You’ll win the “Most Popular Parent in Class” award with this Baked Apple Oatmeal. It’s so incredibly easy to meal prep, too! Diced apples are mixed with milk, oatmeal, a sweetener, and spices to create a healthy and flavorful fall dish your kiddos will gobble up. This simple breakfast recipe will be a favorite all season long for busy mornings, or after-school snacks.
Easy Baked Oatmeal with Apple
The first time I made this baked oatmeal with berries I was shocked.
Not only was it incredibly simple to throw together, but it could feed a small crowd AND tasted incredible.
And the best part…it could easily be prepped ahead of time and then popped in the oven the next morning when you’re ready to eat.
Recently, however, I did not have any fresh berries on hand. But I did have a couple of apples.
To my surprise, this baked apple oatmeal tasted JUST as good and was just as easy to make!
This recipe is the perfect fall treat. You can cut it up into bars and eat it for breakfast, a snack, or even a healthy dessert! (It’s also super simple to make dairy-free and gluten-free.)
And when the other kids see a square of this in your little one’s lunch box, word on the street will get out that you’re now the Coolest Parent on the Block!
(If you liked this recipe, you might also enjoy these Healthy Applesauce Muffins and for breakfast!)
What is Baked Oatmeal?
Baked oatmeal is made by mixing together old fashioned rolled oats with milk and a sweetener and then cooked in a baking dish in the oven to create a cake-like texture. You can add a variety of spices and fruits to change the flavor as the seasons shift.
Ingredients
The simple ingredients you need to make this healthy breakfast recipe include:
- Oats. Be sure to choose old-fashioned rolled oats. Steel cut oats will be too hard after baking, and quick-cooking or instant oats will get quite mushy. You can also look for certified gluten-free oats brands if preferred for your dietary needs.
- Apple. You can go with any type of fresh apples you prefer. But similar to pies, be aware some apples are sweeter, and some get mushy when baked. A semi-sweet apple that is also firm is the best option. Granny Smith apples, Pink Lady, or even Honeycrisp will work. (Here’s everything you need to know about the different types of apples.)
- Milk. Depending on your preference, both regular and non-dairy milk, like almond or coconut milk, can be used. Oat milk was tested in this recipe and worked great.
- Butter. Melted butter is key, but you don’t want it super hot. Switch it for coconut oil if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Maple syrup. Pick out pure maple syrup, not the pancake syrup kind. You can use both dark or light syrup. In a pinch, brown sugar will work, as well. (Here are some other substitutes for maple syrup.)
- Eggs. These are a must to get the oatmeal to hold together. You can switch with a flax or chia egg if you are vegan or avoiding eggs.
- Pecans. While optional, toasted pecans add a savory crunch.
- Apple pie spice. It’s quick and easy to whip up your own batch of these warm spices at home.
How to Make Baked Apple Oatmeal
Below you’ll find the basic steps for making baked apple oatmeal recipe:
Prep the Apples
The first step is to cut the apples into small pieces. It’s really important to dice them similarly sized so they cook consistently. Slice the apples first, then dice.
If you want to cut them up before putting the dish together, check out how to keep apples from browning.
(Have some extra apples? Try this Apple Smoothie for breakfast next!)
Make the Base
Preheat the oven to 350℉.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, eggs, and melted (and cooled) butter.
Stir in the oats, baking powder, spices, vanilla extract, and salt. Use a spatula to mix until everything is combined.
Stir in the Apples and Bake
Finally, mix the chopped apples and ½ cup of the pecans into the spiced oatmeal.
Do NOT let the oat mixture sit very long, or it will start to thicken.
Pour the apple oatmeal into a 9×9-inch pan that has been coated with non-stick cooking spray and spread it evenly. Top the oatmeal bake with the remaining pecans.
Bake in the preheated 350℉ oven for 35 minutes, or just until the middle is almost set and the top is golden brown. If you prefer a drier oatmeal, add an extra 5 to 10 minutes.
Let the baked oatmeal cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Then serve with some extra butter, maple syrup, or yogurt.
Meal Prep and Storage
- How to Prep-Ahead: The best thing about this baked oats dish is how easy this is to meal prep for the week. Make the oatmeal in a pan, cover with foil, and leave it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- How to Store: Keep leftover apple oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. Do NOT leave this out on the counter. Think of this as more of an overnight oats recipe instead of a quick bread or cake recipe.
