Description
Warm apple, cozy oats, and a hint of cinnamon — what’s not to love? This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a wholesome, stick-to-your-ribs morning option that’s perfect for lazy weekends or for prepping breakfasts ahead of a hectic week. It’s rich in fiber and has enough protein to keep you full until lunch. Want it to feel fancy for guests or simple for a grab-and-go morning? This recipe does both, effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1½ cups milk (use almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1 large apple, peeled or unpeeled, diced
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat the oven & prep the dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking pan (a 9×9-inch dish works great).
2. Whisk the wet ingredients
In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla until smooth.
3. Combine the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir the oats with the baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Toss in the nuts if you’re using them.
4. Bring it all together
Pour the wet mix over the oats and stir until everything is moistened. Fold in the diced apples so they’re evenly distributed.
5. Bake
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and level the top. Bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until the surface turns golden and the center is set.
6. Cool & serve
Let the bake rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm straight from the pan, topped with yogurt, a drizzle of syrup, or eaten plain.
Notes
- Notes & Variations
- Vegan swap: Use plant milk and replace the eggs with flax “eggs” (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2½ tbsp water per egg; let sit 5 minutes).
- Gluten-free: Choose certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats.
- Fruit swaps: Pears, mixed berries, or chopped peaches all work — pick what’s in season.
- Toppings: Try a spoonful of Greek yogurt, a dusting of extra cinnamon, nut butter, or a sprinkle of granola.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or warm in a low oven.
- Freezing: Cool completely, cut into portions, wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Quick tips
- Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture — they bake into a lovely chew without turning mushy.
- If your apples are very tart, a touch more maple syrup will balance the flavor.
- Don’t overbake; the center should be set but still a little soft when you take it out — it firms up as it cools.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 222 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg