Baked Apple Oatmeal

Breakfast doesn’t get much easier than this maple-scented baked apple oatmeal recipe. To prepare this dish, old-fashioned oats seasoned with warming spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg are baked in a warm milk mixture until slightly chewy. Then, to take this simple breakfast recipe up a notch, apple chunks are mixed into the oatmeal mixture and baked until softened, while sunflower kernels sprinkled on top add an extra layer of crunchiness to the dish. Simple yet delicious, you’ll want to prepare an especially large batch to have ready to go for busy mornings.

Baked Apple Oatmeal Ingredients

• Old-fashioned oats: Old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats, have a chewier, firmer consistency and cook slightly faster than steel-cut oats yet slightly slower than quick oats. This type of oat gives this apple cinnamon-baked oatmeal its perfectly chewy consistency. 
• Baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt and nutmeg: Baking powder helps give this apple-baked oatmeal a lighter, airier texture. Meanwhile, cinnamon and nutmeg season the oats for an extra cozy effect. A small amount of salt helps balance the dish’s sweetness and enhances the flavor of the warming spices.
• Eggs and milk: Eggs and milk help bind the wet and dry ingredients together and provide enough moisture to soften the oats.
• Maple syrup, canola oil and vanilla extract: These ingredients add sweetness and warming aromas to the dish while helping bind the ingredients together for an extra creamy baked oatmeal dish.
• Apple: Crisp apple chunks release sugars as they bake, infusing this baked oatmeal recipe with its delicately sweet flavor. For a touch of tanginess, opt for Granny Smith apples.
• Sunflower kernels: Sunflower kernels or pepitas give the oatmeal a pop of nutty flavor and extra crunch to contrast the chewy, soft oatmeal mixture.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the first five ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, syrup, oil and vanilla until blended, then stir them into the dry ingredients. Let it stand for five minutes. Stir in the apple.

Step 2: Bake the oatmeal mixture

Transfer the mixture to an 11×7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle it with sunflower kernels. Bake it, uncovered, until it’s set and the edges are lightly browned, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Baked Apple Oatmeal Variations

• Add dried fruit: For an even chewier consistency, add a handful of dried fruit, such as chopped apricots or cranberries, to the oatmeal mixture.
• Use dairy-free milk: For a lactose-free approach, rather than adding regular dairy, opt for the dairy-free milk of your choice.
• Garnish with extra toppings: Get creative by adding an assortment of toppings, such as nuts, chocolate chips or an additional sprinkle of cinnamon, for added crunch, texture and flavor.
• Serve the oatmeal over milk or yogurt: For a creamier texture, serve the baked oatmeal with apples in a bowl filled with a splash of milk or a scoop of yogurt.

How to Store Baked Apple Oatmeal

Store the baked apple oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days.

Can you freeze baked apple oatmeal?

Store the baked apple oatmeal in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to two to three months. Then, reheat it in the microwave or in the oven in a baking pan covered with foil until warm.

Baked Apple Oatmeal Tips

How to sweeten oatmeal without sugar?

This recipe calls for maple syrup rather than sugar to sweeten the oatmeal. Other natural sweeteners appropriate for this recipe include honey or agave. Additionally, the fruit releases its natural sugars as it bakes, adding even more sweetness to baked oatmeal recipes.

What fruit combination is best for oatmeal?

Although this recipe calls for apples, several fruits, including berries, bananas, pears, peaches and kiwis, also pair well with oatmeal. Meanwhile, dried fruit can add even more texture to baked oatmeal recipes.

Why are my baked oats soggy?

Once the dry and wet ingredients are combined, it’s important to let the oatmeal mixture sit for at least five minutes when preparing baked oats. This allows the oats to absorb some of the excess moisture before it goes into the oven. However, if you find the ratio of liquid to oats is still off balance, add additional oats to help sop up any extra juices.