Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.1/3 cup melted unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, packed light brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This thorough mixing ensures that all the dry components are evenly distributed, leading to a uniform flavor and texture throughout the bake. Make sure there are no clumps of brown sugar.1 ½ cups rolled oats (not instant), ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon salt
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs until lightly beaten, then stir in the milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract.2 large eggs, 1 ½ cups milk (any kind: whole, skim, almond, soy), 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter, plus more for greasing, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and can even contribute to a better texture. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, potentially making the bake tough.
- Add the diced apple to the batter and stir gently to distribute it evenly throughout the mixture. If you're adding nuts, this is also a good time to stir them in for an extra crunch.1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 ½ cups), ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for topping
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. If you haven't already, sprinkle any optional chopped pecans or walnuts over the top of the batter for added texture and flavor. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for topping
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Once baked, remove the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake from the oven and let it cool in the dish for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up properly, making it easier to portion and serve.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in a toaster oven/regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes for a crispier texture. Freeze portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2-3 months.
