Description
Warm, spiced baked oats with tender apples and a silky date-caramel drizzle — comforting yet wholesome. This creamy apple baked oatmeal combines hearty rolled oats with sweet, diced apples and warm spices, finished with a healthy caramel sauce made from dates and almond butter for a naturally sweet start to your day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 ½ cups milk (regular or non-dairy)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Healthy Caramel Sauce
- 4 pitted dates
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 3 tbsp hot water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) to prepare for baking the oatmeal evenly and thoroughly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups rolled oats, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ensuring the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Apples: Stir in 1 ½ cups milk, ¼ cup maple syrup, 1 beaten egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the diced apple. Mix well until all ingredients are fully integrated into a uniform batter.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan lightly with oil or butter to prevent sticking, then pour in the oatmeal mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden, and the oats are cooked through.
- Make Healthy Caramel Sauce: While the oatmeal bakes, blend 4 pitted dates, 2 tablespoons almond butter, 3 tablespoons hot water, and a pinch of salt until smooth to create a silky date-caramel drizzle.
- Serve: Remove baked oatmeal from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Drizzle the prepared date caramel sauce over each serving before enjoying.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Add chopped nuts or raisins into the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Use non-dairy milk alternatives like almond or oat milk to keep it dairy-free.
- For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flax egg or chia seed egg.
- Ensure dates are soft for easy blending or soak them briefly in warm water if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
