Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bake

$To make this tasty dish, gather the following items: - 2 cups rolled oats - 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice) - 2 large apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith for tartness) - 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons cinnamon - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional) - 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional) - 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter, for greasing the baking dish You can switch out some items if needed. For the rolled oats, you can use gluten-free oats. Almond milk can be swapped with cow's milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Brown sugar can change to coconut sugar for a healthier option. If you prefer no sugar, use ripe bananas for sweetness. You can also leave out the nuts or dried fruit if you want a simpler bake. Choosing the right apples makes a big difference. Look for firm apples with a shiny skin. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness and hold their shape well. For a sweeter option, you can use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. Always smell the apple; it should have a pleasant, sweet aroma. Avoid any with bruises or soft spots, as they may not be fresh. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x9 inch baking dish. Grease it with coconut oil or butter. This step keeps the bake from sticking. Make sure to cover all corners for best results. Next, take a large bowl. Add 2 cups of rolled oats. Then, sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Use a spoon to mix these dry ingredients well. This helps the cinnamon and baking powder spread evenly. In another bowl, pour in 2 cups of almond milk. Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup. Include 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Whisk these together until everything blends smoothly. This mixture adds moisture and sweetness. Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir until it's all mixed well. Then, fold in 2 large diced apples, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1/4 cup of raisins or dried cranberries if you like. Make sure everything is coated evenly. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown top that feels firm but moist in the center. Once baked, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, slice it up and enjoy! You can easily change the sweetness in this dish. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar or maple syrup. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce these ingredients. Taste the mixture before baking. This way, you can adjust it to your liking. For a great texture, use rolled oats instead of quick oats. Rolled oats give a chewy bite. Make sure to bake until the top is golden brown. The center should feel firm yet moist. If it looks too dry, it might need more liquid next time. Spices can take your oatmeal bake to a new level. Try adding nutmeg or ginger for warmth. You could also mix in some vanilla extract for a nice touch. If you love nuts, consider adding a pinch of chopped walnuts or pecans. Each spice and nut will add a unique flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish dairy-free. Just use almond milk or any other plant-based milk. For gluten-free options, pick certified gluten-free rolled oats. These swaps keep the dish tasty and healthy. Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. You can add nuts, like pecans or almonds, for crunch. Dried fruits, like apricots or figs, add sweetness. If you want a chocolate twist, toss in some dark chocolate chips. The options are endless! Toppings can take your Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bake up a notch. Drizzle extra maple syrup on top for sweetness. A dollop of yogurt adds creaminess and tang. You can also sprinkle some nuts or seeds for added crunch. Fresh apple slices make a great side! To store leftovers, let the oatmeal bake cool completely. Cut it into squares, then place them in an airtight container. For best results, keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 4 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. To reheat, take a square of the oatmeal bake from the fridge. You can use a microwave or an oven. If using a microwave, heat for about 30 to 45 seconds. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. Add a splash of milk or water to keep it moist. For longer storage, you can freeze the oatmeal bake. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method helps prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat. Yes, you can use other fruits. Pears, bananas, or berries work well. Each fruit adds its own flavor. If using bananas, mash them first. For berries, toss them in whole. Adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness. Absolutely! You can prepare this recipe ahead. Mix the dry and wet ingredients and store them separately. Combine them just before baking for freshness. You can also bake it in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving. To make this recipe vegan, use almond milk or any plant-based milk. Replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Swap honey or dairy sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar. This keeps the dish plant-based and delicious. You can use quick oats, but the texture will change. Quick oats absorb more liquid, making the bake softer. Rolled oats give a chewier texture. If using quick oats, reduce the baking time slightly to avoid overcooking. This blog post covered everything you need for a tasty Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bake. We explored key ingredients, easy steps, helpful tips, and creative variations. You learned how to make it your own with substitutions and flavor boosts. Remember, you can store leftovers or freeze them for later. This dish is simple to prepare and fun to share. Enjoy baking and experimenting with your favorite flavors!$

Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bake

Warm up your mornings with this delicious Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bake! Packed with rolled oats, sweet apples, and cozy spices, this easy recipe is perfect for meal prep or a delightful breakfast treat. Dive into the simple steps and discover a slice of comfort that the whole family will love. Click to explore the full recipe and make your mornings special! #CinnamonAppleOatmeal #HealthyBreakfast #EasyRecipes #MealPrepInspiration

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

2 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice)

2 large apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith for tartness)

1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter, for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with coconut oil or butter.

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the baking powder and cinnamon.

In another bowl, whisk together the almond milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until well mixed.

Fold in the diced apples, walnuts, and raisins (if using), ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. The texture should be firm but still moist in the center.

Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm, topped with a drizzle of additional maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt, and dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an appealing finish. Enjoy it with a side of fresh apple slices for extra crunch!