If you have a soft spot for comforting, hearty breakfasts that are both nourishing and bursting with flavor, you are going to absolutely love this Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s a cozy dish that balances tender oats with tart cranberries and sweet apple chunks, all wrapped in warming spices like cinnamon and ginger. You’ll find it’s the perfect way to wake up your taste buds on a chilly morning, while also packing in wholesome ingredients that keep you satisfied well into the afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe only calls for a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, but each one plays an important role in building the flavors and textures that make this dish special. From the hearty rolled oats providing a chewy base to the fresh cranberries adding bursts of tartness, every component shines.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The sturdy foundation that soaks up flavors and bakes into a soft yet slightly chewy texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise slightly so it doesn’t turn out too dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, inviting spice that perfectly complements apple and cranberry.
- Ground ginger: Brings subtle warmth and zest to the spice mix.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps the oatmeal creamy without overpowering the fruit’s natural sweetness.
- Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds depth and a touch of caramel notes.
- Almond butter: Provides richness and a subtle nutty flavor while helping bind the mixture.
- Vanilla extract: Brightens the dish and rounds out the spices.
- Arrowroot powder (or cornstarch): Thickens the mixture so it holds together nicely after baking.
- Sweet apple (Honeycrisp recommended): Offers juicy sweetness and texture.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: Impart a lovely tart contrast to the sweet apple and maple syrup.
- Chopped raw walnuts (optional): Add crunch and a toasty note on top.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 2-quart baking dish or an 8×8-inch square pan. This step ensures your baked oatmeal doesn’t stick and builds a golden crust in the oven.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. This dry mixture lays the groundwork for all the warm flavors to shine through after baking.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the almond milk, maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, and arrowroot powder. Whisk these until smooth and well blended—a silky mixture that will soak into the oats beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently but thoroughly until every oat is coated and the batter looks evenly mixed.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Cranberries
Gently fold in the chopped apple and cranberries so they spread through the oatmeal batter. This step is crucial for a uniform burst of fruit flavor in each bite.
Step 6: Transfer to the Baking Dish and Add Walnuts
Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish. For an extra touch of crunch and heartiness, sprinkle chopped raw walnuts evenly over the top if you like.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the oatmeal is set firmly. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the oatmeal to cool slightly. Serve warm for the best comforting experience, optionally drizzled with extra maple syrup or a splash of almond milk to enhance its creamy texture.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate your Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe. Try a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts, a few fresh cranberries for color, or even a dollop of dairy-free yogurt or whipped coconut cream. These touches add contrast and richness.
Side Dishes
This baked oatmeal pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a bright citrus smoothie for a balanced breakfast plate. For a little extra indulgence, serve alongside a hot cup of chai or spiced coffee to echo the warm spices in the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by baking this oatmeal in individual ramekins for a personal touch, perfect for weekend brunches. You can also layer into parfait glasses with yogurt and granola for a stunning, layered breakfast treat that will impress your family or guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes it easy to enjoy a healthy start on busy mornings without extra effort.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 months, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of almond milk or a drizzle of maple syrup before reheating helps restore that fresh-baked creaminess and sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Absolutely! You can swap almond milk for any milk you prefer, whether dairy or plant-based. Just keep in mind some options may alter the flavor slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free rolled oats, this Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe will be naturally gluten-free and just as delicious.
Can I substitute other fruits for the apple and cranberries?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with fruits like pears, blueberries, or even chopped peaches depending on the season and what you have on hand.
How sweet is this baked oatmeal? Should I add more sweetener?
This recipe has a gentle sweetness that balances well with the tart cranberries. You can adjust the maple syrup to your liking, adding more if you prefer a richer sweet flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! This Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe is naturally vegan if you use a plant-based milk and maple syrup, making it perfect for that lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal Recipe a try because it has quickly become one of my top favorites for a cozy morning treat. It’s simple to make, packed with good-for-you ingredients, and always fills the house with the most wonderful aroma. Once you bake this up, I’m sure it will become a cherished recipe in your collection too!
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: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal is a comforting, warm breakfast dish packed with wholesome oats, fresh apple, tart cranberries, and a hint of warming spices. Baked until golden and set, it’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup and enhanced with almond butter for a creamy texture. Perfect for a cozy morning meal, it’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
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
Fruits & 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, salt, and arrowroot powder. Stir well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened almond milk, pure maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the batter is consistent.
- Add Fruits: Gently fold in the chopped apple and cranberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the oatmeal mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle the chopped raw walnuts evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set.
- Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, optionally topped with extra maple syrup or a splash of almond milk for added moisture and sweetness.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries depending on availability.
- Walnuts are optional but add nice texture and flavor.
- You can substitute almond milk with any other dairy or plant-based milk.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast walnuts before adding on top.
- Letting the baked oatmeal rest for a few minutes helps it firm up for easier serving.
