Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a delightful way to start your day, packed with wholesome ingredients and flavors. This cozy dish is simple to whip up and can comfortably serve the whole family, ensuring everyone is ready to tackle the day with smiles on their faces. Imagine the sweet aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through your kitchen as it bakes, turning your home into a warm cocoon on a chilly morning. Family breakfast time becomes special, and before you know it, this delicious bake will be the star of your mornings.
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
A delightful and wholesome breakfast bake featuring oats, apples, and warm spices, perfect for the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 ½ cups milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1 large apple, diced
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, mixing well.
- Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts, if using.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool for about 5 minutes before serving warm or refrigerate for later.
Notes
For creamier texture, soak oats in milk for 30 minutes. You can adjust sweetness with maple syrup or honey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is more than just a meal; it’s an experience! As the apples soften and the oats absorb the comforting warmth of milk and eggs, you create a dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s perfect for leisurely Sundays when you want to savor the moment with the family or busy weekdays when you need something nutritious to start the day right. The way my kids eagerly gather around the table, their faces lighting up with excitement, reassures me that this recipe will become a cherished part of our morning routine.
Picture this: the kids rushing into the kitchen, their eyes sparkling with anticipation as the warm bake comes out of the oven. Just as the first slice is served, they tuck into it with delight, savoring the gentle crunch of walnuts and the tender bites of baked apple. It’s moments like these, filled with laughter and stories shared over bites of goodness, that remind us of the joy of family meals.
Let’s Cook It Together
Cooking this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding, perfect for all skill levels. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip this up. With a few simple steps, you’ll create a comforting dish that bridges the gap between breakfast and dessert. Let’s gather what you need and get started!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 ½ cups milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1 large apple, diced
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish to ensure an easy release after baking.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture will serve as the binding element for all your wholesome ingredients.
Stir in the Dry Ingredients: Add in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, mixing well. The fragrant spices will start filling your kitchen with comforting scents.
Fold in the Goodness: Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts, if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the oat mixture.
Bake: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center has set. Your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas!
Serve: After baking, allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes before diving in. You can enjoy it warm or refrigerate it for a quick breakfast later.
Nutrition Values
- Serving size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 4g
Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe keeps you full longer without feeling heavy, making it a wonderful choice for a nutritious start to your day.
Best Ways to Serve It
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake shines on its own, but you can elevate the experience even more! Here are some serving suggestions that might inspire you:
- Top it Off: Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of extra maple syrup for added creaminess and sweetness.
- Freshness Factor: Add a sprinkle of fresh berries or slices of banana on top; they not only look beautiful but also add a delightful burst of flavor.
- Beverage Pairing: Complement the bake with a steaming cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or a glass of fresh orange juice for a refreshing balance.
Keeping It Fresh
Planning ahead has never been easier. This bake is perfect for meal prep and can be stored properly for future breakfasts.
- Refrigeration: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: If you’d like to save some for later, slice it up and freeze the pieces. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
- Reheating: To enjoy again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or pop it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
- Oat Texture: For a creamier texture, soak the oats in milk for about 30 minutes before mixing. It allows them to absorb some liquid and soften more.
- Sweetness Level: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup or honey according to your preference.
- Apple Variations: Experiment with different apple varieties—Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweetness, which can completely change the flavor profile!
- Nut Substitutions: If there are nut allergies, you can omit them or swap in seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a delightful crunch.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add other spices such as nutmeg or ginger to deepen the flavor!
Creative Twists to Try
Looking to mix things up? Here are a few fun variations to take this breakfast bake to new heights!
- Berry Bliss: Incorporate a cup of mixed berries into the mixture for a fruity twist. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries will add a beautiful pop of color and flavor.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Mix in some dark chocolate chips along with the apples for a decadent treat—perfect for those days when you need a sweet breakfast boost!
- Nutty Banana: Swap out half the apple for mashed banana for a different fruit flavor and a delightful sweetness.
FAQs
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake freezes wonderfully. Just slice it up, wrap each piece tightly in plastic, and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
What’s the best substitute for milk?
You can use almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy-free milk of your choice. Each will bring a unique flavor profile that complements the dish wonderfully.
How long will this stay fresh?
Stored in the refrigerator, it will last up to five days. If frozen, it’s best consumed within three months for optimal taste and texture.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly if necessary. Doubling the recipe is a fantastic way to set yourself up for healthy breakfasts all week long!
Enjoy this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake, filled with warmth and wholesome ingredients that inspire cherished moments around the table. Happy cooking!