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A close-up of a homemade apple oatmeal bake with cranberries in a white dish, with one serving already taken out.
Layla

Cozy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake

A warm and hearty baked oatmeal, brimming with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of maple. Perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or a healthy dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 395
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Oatmeal Bake
  • 2 cups Old-fashioned rolled oats Do not use instant or steel-cut oats.
  • 1 1/2 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 2 cups Milk Any kind works, including dairy-free options like almond or oat milk.
  • 2 Large eggs Lightly beaten.
  • 1/4 cup Pure maple syrup Plus more for serving.
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted butter Melted. Can substitute with coconut oil.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 2 medium Apples Peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces (e.g., Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith).
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup Pecans or walnuts Roughly chopped.
  • 2 tbsp Brown sugar Light or dark, packed.
  • 1 tbsp Cold unsalted butter Cut into small pieces.

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch baking dish
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Oven and Dish
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Mix the Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, eggs, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  4. Gently fold in the diced apples.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the topping ingredients: chopped pecans, brown sugar, and pieces of cold butter. Use your fingertips or a fork to mix until the butter is incorporated and the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the oatmeal.
  3. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. The edges should be slightly bubbly.
  4. Let the oatmeal bake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set up properly.
  5. Serve warm, on its own or with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of yogurt, or a splash of milk.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover apple oatmeal bake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. You can add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it moist.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish (without the topping) the night before. Cover and refrigerate. In the morning, add the topping and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.