If you’re craving a warm, comforting breakfast or dessert with a touch of fall flavor, look no further than this Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake recipe. Packed with tender apples, hearty oats, and rich caramel goodness, this easy-to-make dish combines the best flavors of autumn in a single bite. Perfect for family gatherings, weekend mornings, or cozy nights at home, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake
This caramel apple oatmeal bake is the ultimate indulgence for those who love the flavors of caramel and apple, blended together in a comforting, healthy-ish dish. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Warm, Fall-Inspired Flavors: The caramel and apple combination is a timeless fall favorite. Sweet apples and gooey caramel sauce are a match made in heaven, giving your morning or evening a touch of sweetness.
- Healthy Breakfast Option: Packed with oats, apples, and a hint of cinnamon, this dish can serve as a hearty, nutritious breakfast. Oats are full of fiber, and apples provide vitamins and antioxidants, making it a wholesome start to your day.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. You can prep it the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it in the morning or whenever you’re ready to enjoy it.
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake
To make this delicious oatmeal bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats work best)
- 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
How to Make Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to ensure your oatmeal bake doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. You can use any apple variety you like, but tart apples such as Granny Smith work particularly well for this recipe.
Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, caramel sauce, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the chopped apples evenly on top. If you like, drizzle a little more caramel sauce over the top for an extra sweet touch.
Step 5: Bake Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set. The apples should be tender, and the caramel sauce will have melted into the oats.
Step 6: Serve Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving. You can serve it warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.
Tips for Perfecting Your Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake
- Customize the Apples: For extra flavor, try using a combination of sweet and tart apples. This balance will add a depth of flavor to the oatmeal bake.
- Add Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, consider adding some chopped walnuts or pecans to the oatmeal mixture before baking.
- Make It Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk.
- Make-Ahead Option: To save time in the morning, prep the oatmeal mixture the night before. Simply combine the ingredients and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Fall
There’s something about caramel and apples that immediately evoke the feeling of crisp fall mornings and cozy evenings. This caramel apple oatmeal bake is a great way to celebrate the flavors of autumn while still enjoying a wholesome breakfast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to treat yourself, this dish brings the warmth and comfort of fall into your kitchen.
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake is a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Its combination of oats, apples, cinnamon, and caramel creates a cozy, comforting dish that’s sure to become a fall favorite. Whether you serve it to family or enjoy it on your own, this oatmeal bake will bring warmth and sweetness to your table.
Serving and Storage Tips for Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake
Serving Tips:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve this caramel apple oatmeal bake as a wholesome breakfast or a special treat for brunch. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Toppings: Elevate the dish with a variety of toppings. Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Family-Style Serving: This oatmeal bake is perfect for serving family-style. Cut into squares and serve directly from the baking dish for a cozy, communal meal.
- Dessert: If you’re serving it as a dessert, consider topping it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh apple slices for added flavor and presentation.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover oatmeal bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Freezing: This oatmeal bake freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cut it into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or oven after thawing.
- Make-Ahead: You can also prepare the oatmeal mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, just pop it into the oven in the morning for a warm, freshly baked breakfast without much effort.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake for days to come, whether freshly baked or reheated for a quick, delicious meal.
1. Can I use different types of apples for this recipe? Yes, you can use any type of apple you like! For a sweeter flavor, go for Fuji or Gala apples. If you prefer a tangier taste, Granny Smith apples are a great choice. A mix of both sweet and tart apples will give your oatmeal bake a balanced flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prep the oatmeal mixture the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven to bake. This makes for an easy, time-saving breakfast option for busy mornings.
3. How can I make this recipe vegan? To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use a plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk. You can also choose a vegan caramel sauce to keep the dish entirely dairy-free.
4. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers! After baking, let the oatmeal bake cool completely, then cut it into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the microwave or oven.
PrintCaramel apple oatmeal bake
This caramel apple oatmeal bake is a warm, comforting breakfast dish that combines tender baked apples, hearty oats, and a sweet caramel drizzle. Perfect for cozy mornings, this recipe can be made ahead and is a hit with the whole family!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the oatmeal bake:
- 2 cups (160 g) old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk (or non-dairy milk)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/3 cup (60 g) caramel chips or caramel sauce (plus extra for topping)
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or similar size with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine the wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup (or honey), eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Assemble the bake:
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until combined. Fold in the diced apples and caramel chips or caramel sauce. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and the top is golden brown.
- Add the caramel topping:
- If desired, drizzle with additional caramel sauce right after removing from the oven.
- Serve:
- Let the bake cool slightly before serving. Top with chopped nuts, whipped cream, or Greek yogurt for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- To make this recipe dairy-free, use almond milk or oat milk and dairy-free caramel.
- For added sweetness, sprinkle brown sugar on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave.