Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with fiber-rich oats and fresh apples, this bake provides sustained energy throughout the morning.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a hassle-free recipe suitable for busy mornings.
- Versatile: Customize with your choice of nuts or add-ins to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into ¼” cubes (about 6–8 apples)
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup apple juice or water
- ¾ cup pecans, finely chopped and divided
For the Glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare the Apples: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
- Process the Oats: Place the old-fashioned oats in a food processor or blender and pulse until the mixture becomes the consistency of coarse cornmeal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Add the processed oats to this mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together for approximately 4 minutes, until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the pure vanilla extract and salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Combine Mixtures: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring to combine. Add the apple juice (or water) and mix completely before adding the remaining dry ingredients. Once the batter is fully combined, fold in the diced apples and ½ cup of the chopped pecans.
- Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped pecans on top. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the bake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Serve: Once the bake has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6–8 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Nuts: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
- Sweeteners: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetness.
- Add-ins: Incorporate raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use any variety of apple you prefer. Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, but Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp apples will also work well.
Is it necessary to process the oats?
Processing the oats into a coarse flour helps create a smoother texture in the bake. However, if you prefer a chewier texture, you can skip this step and use whole oats.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, bake as directed.
Can I freeze this bake?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked batter in a freezer-safe dish. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
Can I omit the glaze?
Yes, the glaze is optional. The bake is delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream.
Conclusion
The Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a versatile and delicious dish that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the natural sweetness of apples.
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a warm, wholesome dish that combines the goodness of oats with the sweetness of apples and cinnamon. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, this bake is not only easy to prepare but also packed with fiber and nutrients. It’s a delicious and healthy way to start your day, and it can even be made ahead for busy mornings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk (any kind)
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the Oats: In a large bowl, combine the oats, chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the apples and oats are evenly coated with the spices and sugar.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter or coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture and stir to combine. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set.
- Serve: Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
Notes
- Add-ins: You can mix in other fruits like pears, berries, or bananas for a different twist.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar, depending on your taste preferences.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this breakfast bake the night before and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven in the morning for a quick breakfast.