Looking for a delightful start to your day that doesn’t involve eggs? This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a comforting, healthy breakfast no eggs ideas recipe, perfect for a cozy morning or meal prep. It’s warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious boost.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Rolled Oats: Do not use instant oats; steel-cut oats will require more liquid and cooking time.
- Apples: Any crisp apple variety works well (e.g., Gala, Honeycrisp).
- Plant-Based Milk: Almond, soy, or oat milk are great choices.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be used as alternatives.
- Cinnamon: Essential for that warm, cozy flavor.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1 large apple, cored and diced
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional, for extra thickness and nutrition)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking dish, large mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This makes for easy serving.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavor.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the plant-based milk, maple syrup, diced apple, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. If you’re using chia seeds, add them now. Stir everything until well combined.
4. Transfer and Bake
Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spoon. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the oats are set.
5. Cool and Serve
Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it firm up slightly. Serve warm and enjoy your healthy breakfast no eggs ideas creation.
Variation Ideas:
- Berry Burst: Add ½ cup of mixed berries (fresh or frozen) along with the apples.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking.
- Pumpkin Spice: Replace cinnamon with 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired twist.
- Tropical: Add diced pineapple and shredded coconut to the mixture.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can mix the ingredients the night before and store them in the baking dish in the refrigerator. Bake in the morning as directed.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to ensure it’s gluten-free.
- Can you use instant oats? No, instant oats will result in a mushy texture. Rolled oats are essential for the best consistency.
- How do you know when it’s fully cooked? The oatmeal will be set and the edges will be slightly golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
- Can you add protein powder? You can stir in a scoop of unflavored or vanilla plant-based protein powder with the wet ingredients for an extra protein boost.
- What if you don’t have maple syrup? You can use honey or agave nectar as a 1:1 substitute for the maple syrup.