Healthy Breakfast Idea: Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe (2024)

By Katie Kimball @ Kitchen Stewardship® / Published: 04/03/2012 / Updated: 10/16/2020

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Table Of Contents

  1. Healthy Breakfast Idea: Apple Baked Oatmeal
  2. Apple Baked Oatmeal Is a Hit for Everyone
    • Your kids CAN make their own healthy breakfast!
  3. Make every breakfast nourishing
  4. More Healthy Breakfast Recipes
Healthy Breakfast Idea: Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe (1)

What smell will fill your house on Easter morning?

Between hunting for eggs (we hide…ahem, I mean, the Easter Bunny hides…the real hard-boiled eggs), getting dressed up pretty, and going to Mass and making sure we get there an hour early to get a seat, breakfast needs to be simple.

Healthy Breakfast Idea: Apple Baked Oatmeal

One of our favorite breakfasts ever (other than anything with bacon, a rarer treat now than it used to be when we ate a Standard American Diet with $1.88/lb. junk bacon!) has got to be soaked baked oatmeal. It takes two full days to make it, but mom loves it too because the morning it needs to be served, it just goes into the oven and takes zero prep.

Come to think of it, that’s probably why my family loves it so much – mommy is never running around stressed in her pajamas wondering when she’ll have time to get dressed between the pancake flipping and lunch packing and diaper changing! (To the organized people who are about to comment on the efficiency of packing a lunch the night before – I know. I usually do, but there are those days when the goal is missed…and then I just pray that the baby doesn’t wake up until breakfast is served!)

Your kids CAN make their own healthy breakfast!

Healthy Breakfast Idea: Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe (2)

Join the Kids Cook Real Food Weekend Challenge: Kids Master Breakfast and imagine your kids making breakfast independently! This challenge contains pro-filmed video lessons you can do at your own pace and finish in one weekend. Perfect for busy families!!

Apple Baked Oatmeal Is a Hit for Everyone

All the props for this base recipe go to Kelly the Kitchen Kop and her friend Sue, whose daughter was actually my mother’s helper last year. I’m telling you – this is a real food recipe that anyone loves and can make. My brother and his wife even prepare it for dinner sometimes.

Soaked baked oatmeal is made with a simple procedure, and when it’s incorporated right into the recipe like this, folks won’t even wonder why they’re doing it – they’ll just get more minerals without even knowing why.

Make every breakfast nourishing

Healthy Breakfast Idea: Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe (3)

Is breakfast monotonous at your house? Uninspiring? Or worse…processed?

Get a little inspiration from The Healthy Breakfast Book, over 60 real food recipes plus efficiency tips and sample meal plans to make every breakfast nourishing.

Get the whole premium package with bonus mini eBooks and Kindle/Nook files right HERE!

Healthy Breakfast Idea: Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe (4)

Come to think of it, I should give oatmeal to the food pantries, along with some easy soaking guides or at least a “how to cook oats” for those who have never done it without a packet. (Did you see yesterday’s Monday Mission to give real food away, and the handy real food donation printables I provided?)

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Healthy Breakfast Idea: Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe (5)

Original Apple Baked Oatmeal

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Author: Katie Kimball
  • Prep Time: 36 hours
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Total Time: 36 hours 40 mins
  • Yield: 8 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
Print Recipe

Ingredients

UnitsScale

  • 2 1/2 c. whole rolled oats (not quick or instant)
  • 1/4 c. whole wheat or buckwheat flour (optional)
  • 1 3/4 c. liquid (see below)
  • 1/2 c. melted coconut oil (or butter)
  • 4 whole eggs
  • 1/2 c. sweetener (see below)
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 23 tsp. cinnamon
  • 12 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 c. raisins
  • 2 c. chopped apples or pears, with or without the skin, OR
  • 1 c. natural unsweetened applesauce

Instructions

  1. Two nights before you want to eat baked oatmeal at breakfast: Mix the oats, flour, and liquid together. If you have a 9×13 glass pan with a lid, I recommend mixing the oats right in there to save a dish. Allow to rest at room temperature, covered, for 24 hours.
  2. The night before you need the quick breakfast: Beat oil, sweetener and eggs until glossy (I use my KitchenAid mixer). The cold eggs generally made the coconut oil solidify a bit, but don’t worry about it. Just beat.
  3. Add the baking powder, salt (Use the code kitchenstewardship for 15% off of your first purchase), cinnamon and vanilla. Beat in the oats mixture, then add raisins and fruit, stirring to combine.
  4. Pour back into that 9×13 glass dish, put a lid on it, and refrigerate overnight. If you don’t have a lid, try one of these methods to avoid using plastic wrap.
  5. In the morning, put the pan (uncovered) right from the fridge into a cold oven and turn on to 350F. Bake for 30-40 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the oatmeal is not mushy to the touch.
  6. Serve warm with milk and extra syrup if you prefer. Store covered, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It’s pretty doggone good cold, too…I might be the type of person to buzz by a dish and snitch a bite here and there throughout the day!

