Description

This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a wholesome and delicious way to start your day. Packed with rolled oats, cinnamon-spiced apple topping, nuts, and optional dried fruit or chocolate chips, this breakfast casserole is both nutritious and comforting. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy weekend brunch, it’s easy to make and customizable with your favorite add-ins.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry 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

Wet Ingredients

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 (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

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), amount to preference

Instructions

Prepare the Apple Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly. Microwave for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened, or sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, unsweetened 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 ingredient mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the texture tender.
Add Optional Mix-Ins: If using nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut, fold them in gently now to distribute evenly throughout the oatmeal base.
Assemble the Bake: Pour the oatmeal batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Add Apple Topping: Spoon the prepared apple topping evenly over the oatmeal base layer, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the oatmeal bake to cool for at least 10 minutes to set. Slice into squares and serve warm. Enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to substitute maple syrup with honey or agave for natural sweetness.
The apple topping can be prepared either in the microwave or on the stovetop, depending on convenience.
To make this bake vegan, use plant-based milk, replace eggs with flax eggs, and use vegan butter or coconut oil.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat before serving.
You can customize the bake by adding chocolate chips directly into the batter or as a topping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Oatmeal, Apple, Breakfast Bake, Healthy Breakfast, Baked Oats, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Gluten Free Option