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Ultra close-up macro food photography of cozy spiced apple cinnamon baked oatmeal with caramelized apple fan, toasted pecans, and melting butter

Cozy Spiced Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Warm, wholesome rolled oats baked in a cinnamon vanilla custard with diced Honeycrisp apples, crunchy pecans, and sweet pure maple syrup, crowned with a caramelized apple fan. The ultimate comforting make-ahead fall breakfast!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Breakfast, brunch
Cuisine: American Healthy Comfort, Autumn Harvest
Calories: 290
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Dry Oat Mixture
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans (coarsely chopped)
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
For the Wet Custard Mixture
  • 2 cups milk of choice (whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk)
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (or raw honey)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted and cooled, or coconut oil)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Apple Fillings & Caramelized Topping
  • 2 large Honeycrisp or Fuji apples (1 finely diced for the inside, 1 thinly sliced for the fanned top)
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup (for brushing over apple fan)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for dusting top)

Method
 

Preparation & Assembly
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch ceramic baking dish with butter or coconut oil.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, chopped nuts, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and fine sea salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until completely blended.
  4. Scatter the finely diced apple evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the dry oat mixture evenly over the apples.
  5. Slowly pour the wet milk custard evenly over the oats, gently shaking the dish so the liquid permeates through all crevices.
  6. Arrange the thinly sliced apple half-moons in a decorative overlapping fan across the surface. Brush apples with 1 tbsp maple syrup and dust lightly with cinnamon.
Baking & Serving
  1. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown, the apple slices are tender and caramelized, and the center is set (no visible liquid when jiggled).
  2. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes to allow the oatmeal bake to set firmly. Slice into generous squares and serve warm with a splash of cold milk, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and an extra drizzle of pure maple syrup!