This cozy apple oatmeal bake is warm, hearty, and full of cinnamon-spiced goodness.
It’s the kind of breakfast you can make ahead, pop in the oven, and have the whole house smelling like fall.
It’s got soft apples, chewy oats, and a touch of maple syrup
. One bowl. No fancy stuff. Just simple ingredients that work.
I love this on chilly mornings with a mug of hot coffee or tea.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Ingredients
Why I Love This Recipe
I make this on Sundays and eat it through the week. It’s quick, filling, and you can change up the fruit or add nuts depending on your mood. The texture is like a soft, chewy oat bar but warm and spoonable.
- You can prep it in 10 minutes
- It tastes like apple pie for breakfast
- Great for meal prep — reheats perfectly
- One bowl, no mess
- Super customizable
Servings and Cook Time
Serves: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The flaxseed acts as a binder (like eggs would), holding everything together. Baking powder gives it a little lift, so it’s not dense. The oats soak up the almond milk, giving that baked texture. Cinnamon and vanilla help amplify the natural sweetness of the apples without needing extra sugar.
Common Mistakes
- Using quick oats: They turn mushy — stick with old-fashioned oats.
- Not peeling the apples: Peel them for the softest texture.
- Skipping the flaxseed: You’ll end up with a looser, less cohesive bake.
- Overbaking: It gets dry. Check it at 30 minutes and stop when edges are golden and center is set.
What to Serve With
- A dollop of dairy-free yogurt
- A drizzle of almond butter or extra maple syrup
- Fresh berries or sliced banana on top
- Hot coffee or spiced chai
FAQ
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Slice it, wrap it, and freeze. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Do I have to use almond milk?
Nope. Any plant milk works — oat, soy, coconut.
Can I use steel-cut oats?
No, they won’t cook right in this recipe. Stick to rolled oats.
What apples are best?
I like Honeycrisp or Fuji — they hold their shape and taste sweet.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- 8×8 inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap maple syrup with agave or brown sugar
- Use pears instead of apples
- Add raisins, cranberries, or chocolate chips
- Top with granola or extra chopped nuts for crunch
- Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of coconut oil
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix everything the night before, pour into the dish, cover, and refrigerate.
- In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge — just add 5 extra minutes to bake time.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat individual servings in the microwave.
How to Make Vegan Apple Oatmeal Bake
Step 1: Mix Flaxseed and Almond Milk
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed and 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Step 2: Add Maple Syrup, Vanilla, Coconut Oil
Add 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil to the flax mixture. Whisk until combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add 2 cups rolled oats, 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir everything together until fully mixed.
Step 4: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in 2 peeled and diced apples and ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional). Make sure everything is evenly spread.
Step 5: Pour into Baking Dish
Pour the oatmeal mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish and smooth out the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes, or until golden on top and set in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let it cool for 10 minutes, then scoop into bowls and serve warm.
Leftovers and Storage
Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm. Freeze individual slices if you want — just wrap well.
Let’s Wrap It Up
That’s it — warm, simple, make-ahead comfort in a bowl. Perfect for busy mornings or just because you want something cozy. Try it, tweak it, and don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how it went or if you have any questions!