There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of warm oats and sweet apples. This Oatmeal Apple Bake is a wholesome, cozy dish that works beautifully as a nutritious breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a light dessert. It’s hearty yet naturally sweet, and it can easily be customized with your favorite add-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
The best part? This recipe is simple, family-friendly, and perfect for meal prepping. Bake it ahead of time and enjoy slices throughout the week—just reheat and serve with a splash of milk, a dollop of yogurt, or a spoonful of nut butter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious & filling: Packed with fiber-rich oats, protein from eggs, and natural sweetness from apples.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
- Customizable: Add nuts, dried fruit, or spices to make it your own.
- Make-ahead friendly: Bake once and enjoy for days.
- Family-approved: Kid-friendly flavors with just the right balance of sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if needed)
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy such as almond, oat, or coconut milk)
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey (optional, adjust to sweetness preference)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
- ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup (or honey), brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Fold in Apples and Add-ins
Gently fold in the diced apples, along with any optional nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the oatmeal bake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm as is, or top with a drizzle of maple syrup, a spoonful of yogurt, or a sprinkle of extra nuts.
Tips & Variations
- Make it dairy-free: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Boost the protein: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the batter.
- Spice it up: Try adding cardamom, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice.
- Dessert twist: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a healthy-ish sweet treat.
Final Thoughts
This Oatmeal Apple Bake is everything you want in a homemade dish—nutritious, comforting, and versatile. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery and keeps you fueled all day long. Whether you’re prepping breakfast for the week or serving it fresh out of the oven to loved ones, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.