Name: Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, wholesome start to your morning, the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is an absolute must-try. This dish combines tender oats, sweet diced apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, all baked together into a golden, comforting breakfast that feels like a hug in food form. Whether you’re after something easy to prepare the night before or just want a healthy treat that feels indulgent, this bake is the perfect way to welcome the day with a burst of flavor and texture.

Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create the magic behind the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake. Each component plays a vital role in balancing flavor, moisture, and texture, resulting in a satisfying breakfast that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

2 cups old-fashioned oats: Provides a hearty, chewy base packed with fiber and texture.
1 ½ cups milk (or almond milk for dairy-free): Adds creaminess and moisture to bind everything together nicely.
1 large apple, diced: Brings natural sweetness and a pleasant fruitiness.
2 eggs: Helps the bake set while adding protein for a filling meal.
¼ cup maple syrup or honey: Sweetens the dish naturally, perfectly complementing the apples.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, subtle aroma.
1 tsp cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
½ tsp baking powder: Gives a slight lift and lightness to the texture.
¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Introduces a pleasant crunch and nutty richness.

How to Make Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish. This simple step ensures your breakfast bake won’t stick, and your oats will crisp up beautifully on the edges, making every bite satisfying.

Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or almond milk), maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. This blend forms the creamy base that binds all the oats and apples perfectly while adding a subtle sweetness.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Stir in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to your wet mixture. This is the heart of the bake where the oats soak up all that lovely moisture, and the cinnamon begins infusing its cozy flavor.

Step 4: Fold in Apples and Nuts

Gently fold the diced apples into the mixture, and if you’re using nuts, add them here too. The apples introduce juiciness that bursts as you eat, while nuts add a delightful crunch and earthy contrast.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the entire oat mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden-brown and you can tell the center is fully set.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the bake firm up just enough to slice easily, making every serving neat and delicious.

How to Serve Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake

Garnishes

Top your breakfast bake with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of extra maple syrup to add creaminess and an inviting shine. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few extra chopped nuts can also amp up the texture and warmth.

Side Dishes

This bake is wonderfully versatile alongside fresh fruit like berries or a crisp green salad for a brunch twist. A cup of strong coffee or freshly brewed tea perfectly complements its hearty, sweet notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your breakfast bake into parfaits layered with yogurt and fruit in glasses for a beautiful, elegant look. Or cut it into bars and wrap them individually for an on-the-go snack that feels decadent but is actually nourishing and easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It maintains its moisture well, so warming pieces up feels just like hitting the breakfast jackpot all over again.

Freezing

You can freeze portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in airtight containers. Frozen oatmeal bake keeps well for up to 2 months—perfect for those busy mornings when you need a fast, wholesome bite.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds until warmed through, or pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes to regain that fresh-baked texture and warmth.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned oats work best because they soften nicely without becoming too mushy. Steel-cut oats are coarser and need longer cooking times, so they might not bake evenly in this recipe.

Is there a way to make the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg), and swap honey for maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly.

Can I substitute other fruits for the apple?

Definitely. Pears, berries, or even diced peaches work wonderfully, just keep in mind that apple’s slightly tart sweetness and firm texture give this bake its distinct character.

How sweet is the bake with the maple syrup or honey?

The sweetness is gentle and natural, perfectly balanced by the cinnamon and fruit. You can always adjust the amount if you prefer it less or more sweet.

Would adding nuts make the bake too crunchy or overpower the apples?

Not at all! Nuts add a lovely crunch and earthy flavor that enhances the overall experience without overpowering the apples or oats.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a warm slice of Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake that’s bursting with wholesome flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish feels like a little celebration of simple, nourishing ingredients done just right. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite breakfast tradition.

Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This wholesome Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a warm, comforting dish that combines the hearty texture of oats with the natural sweetness of apples and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for a nutritious start to your day, this bake is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed warm or cold, making healthy mornings effortless.

Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or almond milk), maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the old-fashioned oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
Add Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apple pieces and the chopped walnuts or pecans if you choose to include them, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the complete mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture, or refrigerate and reheat as needed for quick breakfasts during the week.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or any preferred plant-based milk.
Maple syrup can be substituted with honey, but note it is not suitable for strict vegan diets.
Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds before serving.
Chop nuts finely if serving to young children to avoid choking hazards.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American