Name: Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488495H58M48S
Total time: PT-488495H58M48S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large apples, peeled and diced (any variety, like Gala or Granny Smith); 2 cups rolled oats; 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy, like almond or oat milk); 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch); 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil (for greasing the pan)

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If you’re searching for the coziest way to start your morning, look no further than this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake. It’s like warm apple pie meets wholesome oatmeal, combining tender apples, sweet maple syrup, crunchy nuts, and a burst of cinnamon in every bite. With a golden, comforting top and a hearty interior, this bake makes busy mornings brighter or transforms a leisurely brunch into something extra special. Whether you love your breakfast straight from the oven or chilled from the fridge, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again for a nourishing and satisfying meal.

Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is just how simple the ingredient list is, while each component brings a unique charm—texture from the oats, sweetness from apples and maple, and richness from warm spices. Don’t skip or swap without considering how each flavor and texture works to create your dream Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake!

Apples: Choose your favorite variety for bright bursts of sweetness or tartness—Gala and Granny Smith both shine here.
Rolled oats: Old-fashioned oats provide a perfectly chewy, hearty base that soaks up all those flavors—avoid instant oats for the best texture.
Milk: Dairy or non-dairy both work; it’s all about the creaminess—oat milk, almond milk, or regular milk are all great options.
Eggs: Help bind your breakfast bake together, giving it structure and lift for those glorious sliced squares.
Maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the bake with rich, caramel notes—honey is a wonderful alternative if that’s what you have.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and deepens the sweet, cozy aroma.
Cinnamon: Warm, spicy, and essential—it lets every bite sing with comfort.
Nutmeg: Just a dash enhances the apple flavor and adds a little intriguing depth.
Baking powder: Gives the bake a soft lift so it isn’t too dense—makes each slice feel special.
Salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly for a more developed flavor.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Offers irresistible crunch and a nutty aroma, making each bite interesting.
Butter or coconut oil: For greasing the pan—so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.

How to Make

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—this ensures the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake cooks evenly. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish generously with butter or coconut oil, so you’ll be able to scoop out neat squares with ease (and enjoy those delicious crispy edges).

Step 2: Spice the Apples

In a small bowl, toss your peeled, diced apples with half the cinnamon. This simple step lets every apple cube become infused with spice—creating little bursts of flavor throughout your bake. Set the apples aside while you ready the oat mixture.

Step 3: Mix the Liquid Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your milk of choice, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, the remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking well makes sure every bite will be deliciously balanced and rich—no pockets of unmixed egg or spice allowed!

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Stir your rolled oats, baking powder, and nuts (if using) right into the wet mixture. This step is where everything starts looking like breakfast—chunky, hearty, and full of promise.

Step 5: Assemble and Fold in Apples

Pour your oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Gently fold in your cinnamon-tossed apples, making sure they’re peppered throughout the entire dish. The apples release their juices while baking, resulting in beautiful pockets of fruit and spice.

Step 6: Bake It Up

Slide the pan into your hot oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden brown and a toothpick slides out clean. The aroma will transform your kitchen into a warm cinnamon-apple hug.

Step 7: Let Cool and Serve

Let your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake rest for 10 minutes after coming out of the oven. This helps it set up so slicing is easy, but it’ll still be delightfully warm. Enjoy immediately, or let it cool completely for a firmer (and ultra-convenient) grab-and-go breakfast.

How to Serve

Garnishes

Finish each serving with a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness, a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt for tang, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if you’re a spice lover. Fresh apple slices or a handful of toasted nuts on top add color and a dash of crunch to each plate.

Side Dishes

Your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea. For a hearty brunch, try serving it alongside a fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or crisp bacon for those who eat meat. The warm, spiced flavor of the bake works well with almost any breakfast classic.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really impress, cut the bake into squares and layer parfait-style with yogurt and additional chopped apples in glass jars. Serving it chilled with a touch of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla yogurt transforms it into a sweet treat for dessert or a lavish brunch board centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake keeps wonderfully in the fridge! Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 4 days and is perfect for meal prepping breakfast you’ll actually look forward to.

Freezing

You can freeze individual squares by wrapping them in parchment and stacking in a freezer-safe container. For best taste and texture, enjoy within two months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat when ready.

Reheating

Warm up single servings in the microwave for a minute or two, or reheat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This revives the flavors and makes your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake taste almost like it’s straight out of the oven again.

FAQs

Can I make the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the eggs with flax eggs and opt for a non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. You’ll still get the same comforting taste and lovely texture—entirely plant-based.

What types of apples work best in this recipe?

Any apple you love will work, but Gala and Granny Smith are two favorites for their balance of sweetness and tartness. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady also hold up beautifully when baked, giving you juicy bites in every slice.

Can I add extra mix-ins?

Definitely! Raisins, dried cranberries, or a handful of chocolate chips add even more flavor and variety. A pinch of ground ginger or a sprinkle of allspice can also elevate the spice profile of your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake.

Is it possible to prepare this the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the mixture the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning, adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time since it will be cold going into the oven. Your future self will thank you!

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, and everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check all packaging for hidden gluten if you’re sensitive or cooking for someone with celiac disease.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake enough—it’s simple, reliable, and endlessly customizable. The comfort of cinnamon-scented apples and hearty oats is hard to beat, whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or feeding a family crowd. Give it a try and discover how a wholesome breakfast can make your whole day feel a little more special.