Name: Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy); 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil; 2 large eggs; 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced); 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); 1/4 cup soft caramels (chopped) or 2 tablespoons caramel sauce

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If you’re craving the ultimate cozy morning treat, Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake answers the call. Imagine tender apples nestled in creamy oats, laced with autumn spices and finished with gooey pockets of caramel—it’s breakfast comfort in every spoonful! This irresistible dish fills the kitchen with a welcoming aroma as it bakes, making it perfect for lazy weekends, holiday brunches, or meal prepping for busy mornings. It’s simple to throw together, adaptable to your favorite mix-ins, and brings wholesome ingredients together in a way that feels truly special.

Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake sets the stage for something magical. Every item in this bake plays a starring role—bringing sweetness, warmth, and texture—so don’t skip any! Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Old-fashioned rolled oats: These oats create the perfect hearty, chewy texture; quick oats can get mushy, so stick to rolled for best results.
Ground cinnamon: Warmth and depth of flavor come from this essential spice—don’t hold back!
Nutmeg: Just a touch adds an aromatic, slightly sweet edge that plays beautifully with the apples.
Baking powder: Gives the bake a bit of lift so it’s not too dense.
Salt: Sharpens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Moistens the oats and makes everything lusciously creamy; use what fits your preference or dietary needs.
Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweetness with a nuance—maple adds caramel-like depth, while honey brings floral notes.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors for that “bakery aroma” finish.
Melted butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and ensures a soft, tender bake; coconut oil gives a hint of extra flavor.
Eggs: Helps bind the mixture and gives structure, so each square holds together.
Apples (peeled, cored, and diced): The juicy, tangy star of the show—choose tart varieties like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For those who love a little crunch and nutty accent; feel free to skip if you’re nut-free.
Soft caramels (chopped) or caramel sauce: The surprise gooey pockets that elevate this oatmeal from classic to crave-worthy.

How to Make Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when your mixture is ready. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter, oil, or even a swipe of nonstick spray to make sure nothing sticks—easy cleanup and beautiful slices every time!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. This is where the flavors really get to know each other. Give it a good stir with a whisk or spoon so those spices are evenly distributed throughout the oats, setting the stage for a flawless bake.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the milk, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, melted butter (or coconut oil), and eggs. Keep whisking until everything looks smooth and well-blended. This ensures the bake will turn out moist and the eggs do their binding magic.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry oat mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—just make sure no dry streaks remain. The oats will start absorbing some of the liquid, and the mix should look creamy and inviting.

Step 5: Add Apples, Nuts, and Caramel

Gently fold in the diced apples. If you’re using nuts, toss those in now for a sweet crunch. For the signature Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake twist, add the chopped caramels or ribbon in your caramel sauce—give it just enough of a stir so you’ve got some lovely swirls or pockets of caramel in every bite.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the whole mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden and the center is set. You’ll be rewarded with a kitchen full of tantalizing, cinnamon-apple goodness. Let it cool slightly before cutting, as this helps it set and makes serving a breeze.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake

Garnishes

Nothing brightens up a slice quite like a sprinkle of chopped nuts, a dusting of ground cinnamon, or, if you’re feeling decadent, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. A scoop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream on top adds an extra creamy touch for brunch guests or special occasions.

Side Dishes

This bake plays well with others! Pair it with a cheesy omelet, crisp bacon, or a fresh fruit salad to round out your breakfast or brunch spread. It even works alongside a simple smoothie or a steaming mug of spiced chai for chilly mornings.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Serve Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake in small mason jars for an adorable grab-and-go breakfast, or cut it into bite-size squares for brunch buffets. For dessert, warm it up and serve à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The possibilities for making this dish shine are endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before storing to avoid condensation sogging up the oats. It reheats like a dream, making weekday breakfasts delightfully easy!

Freezing

If you love batch cooking, Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake is your new best friend. Let the bake cool, cut into squares, and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave gently from frozen.

Reheating

For the perfect warm breakfast, microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds, or reheat in a covered baking dish in a 325°F oven until hot. If you want that just-baked aroma, add a splash of milk before reheating. Don’t forget an extra drizzle of caramel if you’re feeling fancy!

FAQs

Can I make Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite plant-based milk (like almond, soy, or oat) and use coconut oil instead of butter. Double-check your caramels or opt for a dairy-free caramel sauce to keep the whole dish dairy-free.

What kind of apples work best in this recipe?

Tart varieties like Granny Smith bring a wonderful balance to the sweet caramel and maple syrup, but Honeycrisp or Fuji add a natural sweetness if you prefer a less tangy bake. Use what’s in season and what you love!

Can I prepare Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake the night before?

You sure can! Simply assemble the entire dish the evening before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed for an effortless, fresh breakfast.

Is it possible to make this nut-free?

Definitely! Just skip the nuts. The Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake remains wonderfully hearty and flavorful even without them, so no one has to miss out if they have a nut allergy.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

While you can swap in quick oats in a pinch, the texture will be a bit softer and less chewy. For the best classic, hearty texture, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bring the irresistible warmth of Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake into your kitchen soon. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes breakfast feel like a celebration, whether you’re serving it on a sleepy Sunday or tucking it away for busy mornings. Give it a try—and watch it become a new family favorite!

Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bake. A comforting breakfast treat loaded with wholesome oats, sweet apples, and a decadent swirl of caramel, this dish is perfect for chilly mornings or weekend brunches.

Ingredients

Scale

Oatmeal Mixture:

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
2 large eggs

Mix-ins:

2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/4 cup soft caramels (chopped) or 2 tablespoons caramel sauce

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup, vanilla, melted butter, and eggs. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix.
Add Mix-ins: Fold in apples, nuts, and caramels. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and set. Let cool slightly before serving.