Looking for delicious apple breakfast recipe that will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and baked apples? This apple breakfast bake combines the wholesome goodness of fresh apples, warm spices, and hearty oats into a satisfying morning meal that's perfect for busy families. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or hosting a weekend brunch, this versatile dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet and nutritious.
Why You'll Love This Apple Breakfast Recipe
This comforting breakfast casserole takes the best parts of apple pie and transforms them into a nutritious breakfast you can feel good about serving. The natural sweetness of apples pairs beautifully with warming spices, while the oat-based topping provides lasting energy for your day. It's an excellent make-ahead option that reheats beautifully, making your morning routine easier and more delicious.
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Ingredients
the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended), peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
the Oat Topping:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Apples
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Add maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cornstarch, and salt to the apples.
- Mix thoroughly until all apple slices are evenly coated.
Create the Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Assemble and Bake
- Transfer the seasoned apples to the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly.
- Crumble the oat topping mixture over the apples in an even layer.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Breakfast Recipe
- Choose firm, tart apples that hold their shape when baked
- Cut apple slices to a uniform thickness (about ¼ inch) for even cooking
- Let the melted butter cool slightly before mixing with other wet ingredients
- For extra crunch, add ½ cup chopped nuts to the topping
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
This apple breakfast bake is packed with fiber from both the apples and oats, providing sustained energy throughout your morning. The dish can be made dairy-free by using plant-based milk and butter alternatives. Serve warm with:
- A dollop of Greek yogurt
- A drizzle of maple syrup
- Fresh berries
- A sprinkle of chopped nuts
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Reduce sugar by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of brown sugar
- Add ½ cup raisins or cranberries for extra natural sweetness
- Include ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans in the topping for added protein
Equipment For Apple Breakfast Recipe
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Apple peeler (optional but recommended)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Storage Instructions
This apple breakfast bake keeps well in several ways:
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions and freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven until heated through
Top Tip
The key to achieving the perfect texture is to avoid overworking the topping mixture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined – a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will create a better texture in the final dish.
FAQ
Yes! Assemble everything the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn apples work best as they hold their shape well during baking and offer a good balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Absolutely! The maple syrup and brown sugar can be reduced or replaced with natural sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia. The apples provide natural sweetness as well.
The topping should be golden brown, and the apple filling will be bubbling around the edges. A knife inserted into the center should meet tender apples.
Simple, delicious, and perfect for any morning, this Apple Breakfast Bake is sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or made ahead for busy mornings, it's a comforting dish that makes breakfast special.
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Apple Breakfast Recipe
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Apple peeler (optional but recommended)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Oat Topping:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare Apple Filling:
- Toss sliced apples with lemon juice
- Add maple syrup, spices, cornstarch, and salt
- Mix until evenly coated
Make Oat Topping:
- Combine dry ingredients in a bowl
- Whisk wet ingredients in separate bowl
- Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined
Assemble:
- Spread apple mixture in baking dish
- Crumble oat topping over apples
Bake:
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown
- Let cool 10-15 minutes before serving
Notes
- Best served warm
- Can be prepared night before
- Great for meal prep
- Freezes well
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