Name: Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
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 (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon melted butter; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 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), amount to preference

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 (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon melted butter

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon lemon juice

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: Prepare the apple topping by combining diced apples, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Toss to coat, then microwave for 2-3 minutes or sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened. Set aside.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in the chopped nuts, raisins or dried cranberries, and shredded coconut if using. Add chocolate chips if you like.

Step 7: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 8: Spoon the apple topping evenly over the oatmeal base.

Step 9: Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Let the bake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use different apple varieties like Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Fuji for extra sweetness.

Swap maple syrup for honey or agave syrup to suit your taste.

Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a spicier flavor profile.

For a vegan option, replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

Top with yogurt or nut butter for extra creaminess and protein.

FAQs

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

It’s best to use rolled oats for this recipe as they hold their texture well during baking. Instant oats may become too mushy and alter the consistency.

Can I prepare this dish the night before?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients the night before, keep the mixture refrigerated, and bake it fresh in the morning. This makes for a quick and easy breakfast.