Introduction:
Baked Oatmeal with Apple, Banana, and Walnuts is a hearty, nutritious, and comforting breakfast dish. Perfect for a chilly morning or meal prep, this baked oatmeal combines the sweetness of ripe bananas and apples with the crunch of walnuts, all baked together in a warm, spiced base. It’s a filling meal that provides a great source of fiber, healthy fats, and natural sugars to fuel your day. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite fruits and nuts.
Ingredients:
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 apple, diced (preferably a sweet variety like Fuji or Gala)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 egg (optional, for added richness)
1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with coconut oil or butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Oat Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, mashed bananas, diced apple, walnuts, maple syrup (or honey), cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt.
Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. If you’re using an egg, beat it lightly and stir it in at this stage.
Pour into Baking Dish:
Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set.
You can check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Serve:
Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before serving.
You can serve it as is or add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess.
Description:
This Baked Oatmeal with Apple, Banana, and Walnuts offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the apples add a bit of tartness and crunch.
Walnuts contribute a nutty richness and healthy fats.
The warm cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the dish’s cozy, autumn-inspired flavor.
This meal is packed with fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or even a light snack.
It’s also a great make-ahead option, as it stores well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick meal on busy mornings.
Tips:
Customize the Fruits:
Feel free to switch up the fruits based on what’s in season or your preferences. Pears, berries, or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries would all work wonderfully in this dish.
Make it Vegan:
To make this recipe dairy-free and vegan, simply use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and leave out the egg, or substitute it with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).
Sweetness Level:
Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey based on how sweet you like your oatmeal. You can also use a sugar substitute if you prefer to keep it low-calorie.
Add Extra Protein:
For an extra protein boost, try adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the oat mixture or topping the baked oatmeal with a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving.
Leftovers:
This baked oatmeal can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, just warm a portion in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Corrections & Adjustments:
Consistency Issues:
If the oatmeal seems too dry after baking, you can add an extra splash of milk before baking or after it’s baked to reach your desired consistency.
Crispiness of Topping:
If you prefer a crispy top, you can broil the oatmeal for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.
Baking Time Variations:
Baking time may vary depending on your oven and the type of dish you use.
If you’re using a glass or ceramic baking dish, the oatmeal may bake slightly faster than in a metal dish.