Introduction
Remember those chilly mornings when a warm, comforting breakfast felt like a big hug? This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is exactly that – a taste of pure nostalgia with a wonderfully simple recipe that’s perfect for busy mornings. It’s so easy, you’ll be whipping it up in no time, and the aroma that fills your kitchen will make everyone gather ’round. Get ready to fall in love with your mornings all over again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Seriously, you can mix this up in minutes!
- Easy: No fancy techniques needed, just simple stirring.
- Giftable: Bake a batch, cut into squares, and share the cozy goodness!
- Crowd-pleasing: Kids and adults alike will adore this wholesome, apple-cinnamon delight.
Ingredients
Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful bake. They all come together to create something truly special:
- 1 large apple: Any variety you love works here – Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala. I usually grab whatever looks good at the market!
- 2 large eggs: These are our binder, making sure everything stays together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey: For that touch of natural sweetness. Maple syrup is my go-to for its rich flavor, but honey is a lovely alternative.
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats: Make sure you use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant ones, for the best texture. They’ll give you that satisfying chew.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A little lift goes a long way!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The heart and soul of any apple-cinnamon treat. Don’t be shy with it!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance all those sweet flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely warmth and depth to the whole bake.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. If nuts aren’t your thing, no worries, you can totally skip them!
- 1 1/2 cups milk: Any kind of milk works here – dairy, almond, oat milk, you name it!
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get this cozy breakfast bake into the oven! It’s seriously a breeze.
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for getting that lovely golden-brown top.
- Prep your dish: Grab a baking dish (an 8×8 inch is usually perfect) and give it a good grease. A little butter or cooking spray will do the trick to prevent sticking.
- Dice your apple: Core your apple and give it a nice dice. No need for perfect little cubes, just bite-sized pieces are great.
- Wet ingredients first: In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, maple syrup (or honey), and milk. Get them all nicely combined.
- Stir in the dry goodness: Now, add your oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Fold in the goodies: Gently fold in your diced apple and chopped nuts (if you’re using them). This is where the magic starts to happen!
- Pour and bake: Pour the whole glorious mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake to perfection: Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center looks set and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool down: Let it cool for just a few minutes before digging in. It’ll be hot, but oh-so-worth the wait!
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is super flexible, which is one of the things I love about it! Here are a few ideas:
- Fruit Swap: Feel free to swap the apple for pears, or even add a handful of fresh or frozen berries.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon can add another layer of cozy flavor.
- Seed Power: If you’re nut-free, try adding some pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a little crunch.
- Extra Sweetness: If you have a sweet tooth, a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top before baking can be delightful.
Tips for Success
A few little pointers to make sure your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is absolutely perfect every time:
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the oats, just stir until they’re incorporated. Overmixing can make them gummy.
- Oat Choice Matters: As mentioned, old-fashioned oats are key here. Instant oats will dissolve too much and change the texture.
- Prep Ahead: You can totally measure out all your dry ingredients (oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt) into a container the night before. In the morning, just whisk the wet ingredients, add the dry mix, fold in the apple and nuts, and bake!
- Grease is Key: Make sure your baking dish is well-greased. Nobody likes a stuck breakfast bake!
How to Store It
Leftovers? Lucky you! This bake is just as delicious the next day.
- In the Fridge: Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: You can enjoy it cold, or gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or in a toaster oven until warmed through.
FAQs
Got a few burning questions? I’ve got you covered!
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! You can assemble the entire bake the night before and then bake it fresh in the morning. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge.
- What if I don’t have milk?
- No problem! Any liquid will work. Water, or even a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk, is a great substitute.
- Can I add other fruits?
- Absolutely! Berries, peaches, or even a few dried cranberries would be delicious additions. Just make sure they’re bite-sized!
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
A warm, comforting, and easy oatmeal apple breakfast bake perfect for busy mornings. It's giftable, crowd-pleasing, and a taste of pure nostalgia.
Equipment
- Baking dish 8x8 inch
- Large bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 large apple Any variety, cored and diced
- 2 large eggs
- 0.25 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats rolled oats, not instant
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
- 1.5 cups milk any kind
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
- Core and dice the apple into bite-sized pieces.1 large apple
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), and milk.1 large apple
- Add the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.1 large apple
- Gently fold in the diced apple and chopped nuts (if using).1 large apple
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
This recipe is very flexible. Substitutions for fruit, spices, nuts, and sweeteners are encouraged. Prep ahead by measuring dry ingredients the night before.