Healthy Baked Apple Oatmeal is not just a dish; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly morning. Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your kitchen, inviting you to indulge in a wholesome breakfast that feels like a treat. This delightful recipe has roots in traditional oatmeal dishes, which have been enjoyed for centuries as a nourishing start to the day. People love Healthy Baked Apple Oatmeal for its perfect balance of flavors and texturesthe tender oats combined with juicy apples create a comforting dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its convenience; you can prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat it in the morning, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or leisurely weekends alike. With its delightful taste and health benefits, Healthy Baked Apple Oatmeal is sure to become a beloved staple in your breakfast rotation.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey, if not vegan)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- Extra apple slices and nuts for topping (optional)
Preparing the Oatmeal Mixture
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that your baked oatmeal cooks evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed. This will help distribute the baking powder and spices evenly throughout the oatmeal.
- In another bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. The wet ingredients will add moisture and sweetness to the oatmeal.
- Now, its time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the texture nice and fluffy.
- Add the diced apples, chopped nuts, and raisins (if using) to the mixture. Gently fold them in with a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring that the apples and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the oatmeal.
Preparing the Baking Dish
- Grab a 9×9-inch (or similar size) baking dish. You can use a glass or ceramic dish, but make sure its well greased to prevent sticking. I like to use coconut oil or a non-stick spray for this.
- Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. This will help it cook uniformly and give you that perfect baked texture.
- If you want to make it extra special, you can top the oatmeal with additional apple slices and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. This not only looks beautiful but also adds a nice crunch on top.
Baking the Oatmeal
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Youll know its done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time allows the oatmeal to set a bit more, making it easier to cut into squares.
Serving Suggestions
- After the oatmeal has cooled slightly, cut it into squares or rectangles. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
- For an extra touch, consider drizzling a little more maple syrup or honey on top before serving. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or a splash of almond milk for creaminess.
- This baked apple oatmeal is perfect for breakfast, but it also makes a great snack or dessert. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat in the microwave or oven when youre ready to enjoy it again!
Tips and Variations
- If you want to switch things up, feel free to experiment with different fruits. Pears, bananas, or even berries can be great substitutes for apples.
- For a nut-free version, you can simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- If you prefer a sweeter oatmeal, you can increase the amount of maple syrup or add a bit of brown sugar to the mixture.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that
Conclusion:
In summary, this Healthy Baked Apple Oatmeal is a must-try for anyone looking to start their day with a nutritious and delicious meal. The combination of sweet, tender apples and hearty oats creates a comforting dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also fuels your body with wholesome ingredients. Plus, its incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out the apples for your favorite fruits like pears or berries, or add in nuts and seeds for an extra crunch. Serving it warm with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of yogurt can elevate this dish even further, making it perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful brunch with friends. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own! Dont forget to share your experience and any variations you come up withId love to hear how it turns out for you. Trust me, once you taste this Healthy Baked Apple Oatmeal, it will become a staple in your kitchen! PrintHealthy Baked Apple Oatmeal: A Delicious and Nutritious Breakfast Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 squares 1x
Description
This baked apple oatmeal is a warm, comforting dish perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with gluten-free rolled oats, fresh apples, and cinnamon, it’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup and can be customized with your favorite nuts and dried fruits. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, and add toppings for an extra special treat!
Ingredients
Scale- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey, if not vegan)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- Extra apple slices and nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the diced apples, chopped nuts, and raisins (if using).
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with coconut oil or non-stick spray.
- Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Optionally, top with additional apple slices and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally drizzled with more maple syrup or honey, and topped with yogurt or almond milk.
Notes
- This baked oatmeal can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruits or nuts based on your preferences.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure that the rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Leave a Comment