Apple Crisp Baked Oatmeal
As soon as fall rolls in, I find myself surrounded by an abundance of fresh apples. There’s just something about the crispness in the air and the smell of cinnamon that makes me crave cozy, comforting foods. And this Apple Crisp Baked Oatmeal? It’s like getting to eat dessert for breakfast—without the guilt.
If you love the rich flavor of apple crisp and the heartiness of baked oatmeal, this recipe takes both to a whole new level by combining them into one dish. Imagine biting into sweet, tart apples, soft, cinnamon-scented oatmeal, and a golden, nutty crisp topping all at once. Hungry yet?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dessert vibes: With its sweet apple crisp topping, this oatmeal bake feels indulgent but is packed with wholesome ingredients.
Comforting and cozy: The combination of apples and cinnamon is an instant comfort food classic.
Nutritious twist: Oats give this dish a fiber-rich base that keeps you satisfied, while the apples and nuts add natural sweetness and crunch.
Versatile: Whether you’re using fresh-picked apples from the orchard or whatever variety you have on hand, this recipe works with it all.
Ingredients
Baked Oatmeal
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs (or egg substitute)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup butter or coconut oil, melted
- 1 3/4 cup milk (dairy or plant based)
- 4 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
Apple Filling
- 4 apples
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter or coconut oil
Apple Crisp Topping
- 6 tbsp butter (vegan or cocont oil), cut into small pieces
- 2/3 cup flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Grease a 9×11 baking dish and set aside.
Baked Oatmeal
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar and eggs until smooth. Stir in baking powder, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Then, pour in the melted butter and milk, and mix until combined. Add the walnuts and oats and stir. Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Apple Filling
- In a skillet, melt the butter or coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add the apples and a pinch of salt, and sauté until they start to brown and caramelize, about 5 minutes. Spread the apples evenly over the oatmeal layer in your dish.
Apple Crisp Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix together the butter, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture becomes coarse crumbs. Stir in the oats and nuts. Sprinkle this crisp topping over the apples.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the crisp topping turns golden brown. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before digging in.
Pro Tips
- Apple varieties: I love using sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, or a combination for the perfect flavor balance.
- Make it ahead: This baked oatmeal can be made the night before. Just pop it in the oven in the morning for an easy breakfast.
- Toppings: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra decadent touch.
With Or Without Nuts
This Apple Crisp Baked Oatmeal is the kind of breakfast that makes getting out of bed a little easier on chilly fall mornings. It’s warm, comforting, and just the right amount of sweet, thanks to the apples and that cinnamon-nutty crisp topping. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is going to be a go-to in your fall recipe rotation.
Let me know in the comments if you try it or if you have your own favorite apple recipes. Happy fall baking!