Notes

For the liquid, choose from buttermilk, plain homemade yogurt (or store bought), raw milk, half milk/half yogurt, half water/yogurt, half whey/yogurt – good if you have whey to use up. If you don’t have raw milk, as long you mix it with half yogurt or cultured dairy, it should be fine for the soak overnight, but don’t use 100% pasteurized milk as the only liquid.

For the sweetener, just about anything goes, including cutting it in half or more, since you can always add maple syrup to the top when you serve the dish if it turns out a bit not-sweet-enough. I prefer maple syrup or honey, but I’ve used sorghum, sucanat, brown sugar and date sugar and various combinations of the above.

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Healthy Breakfast Idea: Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe (6)

Cook’s Notes:

  • Why add flour? Freshly ground whole wheat, spelt, and buckwheat are added to oats for soaking purposes and phytase only. If you’re not soaking, skip the flour.
  • How to make it faster: Just soak the oats overnight or for 24 hours (breakfast to breakfast) and mix up all the other ingredients in the morning when you’re going to serve it. The overnight refrigeration is not necessary; it’s only for the morning convenience of having everything done.
  • How to make it with fewer dishes: Honestly, I’ve taken to mixing everything up in the 9×13 dish. How lazy is that? But no one has noticed any difference in the end result, so I highly recommend it. Just mix up the oats and liquid, then the next day, push that to one side and whisk the eggs, oil, and sweetener on the other half of the pan. Start mixing everything up well at this point (a potato masher or super-strong whisk may come in handy to incorporate everything well. Make sure you sprinkle things like salt and baking powder evenly over the whole mixture.

Next, try out our soaked pumpkin pie baked oatmeal, or make your own flavor combinations with this baked oatmeal recipe formula (our family’s other favorite, cherry almond, is included!)

Leave a review if you enjoyed this apple baked oatmeal recipe! Thank you!

More Healthy Breakfast Recipes

  • The Healthy Breakfast Book with over 50 recipes!
  • Tastes Like Pizza Breakfast Hash
  • Autumn Spiced Pumpkin Pancakes – can be made grain-free, gluten-free, sourdough or whole wheat!
  • Grain-free Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Porridge
  • Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal (pumpkin pie version)
  • Instant Pot Apple Cranberry Steel Cut Oats
  • Best Homemade Soaked Granola
  • Best Pancakes: Whole Wheat or Gluten-freeor Sourdough or Paleo Apple Almond
  • Veggie Potato Latkes
  • Grain-free Pizza Quiche
  • Best High Protein Scrambled Eggs Ever
  • Candy Cane Smoothie Bowl
  • 10 Healthy Brunch Dishes for Potlucks
  • Creative Ways to Add Veggies to Breakfast
  • Allergen Free Breakfast Hummus
  • Lots of Breakfast Ideas for Meal Planning
  • Hard Boil Eggs in the Instant Pot
  • Protein-Packed Breakfast Cupcakes
Healthy Breakfast Idea: Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe (7)

Unless otherwise credited, photos are owned by the author or used with a license from Canva or Deposit Photos.

Category: Real Food Recipes, Research, Understanding Your Food

Tags: breakfast, coconut oil, easy meals, eggs, kid-friendly meals, oatmeal, oats, soaked grains, traditional foods, whole grain, whole wheat

Healthy Breakfast Idea: Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is oatmeal for breakfast healthy? ›

Whether it's steel-cut or rolled, quick-cooking or instant, oatmeal is good for you, experts say—with a few caveats. Oatmeal is rich in fiber, which promotes fullness, eases the insulin response, and benefits gut health. It's also a source of vitamins B and E, and minerals such as magnesium.

