Warm, cozy, and packed with flavor, Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is your new go-to comfort dish. This recipe is not only simple to make but also a crowd-pleaser for breakfast or snack time. With wholesome ingredients like oats, apples, and just the right spices, you can enjoy a heartwarming bowl that nourishes both body and soul. Ready to dive into an easy kitchen adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
List of Essential Ingredients
To make your Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal, you will need:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
These ingredients come together to create a warm, cozy dish. Rolled oats form the base and give it a hearty texture. Apples add natural sweetness and a juicy bite. Almond milk keeps it creamy, while maple syrup or honey adds an extra layer of flavor.
Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor
You can also enhance your baked oatmeal with these optional ingredients:
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- Fresh apple slices for garnish
Adding walnuts gives a nice crunch and extra nutrients. Raisins or cranberries bring a burst of sweetness. Garnishing with fresh apple slices makes the dish look pretty and fresh. Feel free to mix and match these optional ingredients to suit your taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat oven and prep baking dish: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×9 inch baking dish and lightly grease it. This helps the oatmeal not stick.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl: In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of rolled oats, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This step builds the base of your baked oatmeal.
Mixing Ingredients
1. Whisk together wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk 1 ½ cups of almond milk, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure everything blends well.
2. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet mix into the bowl with the dry mix. Stir until everything is fully combined. You want a nice, even mixture.
Baking Instructions
1. Fold in additional ingredients: Gently fold in 2 diced apples. If you like, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts and 1/4 cup of raisins or dried cranberries. These add a nice touch.
2. Transfer to baking dish and bake: Pour your mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
3. Cooling and serving suggestions: Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice into squares and serve warm. Top with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor. Enjoy your warm bowl of goodness!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfect Your Baked Oatmeal
To get the best oatmeal texture, you want it to be moist but not runny. Use rolled oats for a hearty bite. If you want a creamier dish, add a bit more almond milk. Start with 1 ½ cups, then adjust if needed. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before baking. This helps oats absorb the liquid well.
When picking apples, choose tart ones like Granny Smith. They add a bright flavor that balances the sweetness of maple syrup. You can mix different apples for added taste. Just make sure to peel and core them first. Diced apples should be about the same size for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon apple baked oatmeal is perfect for breakfast but also great as a snack. Pair it with yogurt for a protein boost. Drizzle extra maple syrup on top for a sweet touch. You can also serve it with a scoop of ice cream for a fun dessert.
To keep your oatmeal warm, cover it with foil after baking. This keeps it cozy until serving. If you have leftovers, reheat in the oven or microwave. Just add a splash of milk to keep it moist. Enjoy each bite of this delightful dish!
Variations
Dietary Adjustments
You can easily make this baked oatmeal gluten-free. Use gluten-free rolled oats instead of regular oats. They will give you the same great texture without the gluten.
For a vegan option, swap almond milk for any plant-based milk. Maple syrup is already vegan, so you can keep that. Just skip the honey if you use it. This keeps the dish tasty and friendly for everyone.
Flavor Variations
To change the flavor, add a dash of nutmeg or ginger. These spices give a nice warmth that pairs well with apples. Just a little sprinkle can really enhance the dish.
You can also switch up the fruits based on the season. In spring, try berries. In fall, add pears or even pumpkin. Each season brings a new way to enjoy this dish.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your baked oatmeal fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge for up to five days. This way, you can enjoy it again without losing taste. If you want to store it for longer, freezing works well. Cut the oatmeal into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped squares in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to three months.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them in the microwave. Place a square on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it for about one minute. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the oatmeal in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the moisture in, so your oatmeal stays soft and tasty. Enjoy your warm, comforting treat!
FAQs
Common Questions about Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day before. Just mix all the ingredients and place them in the baking dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge. When you are ready, bake it straight from the fridge. This saves time on busy mornings.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup. Start with a little and taste as you mix. If you want it sweeter, add more syrup or honey. If you prefer less, cut back on the sweetener.
Ingredient Substitutions
What can I use instead of almond milk?
You can use any milk you like. Cow’s milk, soy milk, or oat milk work well. Each type will change the flavor a bit.
Can I omit the nuts and dried fruit?
Yes, you can leave out nuts and dried fruit. This dish still tastes great without them. You can add other mix-ins like seeds or fresh fruit if you wish.
Serving Size Information
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about six servings. You can cut it into squares and serve it warm for breakfast or a snack.
What are the nutritional benefits?
Cinnamon apple baked oatmeal is healthy. It offers whole grains from oats, fiber from apples, and healthy fats if you use nuts. It is a good source of energy and keeps you full for longer.
This blog post covers a tasty and healthy baked oatmeal recipe. We discussed essential ingredients like rolled oats, apples, and spices. You also learned how to prep, mix, and bake with step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for the best texture and flavor, plus fun variations for dietary needs. Lastly, we looked at storage tips to keep your oatmeal fresh. Now, you can enjoy a warm, delicious breakfast all week. Dive in and make your own twist on this easy dish!
