Name: Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp lemon juice; 4 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled and cut into ¼” cubes); 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking soda; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup apple juice (or water); 3/4 cup pecans (finely chopped and divided); 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 Tbsp milk

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels special but comes together without fuss? This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe has you covered. Packed with tender Granny Smith apples, toasty oats, and the warm scent of cinnamon, each bite is like a comforting hug in the morning. The golden, nutty pecan topping and a sweet glaze make this bake irresistible for weekend brunches, holidays, or any morning you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly delicious.

Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen with your senses in mind—crunchy, tart apples for brightness, wholesome oats for texture, and warm spices for depth. Together, they work magic, turning basics from your pantry and fridge into a breakfast masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Lemon juice: Helps keep the apples fresh and brings a pop of brightness to the entire bake.
Granny Smith apples: Their tart flavor and firm bite hold up perfectly and don’t turn mushy after baking.
Old-fashioned oats: Ground into flour, they give the bake its trademark chewy texture and a subtle nuttiness.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure, ensuring the bake is soft but sturdy enough to slice.
Baking soda: Helps the breakfast bake rise just enough, keeping it light and tender.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that essential cozy spice note—you’ll smell it before your first bite!
Unsalted butter: Gives richness, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right, balancing the tart apples.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors, adding a subtle sweetness and warmth.
Salt: Brings out all the other flavors—it’s the secret to any great baked good.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add a little extra richness.
Apple juice (or water): Apple juice amps up flavor, while water keeps things simple if that’s what you have on hand.
Pecans: Bring irresistible crunch and a buttery, nutty finish; save some for a gorgeous topping!
Powdered sugar (for glaze): The sweet, snowy finishing touch that makes every bite extra special.
Milk (for glaze): Loosens up the powdered sugar for drizzling happiness.
Cooking spray: Keeps everything from sticking so your breakfast bake comes out in beautiful slices.

How to Make Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Apples and Pan

Start by placing your oven rack in the center and preheating the oven to 375 degrees. Grab your trusty 9 x 13 inch baking dish and give it a generous coat of cooking spray—there’s nothing worse than a delicious breakfast stuck to the pan! Now, peel and dice your Granny Smith apples into neat ¼ inch cubes. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice to keep them bright and ready for baking.

Step 2: Blend Your Oats and Dry Mix

Pour your old-fashioned oats into a food processor or blender and pulse just until you have a coarse, cornmeal-like texture. This is your secret ingredient for that wonderful, hearty bite! Sift together the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon in a small bowl, then whisk in the oat flour to blend everything evenly.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer if you prefer), beat together the butter and sugar for about four minutes—take your time here so the mixture gets nice and fluffy. This step helps your Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe rise tall and taste decadent. Scrape down the sides, add in vanilla and salt, then beat in the eggs, one at a time, until everything is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Fold In the Good Stuff

Add half of your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stir until just combined, then pour in the apple juice (or water) and mix again. Gently stir in the remaining dry mix until you’ve got a thick, luscious batter. Fold in the diced apples and ½ cup of chopped pecans with a spatula, taking care not to overmix—the apples and nuts should be nestled throughout for perfect bites every time.

Step 5: Top, Bake, and Glaze

Transfer your beautiful batter to the waiting baking dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of pecans over the batter for that irresistible toasted crunch. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan, then whisk together the powdered sugar and milk for a quick glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, slice, and get ready for applause!

How to Serve Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe

Garnishes

A simple drizzle of glaze already adds sparkle, but you can take it up a notch with a dusting of extra cinnamon, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a scatter of fresh apple slices. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a little whipped cream on the side makes this breakfast bake feel like a celebration!

Side Dishes

This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe is lovely on its own, but it pairs beautifully with savory sides like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or turkey sausage for a full brunch spread. If you prefer a lighter touch, fresh berries or a fruit salad will balance the bake’s sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bake straight from the oven in the pan for a cozy, family-style vibe, or cut into neat squares and layer them in cupcake liners for a brunch buffet. You could even use small ramekins for individual servings—perfect for brunch parties or meal prep!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then wrap the pan tightly in plastic wrap or transfer individual squares into airtight containers. The Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze slices between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for about two months—just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat individual squares in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or pop larger portions into a 325-degree oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through and fragrant.

FAQs

Can I make this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour and be sure you’re using certified gluten-free oats. The texture may be slightly different but the flavor will shine through just the same.

What kind of apples work best?

Granny Smith apples are the ultimate choice for their tartness and ability to hold their shape, but feel free to use a mix of whatever firm, tart apples you have—Honeycrisp or Braeburn are great options too!

Can I prepare this the night before?

Yes! Prep everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the pan sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. You’ll have a fresh Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe with very little morning effort.

How can I make the bake nut-free?

Just leave out the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch—especially helpful for school-friendly or allergy-conscious households.

Can I double the glaze?

If you (like me!) love extra glaze, feel free to double the drizzle for thicker, sweeter stripes across the top. Just add the extra slowly to avoid making things too sweet.

Final Thoughts

If your mornings could use a little more warmth and joy, this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe is ready to make every breakfast (or brunch) feel extra special. With its inviting aroma and wholesome flavors, it’s sure to become a beloved tradition at your table. Give it a try—you might just find yourself baking it for every occasion!

Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 9 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is a delicious and wholesome way to start your day. Loaded with Granny Smith apples, oats, and pecans, this bake is perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Place rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees. Coat a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray.
Prepare Apples: Toss the diced apples with lemon juice in a bowl and set aside.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: Pulse oats in a food processor until coarse. Sift flour, baking soda, and cinnamon into a bowl and add oat flour. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, salt, and eggs one at a time.
Combine Ingredients: Add dry ingredients, apple juice, diced apples, and pecans to the batter. Mix well and transfer to baking dish.
Bake: Top with pecans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool.
Make Glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk, then drizzle over the cooled cake.
Serve: Slice and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American