezer bag, and you’ll have wholesome breakfasts on hand for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat, just pop a square in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the eggs for flax eggs and use your favorite plant-based milk and coconut oil. The result is just as delicious and perfectly moist, with all the sweet cinnamon-apple goodness you love.
What kind of apples work best?
Semi-tart, crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape and give a lovely balance of sweet and tart in every bite. Choose whatever looks best at your market or mix up a couple varieties for more flavor depth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just be sure to choose certified gluten-free oats. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake a safe and flavorful option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I add other fruits or swaps?
Definitely! Try diced pears, blueberries, or raspberries for a twist, or mix in dried fruit and other nuts to match your taste and the seasons. The bake is incredibly flexible, so make it your own.
Can I prep this the night before?
Yes, you can! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, it’s ready to bake—just allow a few extra minutes in the oven if it goes in cold.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake—it wraps simplicity, comfort, and a hint of special-occasion luxury into every bite. Whether you serve it to guests or your weekday self, this crowd-pleaser promises to start your morning on a delicious note. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your breakfast rotation!
Print
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a delightful and wholesome way to start your day. Filled with oats, apples, and warm spices, it’s a comforting and nutritious breakfast option that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons 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 or honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, walnuts, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Combine ingredients: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stir until combined, fold in apples and raisins.
- Bake: Pour mixture into baking dish, spread evenly, bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use flax eggs and plant-based milk.
- You can swap apples for pears or add berries for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
