Description
This delicious and wholesome Baked Apple Oatmeal with Cinnamon is a comforting breakfast dish that combines steel cut oats, tender diced apples, warm cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar for natural sweetness. It’s baked to perfection, creating a golden, set oatmeal that’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy morning or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups steel cut oats
- 4 cups boiling water
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 apples, peeled and diced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups milk
Optional Toppings
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh fruit
- Nuts
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Toast the oats: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the steel cut oats and stir continuously until they are lightly toasted, which helps enhance their flavor and aroma.
- Combine oats and boiling water: Transfer the toasted oats to a large mixing bowl, then carefully pour the boiling water over them. This helps begin the cooking process and softens the oats.
- Add apples and seasonings: Stir in the peeled and diced apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt until all ingredients are well incorporated. The apples add sweetness and texture, while the cinnamon warms the flavor.
- Mix in the milk: Pour in the milk and stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all elements evenly throughout the oatmeal.
- Bake the oatmeal: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the oatmeal is browned on top and fully set in the center.
- Serve and add toppings: After baking, stir the oatmeal slightly before serving to break up the crust if desired. Top with optional brown sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or nuts according to your preference for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Steel cut oats provide a chewy texture and nutty flavor but require soaking or longer cooking time.
- For a vegan option, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar or use maple syrup for a natural sweetener alternative.
- Adding nuts or dried fruits as toppings adds a nice crunch and nutritional boost.
- The oatmeal can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated gently before serving.
