Ingredients:

For the Oatmeal Bake:

• 1 cup oatmeal (rolled oats work best)
• 150 ml warm milk (dairy or non-dairy milk)
• 2 apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
• 20g butter (melted)
• Vanillin (1 packet or a pinch)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon (or to taste)
• 50g nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans, chopped)
• Honey (to taste, for drizzling or sweetening)

Steps to Make the Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (360°F). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready to bake the oatmeal evenly.

2. Prepare the Apples:

Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. You can choose any variety of apples you prefer, but tart apples like Granny Smith or slightly sweet varieties like Honeycrisp work wonderfully in this recipe. Set the apples aside.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth. Add the vanillin and cinnamon to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.

4. Prepare the Oats:

Add the oatmeal to the wet mixture, ensuring that all of the oats are well coated. Let the oats soak in the mixture for a few minutes, allowing them to soften and absorb some of the liquid. The oats should be slightly softened but not mushy.

5. Add the Apples:

Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring that the apples are evenly distributed throughout the oat mixture.

6. Assemble the Oatmeal Bake:

Grease a baking dish with a little butter or oil (a 9×9-inch dish works perfectly for this recipe). Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top, adding a nice crunch to the bake.

7. Bake:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The oatmeal should be golden brown on top, with the edges slightly crisp and the center set. You can test the doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

8. Serve:

Remove the oatmeal bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it into squares or serve it as a warm, comforting dish. Drizzle with honey for added sweetness, or serve with a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4-6

KCAL: Approx. 250-300 calories per serving (depending on portion size and added toppings)

Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless

This Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon is a timeless recipe because it combines the health benefits of oats with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and apples—ingredients that have been loved for centuries. Oats are a nutritious whole grain that provide a good source of fiber, helping to keep you full longer and support digestion. The apples contribute not only a natural sweetness but also provide vitamins and antioxidants, making this dish both tasty and nourishing.

Cinnamon is a spice that has been used in cooking for thousands of years. Its warm, fragrant flavor is a perfect complement to the apples, bringing out their sweetness while adding a touch of warmth. The addition of butter and eggs creates a custard-like texture that binds the oatmeal together, resulting in a dish that is not too dry but still firm enough to be cut into slices.

The crunchy nuts add a contrast in texture and a rich, nutty flavor, making each bite more interesting. The drizzle of honey on top serves as the perfect finishing touch, adding just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. Whether you’re eating it for breakfast, brunch, or as a light dessert, this baked oatmeal is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.

The versatility and ease of preparation make this baked oatmeal a timeless dish. It’s incredibly adaptable—use any fruit or nuts you have on hand, adjust the spices to suit your tastes, or add a handful of raisins, chia seeds, or flaxseeds for extra nutrients. The fact that you can prepare it ahead of time and bake it when needed makes it a convenient option for busy mornings, and it also reheats beautifully, making it a great dish for meal prep.

Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal (depending on portion size and added toppings)
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 15g (includes natural sugars from apples and honey)
• Sodium: 100mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I use a different type of milk? A: Yes, you can use any type of milk—dairy or non-dairy—such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Keep in mind that using a sweeter milk alternative (like sweetened almond milk) may change the overall sweetness of the dish, so you may want to adjust the amount of honey you add.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the oatmeal mixture the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. In the morning, just bake it for 30 minutes. This is perfect for busy mornings or when you want a warm breakfast ready in no time.

Q: How can I make this vegan? A: To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water to form a gel) and use a dairy-free milk such as almond or oat milk. You can also use dairy-free butter if needed.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, this baked oatmeal freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then slice it into individual portions. Store the slices in an airtight container or wrap them in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake at 180°C (360°F) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Tips for Making:

1. Use Old-Fashioned Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for this recipe. Quick oats can become mushy and won’t give the same texture as rolled oats.
2. Customize the Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or dried fruits. Walnuts, almonds, and pecans work wonderfully, while raisins, cranberries, or dried apricots can add a nice contrast in flavor.
3. Make it Creamier: For a richer, creamier texture, you can use half-and-half instead of milk or add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the oat mixture.
4. Add Sweetener: If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to increase the amount of honey or even add a bit of maple syrup or brown sugar to the oatmeal mixture.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Leftover baked oatmeal can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the baked oatmeal cool completely. Slice into individual portions and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion:

Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon is a comforting, versatile dish that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dessert. The combination of wholesome oats, apples, cinnamon, and nuts makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal that will keep you energized throughout the day. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability—it’s easy to prepare, and you can customize it with different fruits, nuts, and spices based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy it on a lazy weekend morning or as a quick meal during the week, this baked oatmeal is sure to become a beloved dish in your kitchen for years to come.