Name: Creamy Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; 2 cups milk (or almond milk for dairy-free); 2 eggs; ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Walnuts; Raisins; Almond slices; 2 apples, diced

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If you are searching for a comforting and wholesome breakfast, look no further than this Creamy Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It combines tender oats with the natural sweetness of diced apples and the warm embrace of cinnamon to create a dish that feels like a hug in every bite. Not only is it perfect for busy mornings thanks to easy meal prep, but its creamy texture makes it feel like a special treat while still being nourishing and filling. Once you make it, this baked oatmeal will quickly become your go-to breakfast to fuel your day with cozy flavors and heartiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients placed neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a white bowl filled with pale beige rolled oats. To the right, a glass pitcher contains fresh white milk. Below the oats, a small white bowl holds dark amber syrup, while to the right there is a small bottle of dark vanilla extract. Next to the vanilla, a white bowl is filled with light tan applesauce. Near the center are two white eggs placed side by side. A small square white dish near the eggs has an assortment of spices in brown and white colors. Below them, a wooden bowl holds a light yellow square of butter. To the left, there is a white bowl filled with light brown sugar and another white bowl with dark brown pecan halves. Finally, three apples with red and yellow skin are scattered at the bottom right of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this Creamy Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe is a breeze, yet each component plays a vital role in delivering the delicious harmony of flavors and textures. From the hearty oats that build the structure to the sweet and fragrant cinnamon that enlivens the dish, every item is chosen to bring balance and depth.

Rolled oats (2 cups): The base of the dish, providing fiber, texture, and a nutty backbone to the oatmeal.
Milk or almond milk (2 cups): Adds richness and creaminess, with almond milk offering a dairy-free option that keeps the recipe light.
Apples, diced (2): Fresh, juicy fruit infusing natural sweetness and pleasant bursts of tartness.
Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the creamy, custard-like consistency.
Maple syrup or honey (⅓ cup): Provides gentle sweetness while adding complexity and moisture.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): Essential warming spice that pairs beautifully with the apples, infusing comforting flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall aroma and smooths out the flavor profile.
Baking powder (½ tsp): Helps the oatmeal rise slightly for a tender, fluffy texture.
Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness, amplifying all other flavors.
Optional extras: Walnuts, raisins, or almond slices can be folded in to add delightful crunch and bursts of flavor.

How to Make Creamy Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), creating just the right environment for baking this cozy breakfast. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure your oatmeal doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly formed.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your rolled oats with baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This simple blend lays the foundation for the flavors to meld during baking, and the baking powder guarantees a light and delicate rise, preventing the oatmeal from becoming too dense.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or almond milk), maple syrup, and vanilla extract. This mixture not only sweetens but also adds moisture, creating that creamy texture that makes this recipe stand out.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Then, carefully fold in the diced apples to evenly distribute their juicy goodness throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden and set but the inside remains wonderfully creamy. Your kitchen will be filled with the warm aroma of cinnamon and apples — an irresistible invitation.

How to Serve Creamy Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe

A square piece of oatmeal bake with a rough textured top sprinkled with green pumpkin seeds sits on a white plate with a green rim and a green leaf design on the right edge. The oatmeal looks moist and dense with a light brown color, and the top is a darker browned golden shade. Behind the plate, there is a white marbled surface holding a dark green acorn squash on the left and a tall red mug with a handle on the right. A silver spoon lies on the plate behind the oatmeal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a little extra charm to your Creamy Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe by topping it with a dollop of Greek yogurt for tanginess, a drizzle of maple syrup for sweetness, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts to introduce crunch. Fresh fruit such as sliced bananas or berries can enhance both color and flavor, making each bite more exciting.

Side Dishes

This baked oatmeal pairs beautifully with simple sides such as crispy bacon or sausage for those who enjoy a savory balance. A hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee also complements the gentle sweetness and cozy spices perfectly, rounding out a satisfying breakfast experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch crowd or cozy breakfast-in-bed surprise, serve the oatmeal in individual ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of powdered cinnamon. You can also layer it with yogurt and granola in a parfait glass for an elegant twist that still keeps the heartwarming flavors front and center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Creamy Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a perfect option for meal prepping breakfasts that remain fresh and delicious throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep your oatmeal for longer, freeze portions in individual freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Be sure to label them so you can enjoy this comforting dish anytime you crave an easy, wholesome breakfast.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave your portion until warmed through, adding a splash of milk or water if it feels too thick. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 15 minutes. This helps maintain the creamy texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Steel-cut oats are much thicker and take longer to cook, so they are not ideal for this baked oatmeal. Rolled oats absorb liquid better and yield the creamy texture that makes this recipe so special.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs and use almond milk or any plant-based milk. You might notice a slight difference in texture, but it will still be delicious and creamy.

Can I add other fruits besides apples?

Absolutely! Pears, blueberries, or chopped peaches work wonderfully. Just keep the texture and moisture content in mind to maintain the creamy balance of the dish.

What sweeteners can I use if I don’t have maple syrup or honey?

You can replace these with agave nectar, brown sugar, or coconut sugar. Each adds its unique flavor, so choose one that fits your taste preferences.

How do I make this breakfast gluten-free?

Ensure your rolled oats are labeled gluten-free, as oats themselves are naturally gluten-free but often processed in facilities that handle gluten grains.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cozy bowl of creamy baked oatmeal that feels like a hug from the inside. This Creamy Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe hits all the right notes with its tender oats, sweet apples, and fragrant spices. It’s simple, versatile, and perfect for any day of the week. I hope you give it a try and make it your own comforting breakfast favorite as much as I have!