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
Scale
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
