Description

This Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a wholesome and comforting breakfast dish made with old fashioned oats, sweet apples, warming cinnamon, and crunchy pecans. It’s perfect for meal prep as it’s assembled the night before, then baked to golden perfection in the oven. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and loaded with tender fruit and nuts, this baked oatmeal is both nutritious and delicious for a cozy morning treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

3 cups old fashioned oats
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup milk
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 large eggs
1/2 cup maple syrup (or brown sugar)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Add-Ins

2 cups chopped apple
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute. Add the milk, applesauce, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly to break up the eggs and mix everything into a cohesive batter. Finally, fold in the chopped apples and pecans until just combined.
Add to a casserole dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the oat mixture evenly in the dish to create a uniform layer.
Chill the dish: Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the oats to soak and flavors to meld, making for a tender and flavorful baked oatmeal.
Bake the dish: The next morning, take the dish out of the fridge and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the oatmeal uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is set firmly and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer and use plant-based milk.
Applesauce can be replaced with mashed banana for a different flavor.
Chilling overnight is key for texture but if short on time, bake immediately, adding 5-10 minutes to bake time.
Use fresh, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze portions for up to 2 months.