If you are craving a cozy and wholesome breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, this Baked Apple Oatmeal Recipe is your new best friend. With tender oats, sweet apples, and a hint of fragrant apple pie spice, every bite delivers comforting flavors and a satisfying texture that’s topped with crunchy pecans. It’s an easy-to-make dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and leaves you energized for the day ahead. Plus, it’s perfect for making ahead or sharing with loved ones on a lazy weekend brunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Apple Oatmeal Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient enhances the final dish. From creamy milk to sweet maple syrup, every component plays its part in creating that perfect balance of flavor, softness, and crunch.
- 1 ¼ cups milk (regular, oat, or soy): Provides creaminess and moisture to make the oats tender and rich.
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a deep, caramel-like flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
- 2 large eggs (large): Bind all the ingredients together and give the oatmeal structure.
- 4 Tbsp. butter (melted): Adds a buttery richness that makes every bite taste indulgent.
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned): The heart of the dish, providing a hearty texture and wholesome fiber.
- 1 tsp. baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise slightly for a light, fluffy texture.
- 2 tsp. apple pie spice: Brings warm, fragrant notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to evoke autumn vibes.
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out flavors with a fragrant depth.
- ½ tsp. salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
- 1 ¾ cups apples (finely diced, about 1 medium): Fresh, tart apples add bursts of juiciness and texture.
- â…” cup pecans (coarsely chopped, divided): Offer a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor both inside and on top.
How to Make Baked Apple Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, eggs, and melted butter. This combination creates a luscious base that will soak into the oats and apples, making the whole dish wonderfully moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Next, add in the rolled oats, baking powder, apple pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir these together until everything is well incorporated. Then fold in the diced apples and half of your chopped pecans. Mixing them gently ensures the apples spread evenly, and the pecans add delightful surprises of crunch with every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly in a single layer. Sprinkle the remaining pecans on top, which will toast beautifully in the oven and add an irresistible texture contrast.
Step 4: Bake Until Set
Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the middle is just about set but still slightly soft. If you prefer your baked oatmeal to be drier and a bit firmer, feel free to bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. The kitchen will fill with the wonderful scent of baked apples and spices that’s sure to make you eager to dive in.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Give the dish time to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting it into squares. This rest allows it to firm up and makes serving a breeze. Top with a pat of butter, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, or a dollop of creamy yogurt to suit your mood and cravings.
How to Serve Baked Apple Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this Baked Apple Oatmeal Recipe beautifully without overwhelming its natural flavors. A sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of fresh apple slices, or a few more toasted pecans make perfect toppings. For extra creaminess and contrast, a spoonful of vanilla yogurt or a splash of warm cream near serving time adds an indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
This baked oatmeal is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or a side of scrambled eggs creates a well-rounded breakfast. For a lighter touch, a cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee complements the warm flavors impeccably.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the oatmeal straight from the dish for casual sharing, or get creative by cutting it into star or heart shapes for a fun surprise. Layer individual portions with yogurt and fruit in clear glass jars to make grab-and-go parfaits or elevate brunch presentations. This recipe is versatile and welcoming to your own personal flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover baked apple oatmeal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It keeps its texture nicely, and flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it a wonderful make-ahead breakfast option.
Freezing
If you want to stretch the joy even further, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Frozen baked oatmeal will keep well for up to 2 months, and makes mornings much easier when you have a wholesome breakfast ready in seconds.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven. Adding a splash of milk or a small pat of butter before warming will bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and richness. Be careful not to overheat to keep the texture pleasant and avoid drying out the oats.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully, you can use any variety you enjoy. Sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp will add more natural sweetness, so you might want to slightly adjust the maple syrup accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this baked apple oatmeal a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I substitute nuts if I don’t have pecans?
Of course! Walnuts, almonds, or even chopped hazelnuts work wonderfully in this recipe. If you have a nut allergy, you can skip them or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for some extra crunch.
How do I make this Baked Apple Oatmeal Recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the milk with a plant-based version like oat or almond milk, replace the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, and use a vegan butter alternative. The maple syrup stays the same for sweetening. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I prepare the mixture the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture the night before and refrigerate it. However, it tends to thicken as the oats absorb more liquid, so you might need to add a little extra milk before baking. Baking immediately after mixing usually gives the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Apple Oatmeal Recipe is truly a kitchen gem—simple enough for weekday mornings but special enough for weekend gatherings. Its warm spices, tender oats, and fresh apples come together to create a comforting breakfast you’ll want to make again and again. Dive into a slice soon and share the goodness with those you love!
Print
Baked Apple Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Apple Oatmeal recipe is a warm, wholesome breakfast dish combining tender baked oats with sweet maple syrup, fresh apples, and crunchy pecans. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, it offers a comforting way to start your day with a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups milk (regular, oat, or soy)
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 4 Tbsp. butter (melted)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 2 tsp. apple pie spice
- ½ tsp. salt
Fruits and Nuts
- 1 ¾ cups apples (finely diced, about 1 medium apple)
- â…” cup pecans (coarsely chopped, divided)
Instructions
- Preheat and Mix Wet Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, eggs, and melted butter until smooth and combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Fruits: Stir in the rolled oats, baking powder, apple pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well to combine. Then fold in the finely diced apples and half of the chopped pecans (½ cup). Use a spatula to gently mix everything until just combined. Avoid letting the mixture sit for longer than 5 minutes before baking to prevent thickening.
- Prepare Baking Dish and Assemble: Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the dish and spread it evenly in a single layer. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of pecans evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes or until the center is almost set. For a drier, firmer oatmeal, bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes as needed.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with optional toppings like butter, extra maple syrup, or yogurt. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture; quick oats will result in a mushier bake.
- You can substitute apples with pears or berries for variation.
- Maple syrup adds natural sweetness but can be adjusted to taste or replaced with honey.
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based milk and replace eggs with flax eggs.
- This baked oatmeal reheats well in the microwave or oven.
- Adding chopped nuts on top before baking enhances the crunch and presentation.
