The Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is a delightful morning treat that combines the natural sweetness of apples and the tart burst of cranberries within a comforting, warmly spiced oat base. This baked oatmeal is not only nourishing and hearty but also packed with textures and flavors that make breakfast feel like a special occasion any day of the week. Its inviting aroma and wholesome ingredients will quickly make it a cherished staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is all it takes to create this wonderful dish. Each component plays a vital role, from the oats providing hearty texture to the spices adding depth, and the fruits contributing fresh sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base that gives the dish its satisfying chew and natural fiber.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise lightly for a perfect, tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy spice that complements the fruit beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: A subtle zing that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor.
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk): Provides creaminess without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup: Natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with apples and cranberries.
- 2 tablespoons almond butter: Adds richness and a smooth nutty undertone.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a sweet, aromatic depth to the oatmeal.
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or cornstarch): Helps bind the ingredients and achieve the perfect set.
- 1 sweet apple (e.g., Honeycrisp), chopped: Brings juicy sweetness and fresh crispness in every bite.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: Bursts of tartness that brighten the dish and add beautiful color.
- ¼ cup chopped raw walnuts (optional): Provides a delightful crunch and earthy flavor contrast.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which ensures it’s perfect and ready for baking. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish or an 8×8-inch square dish; this step keeps your oatmeal from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together well to evenly distribute the spices and leavening throughout the oats. This base layer of flavor is crucial for the baked oatmeal’s warm and comforting character.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened almond milk, pure maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, and arrowroot powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the almond butter is fully incorporated, creating a luscious, creamy base that will hydrate the oats and meld all flavors during baking.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined. This is when the oats start to soak up the sweet, spiced liquid, setting the stage for tender, cohesive baked oatmeal.
Step 5: Add the Fruit
Fold in the chopped apple and cranberries, mixing just enough to distribute the fruit evenly without crushing it. The apples add bursts of natural sweetness and a pleasant crunch, while the cranberries offer tart pops of flavor and vibrant color that contrast beautifully with the soft oats.
Step 6: Transfer Mixture and Add Walnuts
Scrape the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. If you like a bit of nutty crunch, sprinkle the chopped raw walnuts on top. These will toast slightly in the oven, adding a wonderful texture and earthy note.
Step 7: Bake the Oatmeal
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top turns golden and the oatmeal is set firm to the touch. The baking process melds all the flavors together with a slight caramelization on top, creating a comforting, inviting texture.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting period helps it set perfectly and makes it easier to slice or scoop onto your plates.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate your baked oatmeal. A drizzle of warm maple syrup brings extra sweetness, while a splash of almond milk adds creaminess. You can also sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts or fresh cranberries on top for a festive look and added texture.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light side like Greek yogurt or a dollop of coconut cream, bringing richness and tang. For a heartier breakfast, serve it alongside some crispy turkey bacon or a fresh fruit salad to balance warmth and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful brunch setup, serve the baked oatmeal in individual ramekins topped with a swirl of nut butter and fresh apple slices. You can also cut it into squares and pack leftovers for an easy grab-and-go breakfast. Adding edible flowers or a cinnamon stick can make presentation extra special when company arrives.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It keeps well and tastes delicious warmed up, making it perfect for busy mornings when you want a nourishing meal ready to go.
Freezing
If you want to keep your baked oatmeal longer, slice it into portions and freeze them in individual airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen pieces will maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months, letting you enjoy this comforting dish anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes to restore that freshly baked texture and aroma. Serve with a splash of almond milk or maple syrup for extra indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats have a firmer texture and require longer cooking times, so they are not ideal for this baked oatmeal recipe. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture and baking results.
What if I don’t have arrowroot powder or cornstarch?
If you lack arrowroot powder or cornstarch, you can omit it, but the oatmeal might be a little less set and slightly looser. Alternatively, a small amount of chia seeds can act as a natural binder.
Can I substitute the almond milk with dairy milk?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any milk you prefer, including cow’s milk or other plant-based milks like oat or soy. Just keep the quantity the same for perfect consistency.
Are frozen cranberries okay to use?
Yes, frozen cranberries work beautifully in this recipe and often hold together better during baking. Just fold them in directly from frozen without thawing to avoid extra moisture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use plant-based milk and maple syrup. It’s a healthful, cruelty-free breakfast everyone can enjoy!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a warm, flavorful breakfast that feels cozy and nourishing, the Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is a perfect choice. It’s easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved addition to your morning routine!
Print
Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious and wholesome Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal combines hearty rolled oats with sweet apples, tart cranberries, and warm spices for a comforting breakfast or snack. This dairy-free recipe is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and enhanced with almond butter and nuts for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
Fruits and Nuts
- 1 sweet apple (e.g., Honeycrisp), chopped
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped raw walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish or an 8×8-inch square dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together unsweetened almond milk, pure maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, and arrowroot powder until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry oat mixture and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the oats are fully coated.
- Add Fruits: Fold in the chopped apple and cranberries gently to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the oatmeal mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle the chopped raw walnuts evenly on top for added crunch.
- Bake: Bake the oatmeal in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is set.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally drizzled with extra maple syrup or a splash of almond milk.
Notes
- You can substitute almond milk with any other plant-based or dairy milk if preferred.
- Arrowroot powder helps to thicken the oatmeal; if unavailable, cornstarch works as a good alternative.
- For added texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
