There is something incredibly comforting about waking up to a warm, hearty dish that feels like a hug first thing in the morning. The Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe is exactly that kind of breakfast—nutritious, flavorful, and bursting with cozy autumn vibes thanks to tender baked apples mingling with hearty oats and warming spices. This bake is the perfect way to start your day with a bit of sweetness and a whole lot of wholesome goodness, and it has quickly become one of my go-to recipes for weekends or any morning when I want something special without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this delightful bake is super simple thanks to its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the oats providing that classic chewy texture to the apples adding natural sweetness and a burst of freshness. The warm spices give the dish its inviting aroma and comforting flavor that everyone will love.
- 3 cups rolled oats (not instant): The heart of this bake, delivering fiber and that wonderful oatmeal texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bake rise lightly for a fluffy finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the applesauce to keep the texture tender.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives a subtle, nutty undertone that cozy fall dishes thrive on.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy): Keeps the bake moist and creamy while being versatile for any diet.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey): Sweetens the bake naturally with a touch of richness.
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten: Bind everything together for structure.
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or butter): Brings a luscious richness and helps with browning.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts flavor depth with its sweet floral notes.
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: I love Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their balance of tart and sweet that shines in the topping.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the apple topping.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Helps the apple topping caramelize beautifully as it bakes.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled on the apples for extra spice boost.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Optional, for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries: Optional, adding bursts of chewy sweetness.
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut: Optional, for a tropical twist and texture contrast.
- Chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white): Optional, because who says breakfast can’t have a hint of indulgence?
How to Make Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Apple Topping
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While the oven warms up, peel, core, and dice the apples into half-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, mix those apples with brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until every piece is deliciously coated—this will create a beautifully caramelized topping that’s the star on top of your oatmeal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This blend of ingredients ensures your base has the right lift and spice with every bite, making the flavors pop in a perfect harmony.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), eggs, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract. This mixture brings creaminess, moisture, and sweetness that beautifully complements the dry ingredients, ensuring the bake doesn’t dry out and remains tender.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir just until combined—don’t overmix! Overworking the batter can make the texture dense instead of light and fluffy. Now is the moment to gently fold in any optional extras like nuts, raisins, coconut, or even chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour in the oatmeal mixture, spreading it out evenly. Then, lovingly arrange the apple topping in an even layer over the base. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—your kitchen will fill with such a cozy scent by now, you might be tempted to start eating right away!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the oatmeal apple breakfast bake cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps it set so it’s easier to slice and serve. Plus, this is the perfect moment to prepare a warm cup of coffee or tea as you get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate this breakfast bake from great to spectacular. A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or a splash of warm milk on top gives each bite extra creaminess, while a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of extra maple syrup adds contrasting texture and sweetness. Fresh apple slices can add a crisp bite and make your serving look irresistible.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with fresh, bright sides to balance its warm sweetness. A simple fruit salad with citrus notes, a crisp green smoothie, or even a side of scrambled eggs for protein can round out your morning meal beautifully. The versatility means you can keep it light or hearty depending on your day ahead.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your oatmeal apple breakfast bake in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch perfect for brunch guests. Layering it with yogurt and granola in mason jars creates a parfait style that’s easy to grab on busy mornings. You can even cut it into bars for a handheld breakfast treat that’s perfect for packing up on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover oatmeal apple breakfast bake can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It tastes just as wonderful cold or warmed up, making it an excellent option for quick breakfasts or snacks during your busy week.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, this recipe freezes beautifully. Slice into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen portions will keep for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy this wholesome breakfast anytime without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 60 to 90 seconds, or warm it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until hot through. Adding a splash of milk or a little butter before reheating can bring back the bake’s freshness and moist texture perfectly.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats, since some oats can be cross-contaminated. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go.
What kind of apples work best?
I love using Granny Smith for their tartness or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and crisp texture. But feel free to use your favorite baking apple—each brings a unique flavor and texture to the bake.
Is it possible to make this vegan?
Yes! Swap the eggs for flax or chia egg substitutes, use non-dairy milk, and replace butter with coconut oil. The applesauce and maple syrup add natural sweetness, so it comes together beautifully without any animal products.
Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Definitely! This recipe is very flexible. Try adding chopped pears, dried cherries, or even blueberries for a twist. Nuts like almonds or hazelnuts can be swapped or combined with walnuts and pecans to your taste.
How sweet is this breakfast bake?
The Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe has a gentle natural sweetness from the applesauce, maple syrup, and brown sugar topping, balanced out nicely by the warm spices. It’s not overly sugary, making it a satisfying yet wholesome start to your day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a comforting, wholesome breakfast to your routine, the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall any time of year, easily customizable, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you take that first warm bite, I promise you’ll be making this again and again—there’s just something so special about it!
Print
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a wholesome and hearty morning treat that combines rolled oats, warm spices, and fresh apples into a comforting casserole. Perfect for a nutritious family breakfast or meal prep, it offers a delicious balance of natural sweetness and texture, made healthier with maple syrup and optional nuts or dried fruits. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy, make-ahead recipe that warms your kitchen with inviting aromas and fuels your day with fiber and protein.
Ingredients
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, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite baking apple)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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) to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the oatmeal breakfast casserole.
- Prepare the Apple Topping: Peel, core, and dice the apples into 1/2-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon, then toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set this mixture aside for topping later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to create the base oatmeal mix.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), lightly beaten eggs, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix as it can affect texture.
- Add Optional Mix-Ins: If desired, gently fold in the chopped nuts, dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips to add extra flavor and texture.
- Assemble the Bake: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or oil. Pour the oatmeal batter evenly into the dish, then spread out the prepared apple topping evenly over the surface.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it’s fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes to set before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- Use any milk type you prefer, including almond, soy, or regular dairy milk.
- Substitute applesauce with mashed banana for a different flavor.
- Add chocolate chips sparingly to keep the bake from being too sweet.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat before serving.
- This bake can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking in the morning.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup instead of honey.
