Oatmeal Apple Bake

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.