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Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake with Cinnamon and Pecans

A warm and wholesome breakfast bake featuring tender oats, soft cinnamon apples, and crunchy pecans—deliciously nostalgic and perfect for any morning.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats; for gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon, plus extra for dusting
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs (or 2 flax 'eggs' for vegan: 2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water, mixed and rested 5 minutes) Use flax eggs for a vegan option.
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey Use maple for vegan.
  • 2 cups milk of choice (almond, oat, cow's milk) Refer to vegan options.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 medium apples, peeled (optional), cored and diced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended.
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for sprinkling)
  • 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil Use coconut oil for vegan.
  • 1/2 lemon zest of 1/2 (optional) Brightens the apples.
Optional Topping
  • 2 tablespoons oats
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar) For a crunchy crumble.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch (or similar) baking dish with butter or oil.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs (or flax eggs), maple syrup or honey, milk, vanilla extract, melted butter or coconut oil, and lemon zest until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in the diced apples, chopped pecans, and raisins or cranberries if using.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the optional oat-pecan crumble on top for extra crunch.
Baking
  1. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set — a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  2. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving warm.

Notes

For a softer center, aim for 35 minutes; for a firmer bake, push closer to 40 minutes. If using very juicy apples, drain extra liquid or pat diced apples dry.