This one pan baked apple oatmeal is so easy to make with 6 ingredients. It is egg-free and dairy-free and can be made ahead of time.
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Reasons to love this healthy baked apple oatmeal
Oatmeal is such a versatile and hearty breakfast staple, and we enjoy it here at least two times a week. It’s so easy to whip up, and you really can pack in so much variety and nutrition into each bite depending on the toppings added.
You can make it in the microwave or on the stovetop and enjoy with a spoon or bake it for a finger-friendly, portable option.
This baked oatmeal is made in just one pan, making clean up a breeze, and can easily be made ahead of time.
It's also a great recipe to make with your child! They will have a blast dumping, mixing, and engaging all of their senses.
And if you're looking for more, try this strawberry banana baked oatmeal too!
Related: Healthy Oatmeal Recipes for Babies and Kids
Ingredients
- Oats - rolled or old-fashioned oats will work best.
- Apple - Any variety will work! Our favorites are fuji and honey crisp (perfect apples for homemade applesauce). If you are using a tart apple, you will need to add banana or maple syrup to help balance the tartness.
- Chia seeds - For a boost of protein, fiber, and omega 3 fatty acids. Will also help thicken the oatmeal, like in this chia pudding.
- Milk - can use any milk of choice. My personal favorite is canned, full fat coconut milk.
- Cinnamon
- Banana, maple syrup, walnuts (optional): I wanted to keep the recipe as simple as possible, but you may certainly add these in if you desire a sweet oatmeal. See below for tips.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Grease the baking dish. First add the applesauce followed by the rest of the ingredients (minus the chopped apples). Stir to combine. Top with apples and walnuts, if using. Bake!
It's seriously as easy as that!
Tips for Success
Lightly grease the bottom and sides of the baking dish with oil to prevent sticking.
Add maple syrup for sweetness. The basic recipe with applesauce is not very sweet, and this is intentional as you can easily top with additional fruit and/or a drizzle of maple syrup. If looking for a no added sugar alternative, try this date syrup!
Babies also have a preference for sweets so it's great to use this "window of opportunity" for them to learn to appreciate other flavors.
But if you prefer a sweeter oatmeal, use a ripe banana instead of applesauce (not both) or maple syrup.
How to serve this oatmeal bake
Baked oatmeal can be enjoyed warm or cold.
For babies
Add finely chopped or grated instead of diced apples for safety.
Once baked, slice into strips or bite-sized pieces depending on their age. You can also break it up with a splash of milk and serve in a bowl, porridge-style.
Top with yogurt or thinned out peanut, nut, or seed butter.
The Ultimate Guide to Apples for Babies
For toddlers
They love to have a sense of control and independence so set up a toppings bar and allow them to choose what they want on top of their oatmeal bake!
Is your toddler becoming picky?
Arm yourself with these strategies that will transform your mealtimes!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use quick oats but the oatmeal will be much softer. Steel cut oats will not work for this recipe.
I suggest leaving it on as it's where the majority of the nutrients are found.
Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
To freeze, cut into individual slices, wrap in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag. It will be good for up to 3 months.
You can reheat in the microwave (at 30 second intervals) or on the stove with a splash of milk.
Vegan Baked Apple Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (200g)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (110g) OR 1 medium banana, mashed
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup (optional), see note
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 1 cup apples (120g), diced or shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 8 inch square pan.
- Add all the ingredients and stir to combine. Add the apples on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Notes
- If you prefer a sweeter oatmeal, use a ripe banana instead of applesauce (not both) and/or maple syrup.
- Top with yogurt, peanut/nut/seed butter, maple syrup, fruits, shredded coconut, etc.
- Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
To freeze, cut into individual slices and flash freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. - Reheat in the microwave (at 30 second intervals) or on the stove with a splash of milk.
Sophia says
Love all your recipes! I'm excited to try this one but don't have a square pan - would a bread/loaf pan or silicone muffin cups work too?
Min says
Sure! Will just need to adjust the cooking time
Emily says
Love that this recipe is vegan…my baby is sensitive to egg & dairy so I’m always adapting recipes, but didn’t have to change this one at all! It’s a nice neutral tasting oatmeal, so sometimes I add peanut butter for a protein boost. Nice to have an easy, make ahead breakfast!
Min says
I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe. For all my recipes, you can substitute with dairy-free alternatives and I will try to provide egg-free alternatives whenever I can!
Candice says
My baby went bananas for this recipe!! I love how she can independently manage a stick of it!
Min says
Oh wow!! Love hearing this!!
Rosa says
My toddler loves these!
Min says
Makes me SO happy to hear!
Hyejin says
Love this for an easy make ahead breakfast! So much tastier than just regular oatmeal. I’ve been making this regularly and whole fam loves it.
Min says
Makes me so happy to hear!
Diana says
So incredibly easy to make, and so tasty! My daughter absolutely loves it 🙂
Min says
Yay!! Makes me happy to hear!
Tina says
Hey Min, thank you for your wonderful and simple recipes! I've made several for my baby and they're always a hit! Iade the strawberry oatmeal and would love to make this one next. I am going on a trip for a few days and was wondering whether any of the muffin or oatmeal bake recipes might work without access to refrigeration? If not, do you have any suggestions of bakes that could work if stored at room temperature? Thanks!
Min says
Hi Tina, Will you be able to take a cooler? If so the muffins and this oatmeal will be great to take. I also have a post that may be helpful - search for "travel food" on my site!
Jacqueline says
Really easy to make and tastes pretty good!
How quickly do I need to refridgerate it? I made it late last night and forgot to put it in the fridge…
Min says
Hi! It should be fine although not sure what it's like texturally..