Get ready to fall in love with breakfast all over again! This Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake is the coziest, most inviting way to start your day, blending the comforting flavors of baked apples, warm oats, and gooey caramel into one irresistible dish. Everything comes together in a single pan, making it perfect for relaxed weekends or meal prepping for busy mornings. Whether you serve it straight from the oven or enjoy leftovers throughout the week, this dish brings a touch of indulgence and nostalgia to every bite. Trust me, the aroma alone is enough to get everyone out of bed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about simple ingredients coming together to create big flavor, and that’s exactly what happens here. Each component of this Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake serves a purpose—some lend creamy richness, others bring crunch or spice, and the apples and caramel deliver that signature fall sweetness.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The heart of the bake; they soak up flavor and bake into a tender, hearty texture.
- Baking powder: Gives the oatmeal a little lift so it’s not too dense.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the bake with warm, classic spice.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, cozy depth that pairs beautifully with apples.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Makes everything creamy; almond milk or oat milk work well for a dairy-free version.
- Maple syrup or brown sugar: Brings just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Eggs: Bind everything together for that perfect sliceable texture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with mellow, aromatic notes.
- Melted butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and moisture; coconut oil keeps things dairy-free.
- Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Provide juicy bites that soften beautifully as they bake.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Lend a delicious crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor.
- Soft caramels or caramel sauce: The star ingredient—choose your favorite for that luscious caramel swirl.
- Nonstick spray or butter: For greasing the baking dish, ensuring every piece comes out clean.
How to Make Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first: set your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Grease your 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a pat of butter—this not only helps with easy serving later but also gives the edges a little extra golden crispness.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir everything together so the spices and leavening are evenly distributed throughout the oats. This step is what ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned and light.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup or brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter or coconut oil. Aim for a smooth mixture—this will help the oats soak up all that creamy goodness and hold together beautifully once baked.
Step 4: Combine and Fold In Goodies
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and gently stir to combine—don’t overmix, just make sure everything is moistened. Now, fold in the diced apples, half of the chopped nuts (if you’re using them), and the soft caramels (cut into small pieces if not using caramel sauce). This is where the Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake starts to look and smell delicious!
Step 5: Add to the Baking Dish and Top
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining nuts over the top for a toasty crunch that will get golden as it bakes. If you want extra caramel pockets, tuck a few extra caramel pieces into the top here and there.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and the center feels set if you give it a gentle jiggle. The apples will be tender, and the oats will be perfectly baked together.
Step 7: Cool and Drizzle
Let the Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake cool for about 5 to 10 minutes—just enough so it’s easy to slice, but still warm. Right before serving, drizzle with a little extra warm caramel sauce for that irresistible, gooey finish.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, drizzle each serving with a bit of extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream on the side adds a creamy contrast and feels downright decadent.
Side Dishes
Turn this Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake into a full brunch spread by serving it alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or fresh fruit salad. If you’re leaning toward dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to another level!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bake straight from the dish for a rustic, family-style feel, or slice it into neat squares and plate individually with a caramel drizzle. For a fun twist, try layering warm squares in jars with yogurt and extra apple slices for a portable breakfast parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake keeps beautifully! Simply let any extra cool completely, then cover the dish tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—the flavors only get better as they meld together.
Freezing
Want to freeze for later? Slice the bake into portions and wrap them individually, or store the whole thing tightly covered. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a cozy breakfast, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes. Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep things nice and moist, and don’t forget that extra caramel drizzle!
FAQs
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
For best results, stick to old-fashioned rolled oats. Instant oats can get mushy and don’t hold their texture as well, so your Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake might end up a bit too soft.
What are the best apples for this recipe?
Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are both fantastic choices—they hold their shape well during baking and offer a lovely balance of sweet and tart. Feel free to mix and match or use your favorite baking apple!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, this Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your caramel and other add-ins to be sure.
How can I make this vegan?
It’s easy to make this recipe vegan! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat, swap the eggs for flax eggs, and choose coconut oil instead of butter. Make sure your caramel sauce is dairy-free or opt for a vegan caramel recipe.
Can I prepare Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble everything in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed (you may need to add a few extra minutes since it’ll be cold).
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and joy that a warm Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake brings to the table. If you’re craving a breakfast that feels special and inviting, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it all year long!
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Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake is a comforting and delicious baked breakfast casserole featuring tender oats, sweet apples, warm spices, and a luscious drizzle of caramel. Perfectly balanced with nuts for crunch and a hint of maple syrup for natural sweetness, this wholesome dish is ideal for fall mornings or any cozy brunch occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
Fruit and Add-ins
- 2 apples peeled and diced (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/3 cup soft caramels or caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
Other
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir them together evenly to distribute the spices and leavening agent.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup (or brown sugar), eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter or coconut oil until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients and stir well until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Apples, Nuts, and Caramel: Fold in the diced apples, half of the chopped nuts if using, and the soft caramels (if using caramel pieces, cut them into small bits to distribute evenly). Mix gently to incorporate.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining nuts over the top for added crunch. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Before serving, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top to enhance sweetness and flavor. Serve warm for best taste and texture.
Notes
- This oatmeal bake can be prepared ahead of time and reheated throughout the week for quick breakfasts.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Serve warm topped with yogurt, whipped cream, or ice cream to transform this breakfast into a decadent dessert option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 1/6th of the bake)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
