Description
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a warm, wholesome breakfast that combines rolled oats with tender apples, warming cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. Baked to golden perfection, it features a delightful balance of natural sweetness from maple syrup and a comforting texture that’s perfect for busy mornings or hearty brunches.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Mix-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 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 the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, melted butter or coconut oil, lightly beaten egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry oat mixture. Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a good texture.
- Add Apples and Nuts: Fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts or pecans if using, evenly distributing them throughout the oatmeal mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the complete oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the top with brown sugar if you desire a lightly sweet, caramelized crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 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: Let the baked oatmeal cool slightly before slicing and serving to enhance the flavors and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan alternative and subtle tropical flavor.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch but are optional.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the maple syrup and brown sugar amounts.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cinnamon baked oatmeal, baked oatmeal recipe, healthy breakfast, oatmeal with apples, maple syrup oatmeal, cinnamon oat bake
