This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Bake is the ultimate cozy breakfast for cooler mornings. It’s packed with warm spices, fresh apples, and hearty oats, making it the perfect dish to start your day with.
The texture of the baked oats combined with tender chunks of apples and a touch of cinnamon is simply irresistible. It’s easy to make ahead of time, so you can have a nourishing breakfast ready to go for a busy morning. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both wholesome and indulgent, making it great for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil (for greasing)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or coconut oil.
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In a large bowl, combine oats, chopped apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and raisins. Stir to combine.
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In another bowl, whisk together eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, milk, and water.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the oat mixture and stir to combine. If desired, add walnuts for a crunchier texture.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the oats are tender and the top is golden brown.
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Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Bake: A Perfect Start to Your Day
There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of apples, cinnamon, and oats, especially when it’s baked into a warm, fluffy breakfast bake. The Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Bake is the ultimate cozy dish for any morning. Whether you’re preparing for a busy day ahead or indulging in a leisurely weekend brunch, this breakfast bake is easy to make, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying. But what makes this recipe truly stand out?
The Beauty of Oats: A Hearty Base for Your Breakfast
Oats are the heart of this breakfast bake, and for good reason. Oats are an incredibly versatile ingredient that not only provides a hearty texture but also offers numerous health benefits. Full of fiber, oats help to keep you full and satisfied for longer periods, making them an excellent choice for breakfast. This is especially important if you are looking to curb mid-morning cravings or maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.
What’s even more exciting about oats is that they are a great source of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health. So when you start your day with a wholesome bowl of oatmeal, you’re doing your heart and digestive system a favor. Additionally, oats are rich in vitamins and minerals, including manganese, iron, and magnesium, which play essential roles in metabolism and overall health.
Apples: The Perfect Sweet Addition
Apples are not only a delicious addition to this breakfast bake but also come with a wealth of health benefits. Apples are high in fiber, particularly pectin, which aids digestion and supports gut health. Eating apples regularly has been associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. They also provide a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system and skin.
When combined with the warmth of cinnamon, apples bring a natural sweetness that complements the oats beautifully. Plus, baking the apples softens their texture, releasing their juices and infusing the entire dish with their delightful flavor. Whether you use tart Granny Smiths or sweet Honeycrisps, apples make this recipe both tasty and nutritious.
Cinnamon: The Spicy Wonder
Cinnamon, often referred to as a “super spice,” adds a comforting warmth and a touch of sweetness to the dish. It’s not just delicious; cinnamon also boasts impressive health benefits. Studies have shown that cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body. Additionally, cinnamon has been shown to improve blood sugar control, making it a perfect addition to any meal, particularly for those managing their blood sugar levels.
In this breakfast bake, cinnamon’s sweet and spicy notes elevate the flavors of the oats and apples, turning a simple dish into something aromatic and mouthwatering. This warming spice brings out the natural sweetness of the apples and pairs wonderfully with the oats, making each bite an experience of pure comfort.
Why This Recipe Is the Best for Your Morning Routine
Starting your day with the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Bake isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it’s also an excellent way to nourish your body. This recipe combines the goodness of whole grains, fresh fruit, and warming spices to create a balanced breakfast that offers fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which will keep you energized throughout the morning.
Here’s why this recipe is a great choice for breakfast:
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Easy to Make: This breakfast bake is incredibly simple to prepare, with minimal hands-on time. You can mix all the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let it bake while you go about your morning routine. It’s a great option for busy families or anyone who prefers a no-fuss breakfast.
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Meal-Prep Friendly: One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping, saving you time on hectic mornings when you need a quick breakfast option. Simply reheat a portion, and you’ve got a wholesome breakfast ready to go!
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Nutritious and Filling: With its high fiber content from oats and apples, this breakfast bake will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours. The addition of eggs provides a source of protein, which helps to keep you energized and helps your body rebuild and repair throughout the day.
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Versatile and Customizable: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily make substitutions depending on your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can switch the milk for a plant-based option like almond milk or coconut milk. If you prefer a sweeter version, you can add a bit more maple syrup or even drizzle the top with honey. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, simply skip the eggs or use a suitable egg substitute.
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Kid-Friendly: The mild sweetness of the apples, combined with the comforting oats and cinnamon, makes this dish a hit with kids. It’s a great way to sneak in some nutritious ingredients that they might not otherwise enjoy. Plus, they’ll love the warm, baked texture!
Perfect for Any Season
While this breakfast bake is especially perfect for the fall and winter months due to its warming spices, it can be enjoyed year-round. In the summer, you can use fresh berries or stone fruits instead of apples for a light, refreshing twist. If you have a stash of frozen fruit, feel free to throw that into the mix for an easy, seasonal variation.
The Benefits of Preparing a Breakfast Bake
When you think of breakfast, oatmeal might immediately come to mind. But making a baked version elevates the experience to a whole new level. The baked oatmeal has a lovely texture that’s not as soft as traditional oatmeal but still offers the same comforting qualities. The apple and cinnamon meld together in the oven, creating a delicious aroma that will make your kitchen feel inviting and warm.
This recipe also allows for easy customization. Whether you like your oatmeal bake to have a bit of crunch from nuts or a creamy consistency from extra milk, you can adjust the ingredients to your liking. This adaptability makes it a perfect breakfast choice for everyone in the family, no matter their taste preferences or dietary needs.
Conclusion
The Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Bake is a wholesome, nourishing, and delicious way to start your day. Not only does it offer numerous health benefits, but it also comes together with minimal effort. With oats providing fiber, apples offering natural sweetness, and cinnamon adding warmth and spice, this recipe is truly the perfect breakfast dish.
The best part? It’s versatile and customizable, meaning you can make it your own depending on your preferences or what’s in your pantry. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or treating yourself to a cozy morning at home, this breakfast bake will satisfy your hunger and leave you feeling energized for whatever the day holds. So why not give it a try? Your body and taste buds will thank you.