Spiced Apricot Baked Oatmeal

Name: Spiced Apricot Baked Oatmeal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; 3 cups old-fashioned oats; 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots; 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1-1/2 cups fat-free milk; 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 cup butter, melted; TOPPINGS:; 3 cups vanilla yogurt; 1/2 cup apricot preserves, warmed

Eat these spiced oatmeal squares while they're still warm for a cozy morning treat. I freeze mine in single servings so I can grab, go and microwave when I get to work. I'm not too humble to say I have the best breakfast in the office. —Ellie Martin Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ingredients

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
3 large eggs, room temperature
1-1/2 cups fat-free milk
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup butter, melted
TOPPINGS:
3 cups vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup apricot preserves, warmed

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, mix first 5 ingredients; stir in oats, apricots and pecans. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, applesauce and vanilla; gradually whisk in melted butter. Stir into oat mixture.
Transfer to a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, 25-30 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Cut into 12 portions; serve with toppings.
Freeze option: Freeze cooled portions of oatmeal in airtight freezer containers. To use, microwave each portion on high for 20-30 seconds or until heated through. Serve with toppings.

Editor's Note

To toast nuts, bake in a shallow pan in a 350° oven for 5-10 minutes or cook in a skillet over low heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece with 1/4 cup yogurt and 2 teaspoons preserves: 327 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.