A Heartwarming Breakfast Delight
There’s something truly comforting about a warm slice of Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake, especially when mornings call for something nourishing yet effortless. This delightful dish combines the wholesome goodness of old-fashioned oats with the natural sweetness of apples, making it a go-to recipe in my kitchen. Whether you’re prepping ahead for busy weekday breakfasts or looking to impress at a leisurely weekend brunch, this bake brings smiles with every bite.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why should you whip up this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake? For starters, it’s not just about taste; it’s packed with nutrition and is incredibly budget-friendly! You can make it in advance, allowing those hectic mornings to start off on a delicious note. And let’s not forget how kid-approved it is; the warm cinnamon and sweetness of maple syrup create a flavor profile that kids and adults alike will adore.
“This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is my family’s favorite! Easy, nutritious, and perfect for meal prep!” – Rachel T.
Preparing Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
Let’s break down how to create this scrumptious breakfast treat. It’s a straightforward process, and you’ll have a warm, baked delight on your table in no time.
Step-by-Step Overview
- Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven and greasing your baking dish.
- Mix the Ingredients: Combine the wet ingredients and then fold in the dry ones.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into your dish and bake until golden brown.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly and enjoy!
Gather These Items
To make this delectable dish, you’ll need:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 ½ cups milk (or dairy-free almond milk)
- 1 large apple, diced
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Feel free to swap the nuts for seeds if you prefer a nut-free version, and change the apple type for varied flavors!
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or almond milk), maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, combining everything evenly.
- Gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts or pecans, if using.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center looks set.
- Allow cooling for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, or refrigerate to enjoy later.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is versatile! Serve it warm from the oven, topped with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for added sweetness. Pair it with fresh fruit or a side of scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast, or enjoy it as a quick snack throughout the week.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To keep your breakfast bake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It also freezes well! Just wrap the portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw and reheat.
Pro Chef Tips
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or swapping out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in the mix.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-sliced apples or even apple sauce in place of fresh apples for a quicker prep.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your liking; you can reduce the maple syrup if preferred, especially if your apples are particularly sweet.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Try these variations for a fun twist on the original recipe:
- Berry Blast: Swap the apples for mixed berries to celebrate summer flavors.
- Nutty Banana: Replace half of the apple with mashed ripe bananas for a banana oat bake.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free oats and a dairy-free milk to cater to dietary needs.
Common Questions
How long does this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake take to prepare?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a baking time of 30-35 minutes. In total, you can enjoy this dish in under an hour!
Can I make this breakfast bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven in the morning for a warm breakfast.
Is it safe to freeze?
Yes, it’s safe to freeze! Just make sure to cool the bake completely before wrapping it tightly. Thaw and reheat before serving for the best texture.
Now, gather those ingredients and bring the wonderful flavors of this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake into your home. Your mornings will never be the same!
Print
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, nourishing breakfast dish combining old-fashioned oats and the natural sweetness of apples, perfect for meal prep or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 ½ cups milk (or dairy-free almond milk)
- 1 large apple, diced
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or almond milk), maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, combining everything evenly.
- Gently fold in the diced apples and walnuts or pecans, if using.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center looks set.
- Allow cooling for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, or refrigerate to enjoy later.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This dish also freezes well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg