Name: Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned oats; 1 ½ cups milk (or almond milk for dairy-free); 1 large apple, diced; 2 eggs; ¼ cup maple syrup or honey; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, wholesome breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, let me introduce you to the delightful Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake. This dish brings together the comforting chew of oats, the natural sweetness of fresh apples, and a touch of cinnamon spice, all baked into a golden, satisfying casserole. It’s simple enough for busy mornings but special enough to make you look forward to breakfast time. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, this bake is a fantastic way to start your day on a healthy and delicious note.

Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake plays a key role, coming together to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the hearty oats to the fragrant cinnamon, each element transforms simple pantry staples into something truly scrumptious.

Old-fashioned oats: The base that provides chewy texture and wholesome fiber to keep you full.
Milk or almond milk: Adds creaminess and helps bind the bake together while keeping it moist.
Large apple, diced: Bursts of sweet-tart flavor and a tender, juicy bite throughout the casserole.
Eggs: Essential for structure, giving the bake a nice, firm set without weighing it down.
Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweetness that complements the apples and cinnamon beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, fragrant notes.
Cinnamon: Adds that classic comforting spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
Baking powder: Gives a slight rise for a light, tender texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and a nutty depth to the bake.

How to Make Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to ensure your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly clean. I love using a 9×9 inch dish for this recipe, which lets the bake cook evenly with a golden crust on top.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy. This mixture is what brings moisture and sweetness to the bake, creating that tender, custard-like texture once it’s baked.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

To the wet mixture, stir in your oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give everything a good mix to make sure the oats are fully coated and the spices are evenly distributed, setting the stage for flavorful bites throughout.

Step 4: Fold in the Apples and Nuts

Gently fold in the diced apples along with the chopped walnuts or pecans if you’re using them. The apples will soften and release their natural juices while baking, adding moist bursts of flavor, and the nuts provide a welcome crunch contrast.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns a lovely golden brown and the center sets firm. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake cool for about five minutes before slicing. This allows it to firm up slightly for cleaner slices and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy it warm, or save it for later – both ways are delicious!

How to Serve Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra maple syrup takes this breakfast bake to the next level. For an added touch, sprinkle some extra cinnamon or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for creaminess and a tangy contrast to the sweet apples.

Side Dishes

This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit on the side, like berries or orange slices, which add brightness and freshness. A cup of your favorite coffee or tea rounds out the meal perfectly, making your morning feel complete and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings or when you want to impress, serve your apple bake in individual ramekins for personalized portions. You can also layer it with yogurt and granola in clear glasses to make beautiful breakfast parfaits featuring all the delicious flavors of the bake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, making it a perfect grab-and-go breakfast option during your busy week.

Freezing

This bake freezes beautifully. Portion it into a freezer-safe container or wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, so you always have a ready-made breakfast that just needs reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds until warm, or heat it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture and warmth. It’s an effortless way to enjoy the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake any day.

FAQs

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

Old-fashioned oats are ideal because they hold texture well during baking. Rolled oats could work but might result in a slightly softer, less structured bake.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this bake?

Absolutely! Simply swap regular milk for almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk to keep this dish dairy-free and just as delicious.

Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?

Yes, pears or peaches are great alternatives that complement the warm cinnamon flavor wonderfully. Just be sure to dice them similarly to apples for even cooking.

How sweet is the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake?

The sweetness level is moderate thanks to the natural sugars in the apples and the maple syrup or honey. Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less syrup to match your preference.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Just ensure you use certified gluten-free oats to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising the taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake a try because it’s truly one of those feel-good breakfasts that feels homemade and nourishing every single time. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Once you taste that warm, cinnamon-spiced apple baked into wholesome oats, you’ll understand why this recipe is so special. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!

Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

A wholesome and comforting Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake, perfect for a nutritious morning meal. This easy-to-make dish combines old-fashioned oats, fresh apples, and warm spices, sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey. It can be made dairy-free by using almond milk and includes optional nuts for added texture and flavor.

Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or almond milk), maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until evenly distributed throughout the wet ingredients.
Incorporate Apples and Nuts: Fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts or pecans if you are using them. This adds a delightful texture and flavor to your bake.
Bake the Mixture: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and the center should be fully set, indicating it’s done.
Serve: Allow the bake to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor, or refrigerate leftovers and reheat for a quick, delicious breakfast on the go.

Notes

You can substitute almond milk or any other plant-based milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
For additional sweetness, consider adding a handful of raisins or chopped dates.
Feel free to swap the apple for pears or berries depending on the season and your preference.
To make the bake nut-free, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American