Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake: The Perfect Healthy Recipe
Introduction
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a warm, wholesome way to start your day. Packed with oats, fresh apples, and cozy spices, it’s both nutritious and delicious. Perfect for busy mornings or a comforting weekend brunch.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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) – optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Prepare the apple topping by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples into 1/2-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Toss well and set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), eggs, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
- Step 6: Gently fold in the chopped nuts, raisins or dried cranberries, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips if using.
- Step 7: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
- Step 8: Arrange the apple topping evenly over the oatmeal base.
- Step 9: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 10: Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the bake to set.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet topping.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or leave out nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra warmth and spice.
- Drizzle extra maple syrup or honey on top when serving for added sweetness.
- Make it vegan by using plant-based milk, replacing eggs with flax eggs, and using vegan butter or coconut oil.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until warm. This bake also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bake the night before and refrigerate it. Simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the mixture will be cold going into the oven.
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
It’s best to use rolled oats as they hold their texture and absorb moisture properly. Instant oats may become mushy and alter the bake’s consistency.
Print
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake: The Perfect Healthy Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a wholesome and delicious healthy breakfast option that combines rolled oats, warm spices, and fresh apples topped with a lightly sweetened apple topping. Perfectly baked to golden brown, it’s a comforting and nutritious way to start your day with natural sweetness and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Oatmeal Base
- 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
- 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) to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking.
- Prepare the Apple Topping: Peel, core, and dice the apples into 1/2-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Toss well to coat evenly, then set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), lightly beaten eggs, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, making sure not to overmix to keep the texture light.
- Add Optional Mix-Ins: If using, gently fold in chopped nuts, raisins or dried cranberries, and shredded coconut to the oatmeal mixture.
- Assemble the Bake: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Add Apple Topping: Evenly arrange the prepared apple mixture on top of the oatmeal base.
- Bake: Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup according to your preference.
- Use dairy or plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk to keep it vegan or dairy-free.
- For gluten-free, ensure oats used are certified gluten-free.
- Add chocolate chips right before baking if you want them to melt slightly; otherwise, sprinkle on top after baking for texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Oatmeal breakfast bake, healthy apple bake, baked oatmeal recipe, gluten-free breakfast, apple cinnamon breakfast
