Can I make this Apple Oatmeal Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish the night before and refrigerate unbaked. In the morning, add 5-7 extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, bake completely, refrigerate, and reheat portions as needed throughout the week

What are the best apple varieties to use in this recipe?

Firm, tart-sweet apples work best. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn, and Granny Smith are excellent choices as they hold their shape during baking while providing balanced flavor. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh that break down too much during cooking

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free rolled oats. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to ensure no cross-contamination if serving to someone with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity

Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?

Yes! Honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar can replace maple syrup in equal amounts. For sugar-free options, try monk fruit sweetener or stevia (use about 1/4 the amount as these are much sweeter than traditional sweeteners)

How can I tell when the oatmeal bake is done?

At the end of the baking time, the oats should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs rather than wet batter. Make sure the center is set but still somewhat moist, not liquidy. When softly touched, the surface should somewhat spring back

Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Certainly! Pears, berries, or bananas make excellent additions or substitutions. Keep the total fruit amount the same (about 2 cups) to maintain the proper texture and moisture balance

Apple Oatmeal Bake: Irresistibly Comforting & Easy

Description

This Apple Oatmeal Bake combines wholesome rolled oats with sweet fresh apples and warm spices for a comforting, nutritious breakfast. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches, this hands-off dish delivers incredible flavor and texture in every bite while providing lasting energy throughout the day.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 medium apples, diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 3/4 cups milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or a 9-inch round cake pan.
Wash, core, and dice the apples into 1/2-inch cubes, leaving the skin on for added nutrition.
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, maple syrup, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract.
Add the diced apples to the dry ingredients and toss to coat. Pour the wet ingredients over the oat-apple mixture and stir until everything is well incorporated. Fold in nuts and dried fruit if using.
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. For extra appeal, arrange a few thin apple slices on top and sprinkle with additional cinnamon.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly moist.
Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a lower-sugar version, reduce maple syrup to 2 tablespoons and add 1/4 teaspoon of stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
For dairy-free/vegan adaptation, use plant-based milk and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave for 60-90 seconds with a tablespoon of milk.
The entire dish can be prepared the night before and refrigerated unbaked; add 5-7 extra minutes to baking time in the morning.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 285
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 230mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: apple oatmeal bake, baked oatmeal, breakfast casserole, healthy breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, apple cinnamon oatmeal, meal prep breakfast