Description
This Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal is a wholesome, cozy breakfast baked to golden perfection. Featuring rolled oats combined with warm spices, tart cranberries, and sweet apples, this dish is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and enriched with almond butter for a creamy texture. It’s a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for chilly mornings or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
Scale
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 & 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 these dry ingredients thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- 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 well blended.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until everything is thoroughly combined into a consistent batter.
- Add Fruits: Gently fold in the chopped sweet apple and the fresh or frozen cranberries, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the oatmeal batter.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Optionally, sprinkle the chopped raw walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set in the middle.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with extra maple syrup or almond milk for added moisture and sweetness.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries depending on availability; frozen can be added straight from the freezer.
- Almond butter adds creaminess but can be substituted with any other nut butter or omitted for a nut-free version.
- Arrowroot powder helps thicken the oatmeal but cornstarch can be used instead.
- For a vegan recipe, ensure your maple syrup and any other ingredients are certified vegan.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
