Baked oatmeal with apples is a perfect blend of warmth, sweetness, and wholesomeness. With the crunch of nuts, the natural sweetness of apples, and the rich flavor of orange zest, this treat is ideal for breakfast or a snack. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or the next day, this oatmeal bake is a satisfying dish that can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
- Oatmeal – 110 g (1 cup)
- Butter – 60 g (1/4 cup), softened
- Egg – 1 large
- Sugar – 50 g (1/4 cup)
- Apple – 1 medium, diced
- Flour – 50 g (1/3 cup)
- Orange juice and zest – Juice of 1 orange and zest of 1 orange
- Baking powder – 1 tsp
- Vanilla sugar – 1 tsp
- Raisins – 1 tbsp (or more to taste)
- Nuts – 1 tbsp, chopped (or more to taste)
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together the butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and smooth. Add the egg and continue mixing until fully combined and creamy. Stir in the oatmeal, ensuring it’s well incorporated into the mixture.
Next, add the flour, orange zest, and baking powder. Mix the batter thoroughly until it becomes smooth, yet slightly thick. The orange zest adds a refreshing citrus aroma that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apple.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel and dice the apple into small, even pieces. In a small bowl, combine the apple pieces with a handful of raisins, chopped nuts, and 4-5 tablespoons of orange juice. Stir the mixture so the raisins and nuts are evenly distributed among the apples. The orange juice will keep the apple pieces moist and infuse them with a subtle citrus flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Gently fold the apple mixture into the oatmeal batter, ensuring that the fruit and nuts are evenly spread throughout.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or your hands, form the mixture into small, round cookie shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each one for even baking.
Bake the oatmeal cookies for 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and slightly crisp. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. The cookies should have a lightly crisp exterior with a soft, chewy center.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the oatmeal cookies to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, or stored for later. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the top when serving.
Baking Tips
- Adjust Oats: Depending on the type of oats you are using (quick oats, rolled oats, or old-fashioned oats), you may need to adjust the quantity slightly. Rolled oats will create a chunkier texture, while quick oats will blend more seamlessly into the dough.
- Enhance Flavor: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple filling for extra warmth and a more traditional fall flavor.
- Customize Ingredients: Feel free to replace the nuts and raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots. You can also substitute the nuts with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Flavor Variations
1. Cinnamon and Nutmeg:
For a cozy and comforting flavor profile, add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the oatmeal batter. This classic combination will enhance the warmth of the baked apples and make your kitchen smell heavenly.
2. Maple and Pecan:
For a richer, more indulgent twist, drizzle maple syrup over the baked oatmeal cookies after they come out of the oven. Top with toasted pecans for added crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of maple.
3. Coconut and Mango:
If you’re craving something tropical, stir in shredded coconut to the batter before baking. Once ready to serve, top the cookies with sliced mango or any tropical fruit you love for a refreshing and exotic twist.
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 8 cookies):
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Sugars: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
This baked oatmeal with apples is a wholesome and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. It’s a great option for a healthy snack, breakfast, or even a light dessert. With endless customization possibilities, this recipe can be tailored to your taste, making it a go-to treat for any season!
