Amish Baked Oatmeal with Apples

Amish baked oatmeal with apples is a warm breakfast casserole dish made with oats, milk, eggs, and a few other pantry staples plus chopped apples. It is hearty and filling, and a kid-approved breakfast dish for any day of the year!

This easy baked oatmeal is also very quick to make. It won't take more than a few minutes to throw everything together and pop it into the oven. And thirty minutes later you'll have a warm breakfast on the table.

Although this is a perfect breakfast dish, the leftovers are also great to eat for a snack at any time of the day.

Ingredients

1. Eggs act as a binder, holding the baked oatmeal together. They also add richness and moisture to the dish.
2. Brown Sugar adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor.
3. Butter provides richness and flavor and contributes to the moist texture.
4. Whole Milk adds moisture and provides some fat for richness. (You can substitute with other types of milk, but whole milk is preferred.)
5. Oatmeal is the main ingredient, providing structure and a hearty texture. It also adds fiber and makes the dish filling.
6. Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
7. Baking Powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the baked oatmeal to rise slightly and become fluffy. (Old baking powder will not work as well.)
8. Ground Cinnamon (optional) adds warmth and depth of flavor, complementing the oats and apples. (Adjust the amount based on your preference for spice.)
9. Apples, Peeled and Finely Chopped or Shredded (optional) add natural sweetness, moisture, and texture. They also provide some freshness to the dish. (Choose a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.)

How to Make Amish Baked Apple Oatmeal

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's ready when the oatmeal is mixed.
2. Beat the Eggs
   • In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until smooth.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
   • Add the brown sugar, melted butter, and milk to the beaten eggs. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
   • Add the oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using) to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is fully combined.
5. Add the Apples
   • Peel and finely chop or shred the apples, then stir them into the oatmeal mixture. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed.
6. Pour into the Pan
   • Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the pan and spread it out evenly.
7. Bake the Oatmeal
   • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The baked oatmeal is ready when it's set and no longer jiggly in the center.
8. Serve Warm
   • Remove the oatmeal from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. It's best enjoyed warm.
9. Store the Leftovers
   • Store any leftover baked oatmeal at room temperature for up to a day. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Should I Use Rolled Oats or Quick Oats?

Baked oatmeal can be made with rolled oats or quick oats. Or you can do what I often do, and add some of both. (Steel-cut oats do not work for this.)

Using quick oats will give you a firmer, more cake-like texture while using rolled oats will produce a more crumbly texture.

So, I tend to use half of each because I like it in between. I like my baked oatmeal slightly crumbly, but I also want it to stick together more than when using only rolled oats.

Oatmeal for Breakfast

Creamy-cooked oatmeal porridge is an easy and filling breakfast dish. And it's cheap food for times when you are on a tight grocery budget. Not to mention the health benefits of eating oats.

However, my husband grew up having to eat cooked oatmeal a few too many times. And now he practically refuses to eat the mushy mess. I don't mind it, but it's definitely not one of my favorite breakfast foods either.

However, it's a different story with baked oatmeal. I love this stuff! And especially if it has delicious add-ins such as nuts, fruit, etc. And my husband likes it too.

The texture is beautiful, and it's almost like eating oatmeal cake.

Do I Eat Baked Oatmeal Warm or Cold?

Whenever I make this Amish oatmeal recipe, I serve it warm for breakfast. Some of us like it plain, but I like it with milk. It's the best fresh out of the oven, although it's also great as leftovers.

Sometimes ours gets eaten for a snack throughout the day. We eat it at room temperature like oatmeal bars. You can also reheat it again for breakfast the next morning.

Reheat in the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F.
• Place the desired portion of baked oatmeal in an oven-safe dish.
• Cover with foil to prevent it from drying out.
• Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Reheat in the Microwave:

• Place a serving of baked oatmeal on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
• Microwave on the reheat setting until heated through. The time may vary depending on your microwave's power.