Baked Apple Oatmeal (Dairy Free)

This recipe for Baked Apple Oatmeal delivers a structured, sliceable breakfast that behaves more like a soft-set custard than stovetop porridge.

Made with rolled oats, applesauce, and oat milk this vegan and gluten free baked oatmeal is like a soft-set custard than stovetop porridge made with healthier ingredients.

Why this recipe works

This is a vegan friendly breakfast recipe that is both a comfort-food and an easy breakfast idea.

Here is what else you will like about this recipe.

• The ingredients used to make this recipe are wholesome and simple rather than processed.
• While this is the perfect breakfast idea, it can really be enjoyed about any time of the day.
• Leftovers taste great the next day served as is or heated up.
• This is a simple recipe made with wholesome ingredients that works great for a family or for one.

Have you tried my recipe for Dairy Free Blueberry Coffee Cake?

Made with fresh blueberries and oatmilk, that vegan friendly cake is tender and fluffy with a simple crumble topping in every bite. Both this recipe for Bake Oatmeal and that recipe for Coffee Cake are easy and great tasting dairy free recipes that are sure to please.

Chia Seeds are used as an egg alternative to help bind the ingredients together in this baked oatmeal. You can find chia seeds here.

Ingredients Needed

• Unsweetened Applesauce. Acts as a primary moisture source and natural sweetener. It also contributes pectin, which helps create a soft, cohesive structure.
• Maple Syrup Provides sweetness and a mild caramelized flavor. Maple syrup also helps to improve moisture retention and tenderness.
• Vanilla Extract For a bit of flavor balance.
• Ground Cinnamon Helps to bring out that the apple flavor while adding a bit of a comfort element.
• Salt. Helps to balance and bring out the other flavors.
• Oat Milk This is the wet ingredient that helps to hydrate the oats. While other plant-based milks could work, oat milk is preferred for texture.
• Chia Seeds Used instead of eggs as a binding and thickening agent.
• Rolled Oats Quick oats are not recommended in this recipe due to the structure.
• Apples Peeled and sliced to about ¼".
• Walnuts The walnuts should be chopped. These add a nice crunchy element with a bit of flavor.

How to make dairy-free baked oatmeal

• Prep Time 10 minutes .
• Bake Time 30 minutes .
• Servings 6 .
• How to serve : Warm out of the oven, in a bowl with milk, or taken on the go the next day as a snack or meal.
• Notes: You will need a mixing bowl, an 8 cup baking dish (medium sized with high walls), mixing bowl,a whisk and a rubber spatula.

1. Prepare. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prep your baking dish for nonstick.
2. Beat. In a large mixing bowl, beat or whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt and baking powder until smooth and combined. Then whisk or beat in the oat milk .
3. Chia Seeds Gently stir in the chia seeds and then allow the mixture to sit for five to ten minutes to thicken. Then use a rubber spatula or similar item to fold in the oats followed by the walnuts and sliced apples.
4. Bake. Evenly spread the ingredients in your prepared baking dish. You can top the mixture with any additional sliced apples and chopped walnuts. Bake the oatmeal for 30-35 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set.
5. Set. Let the oatmeal sit for 10 minutes for the ingredients to set before serving. I like to serve this with additional maple syrup in a bowl with a bit of fruit on top.

Tips for making the best apple cinnamon baked oatmeal

This baked oatmeal requires a baking dish what has higher sides for moisture purpose (such as an 8x8"). This allows the center of the baked oatmeal to set without drying out the perimeter for a baked oatmeal that is evenly baked and soft. The higher walls allows the oatmeal to have a consistent structure, hold on to moisture, and allows the entire dish to even bake.

More helpful tips for you.

1. When selecting apples to use in this recipe, stick to firm and slightly tart apples for the best structure and flavor. I like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady Apples, or Braeburn in this recipe. For a softer texture, you can try Fuji or Gala apples which are a bit sweeter. Combining both sweet and tart apples can also be a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
2. Allowing the chia seeds to sit for five to 10 minutes is a very important step in this recipes. As an egg replacement, the chia needs to thicken the mixture so that the oatmeal sets properly.
3. Your oatmeal is done baking when the center is set (not liquidy) and edges just lightly golden. Overbaking leads to dryness. Also, allow the oatmeal cool for at least 10 minutes after baking. This allows it to firm up and makes it easier to slice.

FAQ

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  Yes. This is well-suited for meal prep. Bake, cool completely, then refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of oat milk or water to restore moisture.
• Can I use a different milk?
  Yes. While oat milk has the best consistency for a baked dish such as this one, any plant-based milk (almond, soy, cashew) or dairy milk works.
  Just keep the same volume to maintain the hydration ratio.
• What can I use instead of chia seeds?
  Ground flaxseed is the closest substitute (use the same amount). It will provide similar binding, though slightly less firm structure.
• Can I reduce the sweetness?
  Yes. You can reduce the maple syrup slightly or use less-sweet apples. Keep in mind this may also slightly affect moisture.
• Why is my baked oatmeal dry?
  Dry baked oatmeal can be caused by any of these:
  -Overbaking
  -Using a pan that’s too large (mixture too thin)
  -Not adding enough liquid during reheating.

Variations.

• For a purely 'gluten-free' dish use certified gluten-free oats.
• To make Berry Apple Oatmeal fold in a cup fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries).
  You will need to reduce the amount of apples slightly to avoid excess moisture.
• For a 'No Added Sugar' version, simply omit the maple syrup and increase applesauce slightly and use very sweet apples.

How to store healthy baked oatmeal

Once the oatmeal has fully cooled and set, it can be store in an airtight container. When properly stored, it can keep for up to three days refrigerated or up to a couple of months frozen (tip:freese in individual sized servings).

You may also be interested in the recipes made with oatmeal.

• Oat and Seed Granola Bars
• Steel Cut Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies (vegetarian)
• How to Make Homemade Oat Milk
• 5 Ingredient Protein Oat Bars
• Oat Flour Vegan Muffin Recipe
• 21 Easy Recipes Made With Oats