How do you make oatmeal taste good and stay healthy? ›

Adding nutritious toppings to oatmeal can boost its flavor and contribute to its health benefits. Try adding fruit for sweetness, veggies or eggs for a savory twist, or sources of protein and fat to make it a balanced meal.

Are overnight oats healthy? ›

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

How do you jazz up morning oatmeal? ›

  1. Pair oats with roasted squash, sweet potatoes, puréed pumpkin, or homemade applesauce for an extra creamy punch.
  2. Add a spoonful of ghee for a beautifully rich and grassy flavor. ...
  3. Drizzle date syrup, agave nectar, or buckwheat honey for a more nuanced sweetness than straight-up sugar.
Dec 26, 2017

Which is better for breakfast, eggs or oatmeal? ›

For four weeks, participants had either two eggs or a packet of oatmeal as part of their breakfast. The breakfasts didn't lead to different cholesterol levels, but breakfasts with two eggs were reported to be more satisfying than breakfasts with oatmeal.

Is there a downside to eating oatmeal? ›

Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away.

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

Some unhealthy toppings for oatmeal include:
  • Sugary syrups like maple syrup or honey.
  • Candied or dried fruit with added sugar.
  • Chocolate chips or other candy.
  • Sweetened whipped cream or heavy cream.
  • Granola or other high-sugar cereals.
  • Sweetened coconut flakes.
  • Artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes.
Feb 13, 2023

What is the healthiest thing to put on oatmeal? ›

Here are the healthiest toppings you can add to your oatmeal.
  1. Almond Butter. Adding almond butter to your oatmeal gives it a creamy texture while also adding a boost of nutrients. ...
  2. Peanut Butter. ...
  3. Chia Seeds. ...
  4. Flaxseed. ...
  5. Poached Egg. ...
  6. Protein Powder. ...
  7. Strawberries. ...
  8. Blueberries.
Mar 26, 2024

Why don't I feel good after eating oatmeal? ›

Complex carbs are still carbs, and they can lead to a blood sugar spike if you don't balance them out with other macronutrients. (Think protein and fat.) Plus, certain oat products, like instant oats, contain less fiber and protein than other varieties, and may contribute to an even greater sugar spike.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

What is the secret to overnight oats? ›

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

Is it okay to eat overnight oats every morning? ›

Overnight oats are perfectly safe to be eaten every day. You may even eat them every morning if you like. However, some say that they feel oats give them digestive issues; overnight oats are not unsafe for those without medical conditions that affect digestion.

What seasoning to put in oatmeal? ›

Add different spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, allspice, or cloves. Add different sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar. Top your oatmeal with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or fresh fruit. Add a dollop of yogurt or Greek yogurt to your oatmeal for extra creaminess and protein.

What to pair with oatmeal for breakfast? ›

Fresh fruit – you can't go wrong with bananas and berries, but almost any fruit will work. I personally love my strawberries and cream and blueberry oatmeal. Dried fruit – add raisins, cranberries, dried cherries or dates to your bowl of oats. You could also try my cinnamon raisin oatmeal.

Is it okay to put peanut butter in oatmeal? ›

The best time to add peanut butter to oatmeal is right before serving, when the oatmeal is done cooking but before it's cooled off. As you stir it in, the heat helps melt it so it thoroughly combines with the oats, creating a silky-smooth texture.

What's the healthiest breakfast you can eat? ›

The healthiest breakfast foods include a protein, healthy fat and source of carbohydrates, according to Smolen. For a healthy breakfast, consider eating foods like oatmeal with nut butter, avocado toast with an egg, chia seed pudding or a greek yogurt parfait with nuts and berries.

What are the pros and cons of oatmeal? ›

Oats are high in soluble fiber, which is good for digestion, but it may also cause bloating, increased gas, and abdominal cramps for some people. As with other fiber-rich foods, this is more likely to happen if you aren't used to consuming a high-fiber diet.

Is oatmeal a good breakfast to lose belly fat? ›

While oatmeal can't target specific areas like belly fat for weight loss, its high content of fiber and complex carbohydrates may keep you full for longer. This might support overall weight loss.

Is it better to eat Oatmeal in the morning or at night? ›

There is no particular time to eat oats. You can consume the oats at lunch and dinner too. This cereal, however, is consumed in breakfast mostly. It contains fiber, magnesium, complex carbohydrates, etc, which help in keeping your tummy full for a longer time, thus, reducing overeating.

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