Description
This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast solution featuring wholesome oats, fresh apples, and warm spices. Bake once on the weekend and enjoy nutritious, delicious breakfasts all week long. Perfect for busy families and meal prep enthusiasts.
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Base:
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant or steel-cut)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
1 large egg
3 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Apple Layer:
2 medium apples, diced (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Add-ins:
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
1/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Dice apples into 1/2-inch pieces and toss immediately with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. In medium bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisk to distribute spices evenly.
4. In large bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until completely combined.
5. Pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix.
6. In small bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon.
7. Spread half of the apples in bottom of prepared baking dish.
8. Pour oatmeal mixture evenly over apples.
9. Top with remaining apples, pressing gently into oatmeal. Sprinkle with optional nuts if using.
10. Bake 35-40 minutes until top is golden brown and center is set with just a slight jiggle.
11. Remove from oven and let rest 10-15 minutes before serving.
12. Serve warm with Greek yogurt, additional maple syrup, or fresh fruit as desired.
Notes
Always use old-fashioned rolled oats – instant becomes mushy, steel-cut stays too firm.
Can be assembled the night before and refrigerated – add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting cold.
Store leftovers covered in refrigerator up to 5 days.
Reheat individual portions in microwave for 45-60 seconds with splash of milk.
Freeze individual portions up to 3 months – reheat from frozen 1.5-2 minutes.
For gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats.
For dairy-free, use non-dairy milk and coconut oil.
Granny Smith apples provide best tart-sweet balance and hold texture during baking.
If oatmeal seems dry, add 1/4 cup more milk next time or reduce baking time by 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: apple cinnamon oatmeal bake, baked oatmeal, make-ahead breakfast, meal prep breakfast, healthy breakfast