Description
These Baked Oat Apple Squares are the ultimate wholesome and hearty breakfast, offering a warm hug in every bowl. This recipe combines the rustic texture of old-fashioned rolled oats with the natural sweetness of crisp apples, raisins, and warm cinnamon. Incredibly moist and flavorful, these squares are a nutritious, plant-based, and egg-free start to your day that is perfect for busy weekday mornings or a cozy weekend brunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups non-dairy milk (unsweetened vanilla almond milk recommended)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup diced apple (divided)
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray an 8×13 inch baking dish thoroughly with non-stick spray, ensuring you cover the corners for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, sea salt, non-dairy milk, applesauce, maple syrup, ground flaxseed, coconut oil, and vanilla. Stir or whisk the mixture until all ingredients are well incorporated and the oats are evenly hydrated.
Step 3: Fold in the Fruit
Gently fold 3/4 cup of the diced apples and all of the raisins into the batter. Ensure the fruit is distributed evenly throughout the mixture so every square gets a juicy burst of apple.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Pour the oat mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. Scatter the remaining 1/4 cup of diced apples over the top for a beautiful, rustic finish.
Step 5: Bake to Set
Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. The squares are done when the center is firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Let the baked oatmeal cool in the pan for at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing into squares. This resting period is essential for the oats to set, allowing for clean cuts that won’t crumble.
Notes
Storage Instructions: Store baked squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These are excellent for meal prep; simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 minute or in a toaster oven at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes.
Apple Choice: Use firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Dicing them into small 1/4-inch pieces ensures they soften perfectly during the bake time without becoming mushy.
Nutty Variation: For added protein and a satisfying crunch, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: baked oat apple squares, healthy baked oatmeal, vegan apple oatmeal breakfast, meal prep breakfast oats, cinnamon apple oat bars, plant based breakfast