Short Description
Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake is a warm, comforting dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. Packed with rolled oats, fresh apples, and warm spices, this baked oatmeal is naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey and topped with a luscious caramel drizzle. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven for a cozy start to your day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Satisfying: A wholesome blend of oats, apples, and natural sweeteners.
- Warm and Comforting: Perfect for fall mornings or when you crave a cozy breakfast.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or swap apples for pears.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and reheat for quick, healthy breakfasts.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- ¼ cup raisins (optional)
Directions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
-
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well.
-
Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the diced apples.
-
Assemble the Bake:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
-
Add Toppings:
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with nuts and raisins if using.
-
Bake:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve warm with extra caramel sauce or a dollop of yogurt.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- Pear Oatmeal Bake: Swap apples for pears for a different fruity twist.
- Extra Spices: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for a deeper flavor.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle extra nuts or granola on top before baking.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add ¼ cup dark chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats provide the best texture, but quick oats can be used. The bake may be slightly softer.
What type of apples work best?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold their shape best during baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mixture the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake in the morning.
Can I use steel-cut oats?
Steel-cut oats require more liquid and a longer baking time, so they are not recommended for this recipe.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats to make this a gluten-free dish.
What can I use instead of caramel sauce?
Maple syrup, honey, or almond butter work well as alternatives.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or add 2 beaten eggs for extra protein.
How do I make homemade caramel sauce?
Simmer ½ cup sugar with 2 tablespoons butter and ¼ cup heavy cream until thickened.
Is this dish sweet?
It has natural sweetness from apples and maple syrup, but you can adjust by adding more or less caramel.
Can I bake this in muffin tins?
Yes! Divide the mixture into greased muffin tins and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake is a warm, comforting breakfast packed with wholesome ingredients and a delicious caramel drizzle. Perfect for meal prep or weekend brunch, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a nutritious, satisfying start to your day!
Print
Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake is a cozy, fall-inspired breakfast that’s packed with warm spices, tender apples, and a drizzle of rich caramel. It’s soft, lightly sweetened, and perfect for meal prep or a comforting morning treat!
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
-
Mix dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well.
-
Combine wet ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the diced apples.
-
Assemble the bake
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
-
Add toppings
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with nuts and raisins if desired.
-
Bake
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
-
Serve warm
- Enjoy as is, or top with extra caramel sauce, yogurt, or whipped cream for added indulgence!
Notes
- Customize it! Swap apples for pears or add extra spices like ginger or cloves.
- Make it vegan by using plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
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