- How to Freeze: For the best results, wrap individual portions in wax paper so you can pull out one at a time. Freeze for up to 4-6 months.
- How to Reheat: Add the baked oatmeal to a toaster oven and heat for a few minutes. You can also place on a dish and pop in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Place a damp paper towel on top to prevent it from drying out in the microwave.
Is baked oatmeal healthy?
Baked oatmeal definitely can be healthy. Pay attention to what you add, however—moderation is key when it comes to sweeteners and butter. Healthy oats, fruits, and nuts make it a good-for-you breakfast for the entire family.
Can you freeze baked oatmeal?
You can easily freeze baked oatmeal. Be sure to let it cool first, then freeze as individual servings wrapped in wax paper so you can quickly pull out a single portion on busy early mornings.
Does baked oatmeal need to be refrigerated?
Baked oatmeal should absolutely be kept in the fridge. It can grow harmful bacteria if left at room temperature for too long.
Dietary Modifications
The recipe you’ll find below is already vegetarian as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:
- Gluten-Free: Be sure to get certified gluten-free oats.
- Dairy-Free: Opt for a plant-based milk, and coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute in place of butter.
- Vegan: Choose plant-based milk. Use flax or chia eggs in place of eggs, and coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Chop them small. Cut the apples into tinier pieces so they disperse evenly and you get some in every bite. Plus, they’ll cook more consistently.
- Older, but better. Use only old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats or steel-cut won’t do as well.
- Make it quick. Avoid letting the oats sit in the milk for more than about 5 minutes before baking.
- Size matters. A 9×9-inch pan is the perfect thickness so the oats are tender but not too soggy.
- Go nutty. Coarsely chopped pecans add a lovely crunch and texture to the baked oatmeal.
- Serve with syrup. If you haven’t appeased your sweet tooth just yet, add a drizzle of maple syrup for a delicious treat!
What to Serve with Baked Apple Oatmeal
While you can enjoy this dish on its own, you can pair it with any of these sides to round out the meal.
Add some protein with Chicken Sausage or Air Fryer Bacon.
If you love eggs, try these Egg Muffins or Egg White Bites.
More Healthy Oat Recipes
There are so many ways to enjoy oats for breakfast, or any time of day.
You can’t miss this Berry Baked Oatmeal or Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal.
Breakfast Oatmeal Cookies are another recipe you can easily make ahead to feed the whole family.
Peach Cobbler Overnight Oats, Blueberry Overnight Oats, Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats, Almond Butter Overnight Oats, and Pumpkin Overnight Oats are quick breakfasts any time of the year. (Check out these Overnight Oats recipes, too!)
Healthy Homemade Granola and No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars are an easy breakfast or snack, too.
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Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups milk regular, oat, or soy
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 eggs large
- 4 Tbsp. butter melted
- 3 cups rolled oats old-fashioned
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 2 tsp. apple pie spice
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 ¾ cups apples finely diced (about 1 medium)
- ⅔ cup pecans coarsely chopped, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together the milk, maple syrup, eggs and melted butter in a large bowl.
- Add in the oats, baking powder, spice, vanilla, and salt. Mix until well combined. Pour in the apples and ½ cup pecans. Stir everything together with a spatula until just combined. (Don’t let the mixture sit for more than about 5 minutes before baking in the oven as it will start to thicken up.)
- Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and spread the oatmeal mixture out in a single layer. Top with the remaining ¼ cup of chopped pecans on top.
- Bake for 35 minutes, or until the middle is almost set. For drier oatmeal, cook for 5-10 minutes more.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting in. Serve with butter, additional maple syrup, or yogurt. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Notes
Meal Prep and Storage
- How to Prep-Ahead: The best thing about this baked oats dish is how easy this is to meal prep for the week. Make the oatmeal in a pan, cover with foil, and leave it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- How to Store: Keep leftover apple oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. Do NOT leave this out on the counter. Think of this as more of an overnight oats recipe instead of a quick bread or cake recipe.
- How to Freeze: For the best results, wrap individual portions in wax paper so you can pull out one at a time. Freeze for up to 4-6 months.
- How to Reheat: Add the baked oatmeal to a toaster oven and heat for a few minutes. You can also place on a dish and pop in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Place a damp paper towel on top to prevent it from drying out in the microwave.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
