If you’re on the lookout for a breakfast that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, you’ll fall head over heels for this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake. Imagine sweet, juicy apples tucked into hearty oats, all gently baked until golden and lightly spiced with cinnamon. The irresistible aroma alone will lure sleepyheads out of bed! Best of all, this one-bowl wonder is brimming with nourishing ingredients that energize you for the day ahead. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal-prepping for the week, the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is about to become your new morning ritual.

Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake lies in its simplicity: every ingredient brings something special to the table. With just a few pantry staples and a crisp apple, you’ll create a breakfast that tastes like pure comfort. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Old-fashioned oats: Deliver a hearty, chewy base that bakes up perfectly and keeps you satisfied for hours.
Milk (or almond milk): Adds creaminess and helps the oats become tender; almond milk is a fantastic dairy-free option!
Large apple, diced: Brings sweetness, moisture, and lovely pops of tartness in every bite.
Eggs: Bind the bake together, ensuring it slices cleanly and has a custardy texture.
Maple syrup or honey: Offers beautiful natural sweetness and a touch of warm, caramel-like flavor.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the bake with cozy aroma and classic bakery notes.
Cinnamon: Deepens the apple flavor and brings irresistible warmth to the whole dish.
Baking powder: Provides gentle lift, keeping everything light and pleasantly fluffy.
Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and pull all the flavors together.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add delightful crunch and nutty richness to the top or mixed throughout.

How to Make Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite baking dish—an 8-inch square or similar is perfect—and give it a good grease. This step prevents sticking and guarantees you’ll enjoy every delicious bite with an easy cleanup after. Prepping first keeps you organized and relaxed as you move through the quick steps ahead.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Whisking at this stage ensures everything is well-blended and sets an extra-creamy foundation for your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake. The gentle sweetness and aroma start to build already!

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Now, stir in those old-fashioned oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. The oats begin soaking up flavor, while the cinnamon gives the whole mixture that irresistible apple pie vibe. Mixing the dry ingredients together at this point helps distribute the baking powder and cinnamon evenly for best results.

Step 4: Fold in Apples and Nuts

Time for the stars of the show! Gently fold in your chopped apples and, if you like a little crunch, a handful of walnuts or pecans. The apples will tenderize as they bake, delivering bursts of sweetness and keeping every bite juicy and moist. If nuts aren’t your thing, feel free to skip or add some dried cranberries for a sweet-tart twist.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Pour your oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is ready when the top turns golden and the center feels set when gently pressed. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, let the bake cool for at least five minutes. This short rest helps everything firm up—making it easier to slice and ensuring the flavors come together beautifully. Enjoy it warm, or cool completely and save it for later when you need a quick, wholesome bite!

How to Serve Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake

Garnishes

For the prettiest presentation, sprinkle on a little more cinnamon, a dusting of powdered sugar, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup. Fresh apple slices or a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt on top turn this breakfast into something truly special. Don’t forget a scatter of toasted nuts if you want to add crunch and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake with a cool glass of milk, a piping hot mug of coffee, or a medley of fresh berries for a colorful breakfast spread. If you’re hosting brunch, a side of scrambled eggs or crispy bacon rounds things out with extra protein and savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bake into cute bars for on-the-go mornings, or layering warm squares into parfait glasses with yogurt and granola for a show-stopping brunch treat. If your crowd loves customization, serve the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake family-style with bowls of toppings—think honey, nut butter, berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a breakfast-dessert hybrid!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake keeps incredibly well. Just cover your baking dish with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer slices to an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge, and you’ll have breakfast sorted for up to 5 days. The texture stays moist and satisfying even after chilling!

Freezing

If you want to make the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake ahead for busy mornings, slice it into portions and wrap each tightly in parchment and foil. Store them in a freezer bag, and you’ll have delicious homemade breakfasts ready to grab and go for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight for best texture.

Reheating

Nothing beats the taste of this breakfast bake warmed up. Microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds, or reheat larger batches in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. For an extra-indulgent touch, drizzle with a bit more maple syrup and enjoy your breakfast fresh and cozy.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

You can use quick oats in a pinch, but the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake will be a bit less hearty and have a softer, more pudding-like texture. For the best chewy bite and structure, old-fashioned oats are recommended!

What kind of apples work best?

Any firm, sweet-tart apple shines here—think Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala. Mixing two varieties gives even more flavor depth. Softer apples, like Red Delicious, may turn mushy after baking, so stick with crisp types for best results.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Great news: Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats, the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is perfectly gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check oat packaging if allergies are a concern.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use your favorite dairy-free milk and maple syrup. The result will still be super tasty and satisfying.

How do I keep the bake from sticking to the pan?

Generously greasing your baking dish is the key—use butter, coconut oil, or a non-stick spray. For extra assurance, you can even line the bottom with parchment paper for easy lifting and perfect slices every time.

Final Thoughts

This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is more than just a recipe—it’s a delicious start to any morning, guaranteed to please a crowd or add joy to your solo breakfast routine. Wholesome, simple, and wildly adaptable, it’s truly the breakfast I return to again and again. You’ve got to give this one a try—your mornings will thank you!

Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a wholesome and delicious way to start your day. Packed with oats, apples, and nuts, it’s a hearty breakfast option that can be made ahead of time for busy mornings.

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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American