Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
The Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake brings together sweet apples, cozy spices, and hearty oats for a deliciously wholesome dish that transforms your morning routine. Warm, aromatic, and ever-so-comforting, this bake is simple to whip up and doubles beautifully as a make-ahead breakfast for busy weekdays or a festive treat for a slow Sunday. With its irresistible combination of tender apples and golden baked oats, every bite promises pure satisfaction (and maybe a little nostalgia, too). If you haven’t yet fallen in love with breakfast bakes, this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake will definitely win you over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is delightfully simple, and each one plays a unique part in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and comforting aromas in this breakfast bake. You’ll find that every item, from the oats to the apples, has its essential role in making this dish irresistible.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Provide hearty texture and soak up all the delicious flavors, creating the tender base of your bake.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers that essential cozy warmth and classic apple spice blend.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle, earthy depth that complements the sweetness of the apples.
- Baking powder: Ensures your breakfast bake is light, tender, and rises just enough.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor in the dish.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Keeps the oats creamy and brings all the ingredients together in a custardy embrace.
- Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweetness with extra character; choose your favorite and enjoy the gentle difference it makes.
- Eggs: Bind everything together so your bake holds its shape after slicing.
- Vanilla extract: Brings an irresistible aroma and just a touch of luxurious flavor.
- Melted coconut oil or butter: Adds richness and just the right amount of moisture.
- Apples (peeled, cored, and diced): The star of the show, offering sweetness, tartness, and juicy bites throughout.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a lovely bit of crunch and nutty flavor, especially delicious if lightly toasted beforehand.
How to Make Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your mixture is ready to bake. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch (or similar size) baking dish with a little extra coconut oil or butter—this ensures your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake will pop out of the dish with ease and get those perfectly crispy edges.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these together ensures every bite has even flavor and that your spices wake up those apples.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup or honey, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil or butter. You want this mixture to be silky smooth and fully blended, as it will soak into the oats and apples for the perfect bake.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Pour your wet mixture into the dry oat mixture and stir until everything is beautifully combined. Then, gently fold in the diced apples and nuts if you’re using them. You’ll see the colors and textures start to come to life—this is when your kitchen starts to smell amazing, even before baking.
Step 5: Pour, Spread, and Bake
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Slide the dish onto the center rack of your oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks golden brown and set, and your kitchen is wafting with gorgeous aroma. Let it cool slightly—it firms up as it rests—then slice and serve warm for the coziest morning treat.
How to Serve Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
Garnishes
Dress up your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of cinnamon, or a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt. Sliced apples, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or even a handful of fresh berries turn each serving into a treat you’ll be excited to dig into. These little flourishes add extra flair in both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Keep breakfast effortless by pairing a warm square of this bake with a side of scrambled eggs or a scoop of cottage cheese for added protein. If you’re hosting brunch, serve it with a crisp green salad, fresh fruit, or a mug of strong coffee. The bake’s gentle sweetness works with so many of your favorite breakfast sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut your bake into bite-size squares and stack them as mini breakfast sandwiches with yogurt and berries between the layers. Serve individual portions in ramekins for guests, or top each slice with a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt for an impromptu dessert. The versatile nature of Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake means you can dress it up for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When you find yourself with extra Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake, let it cool completely before wrapping or storing in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it a great grab-and-go breakfast option for busy mornings. Just slice, reheat, and enjoy!
Freezing
This bake freezes beautifully. Once cooled, cut it into portions and wrap each serving tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a cozy breakfast, thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost gently in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual pieces for 30-45 seconds until warm. If you’re reheating a larger batch, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. A little drizzle of milk before reheating can help refresh the bake’s tender texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite plant-based milk—almond, oat, or soy all work perfectly. The texture and flavor will turn out just as lovely and comforting as the traditional version.
What apples are best for this recipe?
Both tart and sweet apples shine here. Try crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith for a zingy contrast, or sweeter ones like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a gentle sweetness. You can also mix different types for extra flavor complexity.
Can I substitute other fruits or mix-ins?
Definitely! This bake is wonderfully adaptable. Sub in pears for the apples, toss in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries, or try chopped dates for extra sweetness. You can also add seeds or switch up the nuts for your own personalized twist.
Is Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, yes! Just be sure to double-check that your baking powder and any other mix-ins are gluten-free, too.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you sure can. Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. The bake time will be about the same, though you may want to add a couple of extra minutes and check that the center is fully set before removing from the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a breakfast that feels both nourishing and indulgent, I can’t recommend the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake enough. It’s easy to customize and even easier to love, whether you’re serving a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy morning moment. Give it a try—you just might find your new breakfast favorite!
Print
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a delightful and nutritious way to start your day. Filled with hearty oats, sweet apples, and warm spices, it’s a satisfying breakfast that can be made ahead for busy mornings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 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 coconut oil or butter
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch or similar baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil.
- Combine and bake: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Fold in the diced apples and nuts if using. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- This bake is delicious served warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the microwave.
- You can substitute pears for apples or add raisins for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
