Baked oatmeal makes breakfast easier to portion ahead: mix the ingredients in one bowl, bake them in one dish, and cut the cooled pan into squares. This apple cinnamon version is tender in the middle with soft fruit throughout. It makes six servings and takes about 45 minutes, most of it hands-off.
Makes: 6 portions
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, cored and diced
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or raisins, optional
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a large bowl, stir together the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- In a second bowl, whisk the milk, egg, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet mixture over the oats and stir. Fold in the apples and walnuts or raisins if using.
- Scrape into the baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 32 to 38 minutes, until the center is set and the top looks dry.
- Rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting. Serve warm, with extra milk or yogurt if desired.
Variations
Use pears instead of apples, or add a handful of frozen blueberries. Leave out the nuts or raisins if they do not suit your household. For a softer texture, add two extra tablespoons of milk before baking.
Storage and reheating
Cool the oatmeal, cover it, and refrigerate portions for an easy breakfast later in the week. Reheat a square with a splash of milk. The breakfast prep guide for early mornings offers more low-friction ideas, and meal planning for a busy week can help gather the ingredients in one shop. Put baked oatmeal on the Lucru Home meal planner to give breakfast a place in the plan.
