Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake

There’s something magical about waking up to a warm, cozy breakfast that fills the house with the comforting scent of cinnamon and baked apples. This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is like a big, loving hug in a dish. Imagine tender oats baked to perfection with sweet apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup. Trust me, it’s the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you’re starting the day on the right foot.

The best part? This breakfast bake is hearty, healthy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, with just the right amount of sweetness to kickstart your morning. And the beauty of it? You can make it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and have a no-fuss, delicious breakfast ready in no time. Ready to make your mornings a little sweeter? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake

Quick and Easy:

The prep time is minimal, and once it’s in the oven, you’re free to relax or tackle your morning routine. No stress, just a warm, homemade breakfast waiting for you!

Make-Ahead:

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it the night before, let it sit in the fridge overnight, and bake it fresh in the morning. It’s a great option for busy weekdays when you need something hearty to fuel your day.

Nutritious and Filling:

Packed with fiber from the oats and apples, this breakfast bake is a wholesome way to start the day. It’s loaded with natural sweetness and energy-boosting ingredients, keeping you full and satisfied until your next meal.

Customizable:

Love nuts? Add some chopped walnuts or almonds for crunch. Want more protein? Toss in some Greek yogurt or a scoop of protein powder. The possibilities are endless!

Kid-Friendly:

This is a breakfast that the whole family will love! The apples add a natural sweetness that kids can’t resist, and you can easily make it a little healthier by swapping in whole-grain oats or reducing the sugar.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy, delicious breakfast bake:

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The base of this bake. They soak up all the flavors and create a hearty, satisfying texture.
• Apples: Choose sweet apples like Fuji or Gala for a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. They’ll cook down beautifully in the oven.
• Milk: You can use any milk you prefer—cow’s milk, almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy-free option.
• Eggs: These help bind the ingredients together and give the bake a nice fluffy texture.
• Maple Syrup: For that natural sweetness and a hint of warmth.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices give the bake that cozy, comforting flavor that just screams fall.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds a touch of warmth and depth.
• Baking Powder: To help the oats rise slightly and create a fluffy texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the flavors.
• Optional Toppings: Chopped nuts, raisins, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make this dreamy breakfast bake:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time the oatmeal bake is ready to go in.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. You don’t need to be super precise—just aim for chunks that will soften up nicely while baking.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt). This will form the flavorful base of your oatmeal bake.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Stir in the oats and baking powder until everything is well combined. Make sure the oats are fully coated with the wet mixture.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the chopped apples into the oatmeal mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want those apple chunks to stay intact as they cook.

Step 6: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Pour the oatmeal mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish (or something similar). Spread everything out evenly, making sure the apples are distributed throughout.

Step 7: Bake

Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 8: Let It Cool

Let the bake cool for a few minutes before cutting into it. The texture will set up nicely as it cools, and you’ll get that perfect balance of soft, tender oats and warm, baked apples.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve warm, and feel free to add a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of yogurt on top. Enjoy!

How to Serve Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake

This breakfast bake is perfect on its own, but you can easily enhance it with a few simple toppings. Here are some ideas:

• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt adds a protein boost and balances out the sweetness.
• Fresh Berries: Top with some fresh berries for a burst of color and a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweet apples.
• Nuts: Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.
• Additional Maple Syrup: Drizzle some extra maple syrup on top for an extra layer of sweetness.

Additional Tips

• Meal Prep: This breakfast bake can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free milk, such as almond or oat milk, and skip the yogurt topping to make it completely dairy-free.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the oats for certified gluten-free oats if you need to make it gluten-free.
• Sweetness Level: If you prefer a sweeter breakfast, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1 slice (approximate)

• Calories per serving: 210
• Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 34g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 5g
• Vitamin D: 10%
• Calcium: 10%
• Iron: 6%

(Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on exact measurements and ingredient substitutions.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this breakfast bake the night before?
A1: Yes! Prepare the bake the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Then, bake it in the morning for a warm, ready-to-go breakfast.

Q2: Can I use a different type of fruit?
A2: Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or even berries would work wonderfully in this bake.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A3: Yes, simply use certified gluten-free oats to make it gluten-free.

Q4: Can I add nuts to the oatmeal bake?
A4: Yes, chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be a great addition for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast.

Q6: Can I freeze this breakfast bake?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the entire bake or individual portions. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

Q7: Can I substitute maple syrup with honey?
A7: Yes, honey would work as a substitute for maple syrup if you prefer.

Q8: How do I know when the oatmeal bake is done?
A8: The bake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Q9: Can I make this dairy-free?
A9: Yes, just swap the milk for a dairy-free option like almond milk or oat milk, and skip the yogurt topping for a completely dairy-free breakfast.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time if necessary.

Conclusion

This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is the ultimate cozy morning treat. It’s warm, comforting, and loaded with wholesome ingredients that will keep you energized all day long. Whether you make it ahead of time or bake it fresh in the morning, it’s the perfect way to start the day. Enjoy every bite!

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