If you’re craving a comforting, wholesome breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, the Apple and Maple Baked Oatmeal Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe combines tender oats, sweet maple syrup, and tart, fresh apples to create a baked oatmeal dish that’s perfectly moist and filled with cozy autumn flavors. With a hint of vanilla and a touch of coconut oil, every bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture that makes it hard to stop at just one serving. It’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary mornings into something truly special, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Apple and Maple Baked Oatmeal Recipe so wonderful is how simple and wholesome the ingredients are, yet each adds its magic – from the nutty oats to the fresh apples and the golden touch of maple syrup. Let’s break down these essentials so you know exactly why each one plays an important role.
- 2 eggs: These bind everything together while adding a rich texture.
- 2 cups milk (or milk alternative): Moistens the oats, making the bake tender and creamy.
- 1 cup maple syrup (or brown sugar): Brings natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 teaspoons sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise slightly for a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic undertones that make the dish irresistible.
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted: Infuses a subtle tropical note while keeping the oatmeal moist.
- 6 cups quick oats: The hearty base that provides fiber and that classic oatmeal chew.
- 2 apples, diced into ½-inch pieces: Fresh apples add juicy bursts of tartness and sweetness.
- ½ cup pecans, chopped (optional): Adds crunch and a rich nutty flavor if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
How to Make Apple and Maple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, making sure the rack is in the center position. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure the oatmeal won’t stick. This step sets the stage for the perfect bake — even browning and easy serving.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs until smooth and slightly frothy. Then add the milk, maple syrup, sea salt, baking powder, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Stir everything together until you have a consistent, fragrant mixture. This blend ensures that every oat will soak up flavor and moisture evenly.
Step 3: Combine Oats, Apples, and Pecans
Add the quick oats, diced apples, and chopped pecans (if using) into your wet mixture. Gently fold everything together so that the oats are well incorporated but the apples remain intact to offer those juicy pockets of flavor later on.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking dish, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the oatmeal turns a beautiful golden brown and is firm to the touch, without any jiggle. The aroma during this step is simply heavenly and will have your kitchen smelling like pure comfort.
How to Serve Apple and Maple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
While this Apple and Maple Baked Oatmeal Recipe is delightful on its own, a sprinkle of additional chopped pecans, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, or a dollop of Greek yogurt can elevate your serving. Fresh apple slices on top add freshness and a pleasing crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair this warm oatmeal with a side of crispy bacon or turkey sausage for a well-rounded breakfast. A fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie can add a refreshing contrast that balances the dish’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this classic baked oatmeal by serving it in individual ramekins for a fancy breakfast treat or layering portions with yogurt and granola into a parfait glass for a fun visual and textural experience. It also works wonderfully cut into bars for on-the-go breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple and Maple Baked Oatmeal Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead breakfast, ready to warm up without losing any of its cozy charm.
Freezing
For longer storage, cut the baked oatmeal into portions and freeze them individually. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you need a comforting breakfast fast.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a portion into the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes, or warm it in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or a little extra maple syrup before reheating can revive the moistness and flavor wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of quick oats?
Steel-cut oats are much firmer and take longer to cook, so they are not ideal for this recipe as they won’t soften sufficiently during baking. Stick with quick oats to get that tender, creamy texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the milk for any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk, and use coconut oil or another dairy-free fat to keep it creamy and moist.
Can I substitute the apples with other fruits?
Yes, apples work beautifully, but pears, berries, or chopped peaches can be great alternatives depending on the season. Just keep in mind the moisture content may slightly affect the baking time.
How sweet is this Apple and Maple Baked Oatmeal Recipe?
It has a nice natural sweetness from the maple syrup and apples, but you can adjust the amount of sweetener to suit your taste—add more for a dessert-like treat or less for a milder flavor.
What’s the best way to add nuts for extra crunch?
Chopped pecans are incorporated into the batter in this recipe, but you can also sprinkle some on top before baking or add toasted nuts as a garnish after baking for crunchier texture contrast.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Apple and Maple Baked Oatmeal Recipe a try soon. It’s the kind of warming, wholesome dish that turns a simple breakfast into a moment of joy and comfort. Whether you serve it to your family on a relaxed weekend morning or prep it ahead for busy weekdays, it’s sure to become a trusted favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the cozy flavors and the smiles it brings to the table!
PrintApple and Maple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
This comforting Apple and Maple Baked Oatmeal is a delicious and wholesome breakfast option featuring tender oats infused with the warm sweetness of maple syrup and fresh diced apples. Enhanced with a hint of vanilla and a crunchy touch from pecans, this baked dish is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups milk (or milk alternative)
- 1 cup maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
Dry Ingredients
- 6 cups quick oats
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Additional Mix-Ins
- 2 apples, diced into ½-inch pieces
- ½ cup pecans, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Add the milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil, mixing thoroughly to combine these liquids.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Fruit: To the wet mixture, add the sea salt, baking powder, quick oats, diced apples, and chopped pecans if using. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the Oatmeal: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The oatmeal is done when it turns golden brown on top and is firm, no longer jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before slicing into portions. Serve warm for a comforting breakfast treat.
Notes
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup to ½ cup or adjust to taste.
- For added texture, try adding raisins or dried cranberries along with or instead of pecans.
- Leftover baked oatmeal stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheats nicely in the microwave.
- To make this recipe vegan, use flax eggs or other egg substitutes and plant-based milk.
