Description
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast dish combining the natural sweetness of fresh apples with fragrant cinnamon and wholesome oats. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a hearty and nutritious start to your day that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk or milk alternative (such as almond, oat, or soy milk)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 2 medium fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks to ensure they soften nicely during baking while still maintaining some texture in the final dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these together to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or milk alternative, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Bring It All Together: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry oat mixture, then fold in the chopped apples. Stir gently until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the oatmeal batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. This resting time helps the oatmeal set perfectly for slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute honey for maple syrup to adjust sweetness according to your preference.
- For added texture and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped nuts or raisins on top before baking.
- This dish reheats well and makes a great make-ahead breakfast option for busy mornings.
- Use gluten-free oats to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon or add nutmeg for a spicier flavor profile.
