Description
A wholesome and comforting Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake that combines tender oats, sweet apples, warm spices, and a hint of maple syrup, perfect for a nutritious and hearty start to your day. This vegan-friendly bake is easy to prepare and offers optional crunchy nuts and chia seeds for added texture and nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional for added fiber and omega-3s)
Fruit and Flavorings
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey for non-vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Liquids
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
Add-ins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional for crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and if using, chia seeds and chopped nuts. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and optional add-ins.
- Add Apples and Sweeteners: Stir the peeled, cored, and chopped apples into the oat mixture. Then add the maple syrup and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Incorporate Liquid: Pour the unsweetened almond milk into the bowl and stir until the mixture is fully combined and the oats absorb some of the liquid.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The bake is done when the top is golden brown and the oats have absorbed most of the liquid, creating a soft but set texture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the oatmeal bake cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares and serving. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- You can swap almond milk for any other milk of your choice, including dairy or oat milk.
- For a non-vegan option, replace maple syrup with honey.
- Adding nuts and chia seeds is optional but adds extra texture and nutritional benefits.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated for a quick breakfast.
- Feel free to add raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness and chewiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
