If you’re looking to elevate your breakfast game, this Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is everything you didn’t know you needed. Warm, comforting, and bursting with the flavors of cinnamon and apples, it’s the perfect dish to serve during the holidays or on a lazy Sunday morning. Think of it as oatmeal meeting cake—what’s not to love?

This recipe combines the wholesome goodness of oats, the tart sweetness of Granny Smith apples, and a delightful crunch from pecans. Plus, it’s topped with a simple glaze that takes it to the next level. Ready to impress your family or guests? Let’s dive into the details.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Sharing: This bake serves 6–8 people, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and simply reheat in the morning.
- Customizable: Not a fan of pecans? Swap them out for walnuts or skip them altogether.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious breakfast bake:
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice: Keeps the apples fresh and bright.
- 4 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced into ¼” cubes): About 6–8 apples, depending on their size. Granny Smith apples add the perfect tartness.
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats: Adds texture and heartiness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for your batter.
- 2 tsp baking soda: For a nice rise.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: The ultimate cozy spice.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: For richness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bake just enough.
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together.
- 1/4 cup apple juice or water: Adds moisture.
- 3/4 cup pecans (finely chopped and divided): For a nutty crunch.
- For the glaze:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the oven rack in the center position for even baking. Coat a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel and dice your Granny Smith apples into small cubes, about ¼ inch in size. Toss them with lemon juice in a medium-sized bowl to prevent browning. Set aside.
Step 3: Process the Oats
Place the old-fashioned oats into a food processor or blender. Pulse until the oats resemble coarse cornmeal. This step ensures a smoother texture in your bake.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift the oat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cinnamon into a small bowl. Stir them together until well combined, then set aside.
Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar for about 4 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 6: Add Wet Ingredients
To the creamed butter and sugar, add the vanilla extract and salt. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Pour in the apple juice (or water) and mix thoroughly before adding the remaining dry ingredients. Stir until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 8: Fold in Apples and Pecans
Gently fold in the diced apples and ½ cup of chopped pecans. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 9: Bake
Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped pecans over the top for an extra crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool and Glaze
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely. While it cools, prepare your glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bake, slice into squares, and serve.
Tips for Success
- Apple Variety: While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Oats Texture: If you prefer more texture in your bake, skip processing the oats into flour and use them whole instead.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a warm treat.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 561
Carbohydrates: 75g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 49g
Final Thoughts
This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is more than just a recipe—it’s an invitation to slow down and savor the little moments. Whether you’re enjoying it with a steaming cup of coffee or sharing it with loved ones around the breakfast table, this dish is guaranteed to bring warmth and happiness to any morning. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
PrintOatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake Recipe
This warm and cozy Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake is the perfect cross between cake and oatmeal. Packed with fresh apples, cinnamon, and a soft oat flour base, it’s ideal for holidays or slow weekend mornings. Topped with pecans and finished with a sweet glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (about 6–8 apples)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup apple juice or water
- 3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped and divided
- Glaze:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp milk
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and place rack in center. Grease a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Toss diced apples with lemon juice in a medium bowl and set aside.
3. Pulse oats in a blender or food processor to create coarse oat flour.
4. In a bowl, sift flour, baking soda, and cinnamon, then stir in oat flour. Set aside.
5. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 4 minutes). Scrape sides and mix in vanilla and salt.
6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing fully between each.
7. Add half the dry ingredients and mix. Add apple juice or water, stir to combine, then mix in remaining dry ingredients.
8. Fold in apples and ½ cup chopped pecans. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
9. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup pecans on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Let cake cool completely in the pan.
11. Mix powdered sugar and milk to make glaze. Drizzle over cooled cake, slice, and serve.
Notes
• You can replace pecans with walnuts or omit nuts entirely.
• Use apple cider instead of juice for extra flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 561
- Sugar: 49g
- Sodium: 639mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 111mg
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