Description
Enjoy a comforting and nutritious Baked Oatmeal with Apples or Pumpkin that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. This cozy dish combines wholesome oats, warm spices, and your choice of fresh apples or pumpkin puree, baked to golden perfection and topped with crunchy nuts and optional dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 medium apple, chopped (or 1 cup pumpkin puree)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a square baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the baked oatmeal.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup or agave nectar, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a good texture.
- Add fruit and nuts. Gently fold in the chopped apple or pumpkin puree, chopped walnuts or pecans, and dried cranberries or raisins if using, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Transfer mixture to baking dish. Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Add optional topping. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top of the mixture if you desire an extra touch of sweetness and a slightly caramelized crust.
- Bake the oatmeal. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal feels firm to the touch.
- Cool and serve. Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm to enjoy the comforting flavors and texture.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by substituting walnuts with pecans or omitting nuts for nut-free options.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk and ensure maple syrup or agave nectar is used as the sweetener.
- Dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins are optional but add pleasant bursts of sweetness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave.
- Feel free to add a dollop of yogurt or a splash of milk when serving to enhance creaminess.
