If you’ve been searching for a comforting, wholesome breakfast that feels like a warm hug first thing in the morning, then this Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with juicy apples and tart cranberries, every bite is a delightful mix of cozy spices and hearty oats that make waking up something to truly look forward to. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something special, this baked oatmeal combines simple ingredients to create a dish that’s vibrant in flavor and wonderfully satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the warm spices to the creamy almond milk, every item builds layers of flavor, texture, and color that elevate this breakfast classic.
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base that provides texture and keeps you full throughout the morning.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise slightly, giving a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, aromatic note that perfectly complements the fruit.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a gentle spicy zing that enhances the flavor complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweetness and brings out the flavor of the other ingredients.
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk): Keeps the dish creamy without overpowering the natural flavors.
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup: Infuses just the right amount of natural sweetness to tie everything together.
- 2 tablespoons almond butter: Adds richness and a subtle nutty depth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces a mellow sweetness that rounds out the whole dish.
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or cornstarch): Acts as a binder, helping everything set beautifully once baked.
- 1 sweet apple (e.g., Honeycrisp), chopped: Provides juicy bursts of natural sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: Adds a tart punch and vibrant color that makes the dish pop.
- ¼ cup chopped raw walnuts (optional): Sprinkled on top for extra crunch and a touch of earthiness.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish or an 8×8-inch square dish lightly so the oatmeal won’t stick and will bake evenly with a golden crust.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients is what sets the warm, inviting flavor profile at the heart of the Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the almond milk, maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, and arrowroot powder until everything is smooth and well incorporated. This silky mixture not only adds moisture but also helps bind the oats and fruit for a perfect texture once baked.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour your wet mixture into the dry bowl and stir until just combined. The oat mixture should look moist and cohesive, ready to be studded with seasonal fruit.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Cranberries
Gently fold in the chopped apple and cranberries. This step ensures that every scoop of your Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe will have those delightful pops of fruity brightness throughout.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Walnuts
Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. If you’re using walnuts, sprinkle them on top for a lovely crunch and toasting effect during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top that is set but still moist inside—the perfect texture that means your Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is ready to be devoured.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the baked oatmeal cool for a few minutes before cutting into it. This helps it firm up slightly for easier serving. Enjoy it warm, maybe with a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a splash of almond milk for that ultimate cozy breakfast feeling.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a fun way to personalize your Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe. Consider fresh apple slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a handful of granola for an extra crunch. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of almond butter can also amplify the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This baked oatmeal stands wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with a side of fresh fruit, a hot cup of herbal tea, or creamy yogurt can round out your meal and keep those breakfast vibes going strong. For a heartier brunch, a side of scrambled eggs or smoked salmon works surprisingly well too.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Bake the oatmeal in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own personal portion. Layer it with yogurt and granola for a parfait style breakfast, or even flip it upside down onto a plate and slice it like a breakfast cake. The Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is so versatile—it’s perfect for experimenting with presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers of your Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy a quick, healthy breakfast without any daily prep.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, you can freeze portions individually by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen baked oatmeal will last up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or warm it gently in the oven until heated through. Adding a splash of almond milk before reheating softens the texture and brings back that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Absolutely! While almond milk keeps this Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe dairy-free and light, regular milk or any other non-dairy milk works just as well depending on your preference.
Can I substitute the apple or cranberries?
Yes! Feel free to swap apples for pears or use other berries if cranberries aren’t your favorite. Just keep the quantity similar to maintain the right moisture and texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats and check the labels on your other ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is naturally vegan if you use plant-based milk and maple syrup. No eggs or dairy are required.
How do I make the oatmeal less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the maple syrup to your taste or skip adding extra syrup when serving. The natural sweetness from the apple and cranberries will still shine through beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe—it’s such a comforting, tasty way to start your day with a nourishing boost. Whether you’re a longtime oatmeal lover or a newbie looking for something new to brighten your morning, this recipe delivers both warmth and deliciousness in every bite. So tie on your apron and get ready to bake your way into breakfast bliss!
Print
Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal is a warm, comforting, and nutritious breakfast perfect for chilly mornings. Combining the natural sweetness of apples and tart cranberries with the heartiness of rolled oats, it is lightly spiced with cinnamon and ginger for a cozy flavor. Made dairy-free with almond milk and naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup, this baked oatmeal is easy to prepare and great for meal prep.
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)
Add-ins
- 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 these dry ingredients thoroughly to distribute the spices and leavening evenly.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened almond milk, pure maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, and arrowroot powder until the mixture is smooth and uniform without lumps.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring everything is well incorporated without overmixing.
- Add Fruits: Fold in the chopped apple and fresh or frozen cranberries evenly throughout the oatmeal mixture to distribute the fruit for flavor and texture.
- 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 and nuttiness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top becomes golden brown and the mixture is set, indicating the oats are fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with extra maple syrup or almond milk drizzled on top.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, substitute almond butter with peanut or cashew butter.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries can be used; no need to thaw frozen cranberries before adding.
- Walnuts are optional and can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave.
- Arrowroot powder helps to thicken and bind; cornstarch is an acceptable substitute.
