Name: Cranberry Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups oats; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp baking powder; 1.5 cups unsweetened apple sauce; 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk); 2 large eggs; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1 apple, diced

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, wholesome breakfast that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then you absolutely need to try this Cranberry Apple Baked Oatmeal. It’s bursting with tart cranberries and sweet apple chunks, all nestled in a tender, cinnamon-spiced oat cuddle. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting and bright, making it an instant favorite for chilly mornings or anytime you crave a nourishing treat that’s as delicious as it is simple to make.

Cranberry Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with this recipe because each element plays a crucial role in making your Cranberry Apple Baked Oatmeal sing with flavor and texture. From the hearty oats that provide a nutty foundation to the fresh cranberries and apples that add bursts of natural sweetness and tang, every ingredient complements the others perfectly.

Oats (2 cups): Use rolled oats for that perfect chewy yet tender texture that holds everything together beautifully.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds warm, spicy notes that elevate the dish and marry the fruit flavors wonderfully.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors without making it salty.
Baking powder (3/4 tsp): Gives the oatmeal a slight lift and fluffy texture, so it’s not dense.
Unsweetened applesauce (1.5 cups): Acts as a natural sweetener and keeps the oatmeal moist with a lovely apple undertone.
Unsweetened almond milk (1 cup): Keeps the dish dairy-free and adds creamy moisture while lightening the mix.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add a subtle richness to the bake.
Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Brings a hint of molasses-y sweetness that deepens the flavor profile.
Maple syrup (2 tbsp): Adds natural sweetness and a touch of complexity.
Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely aromatic note.
Fresh cranberries (1 cup): Give tart bursts that brighten the dish and contrast beautifully with the sweetness.
Diced apple (1): Adds tender fruity chunks and natural sugar to complement the cranberries.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Baked Oatmeal

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Dry Ingredients

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees F. This ensures it’s perfectly hot by the time you finish assembling. In a large bowl, combine the oats, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the warm spices and rising agent evenly throughout your oatmeal base, setting a solid flavor foundation.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. This mixture will infuse the oatmeal with natural sweetness and moisture, making your Cranberry Apple Baked Oatmeal luscious without needing any heavy cream or butter.

Step 3: Combine and Fold in Fruit

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the oats tough, so aim for a tender fold. Next, gently fold in the fresh cranberries and diced apple, ensuring they’re well distributed. These fruits add beautiful pops of color, texture, and a delightful mix of tart and sweet flavors.

Step 4: Transfer and Bake

Spray a 9 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour in the oatmeal mixture, smoothing the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before serving—this will help it set perfectly!

How to Serve Cranberry Apple Baked Oatmeal

Garnishes

To make every bite even more special, consider a light drizzle of warm maple syrup or a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt on top. A sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft oatmeal. Fresh apple slices or extra cranberries scattered on top also make for a pretty presentation and reinforce those fresh fruity flavors.

Side Dishes

This baked oatmeal is wonderfully hearty on its own, but pairing it with a fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie creates a well-rounded morning feast. For an extra protein boost, scrambled eggs or a side of smoked salmon work beautifully and make it a breakfast that truly sticks with you.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this for a brunch crowd, bake the oatmeal in individual ramekins for a charming single-serving touch. Alternatively, layer the baked oatmeal with Greek yogurt and granola in clear glasses for beautiful oatmeal parfaits that showcase all the delicious layers. No matter how you present it, the Cranberry Apple Baked Oatmeal will steal the spotlight on any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Apple Baked Oatmeal keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out. It’s perfect for busy mornings when you want to grab a wholesome breakfast without any fuss.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this baked oatmeal for up to 3 months. Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap or use freezer-safe containers to lock in flavor and moisture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy a convenient breakfast anytime.

Reheating

Reheat your Cranberry Apple Baked Oatmeal in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or warm it gently in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through. Adding a splash of almond milk before reheating helps bring back moisture and keeps the texture just as comforting as when freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to fold them in directly from frozen and do not thaw beforehand to prevent excess moisture from making the oatmeal too wet.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Oats themselves are naturally gluten-free but can be cross-contaminated during processing, so look for the gluten-free label if you have gluten sensitivities.

Can I substitute the almond milk with dairy milk?

Yes, feel free to use any milk you prefer—dairy or non-dairy. The almond milk simply keeps this version lighter and adds a subtle nutty undertone, but dairy milk will work just as well for creaminess.

How can I make this Cranberry Apple Baked Oatmeal vegan?

Swap out the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based milk. Make sure the maple syrup and any added sweeteners you use are vegan-friendly to keep it entirely plant-based.

Can I add nuts or seeds to this recipe?

Definitely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking adds crunch and healthy fats. Pumpkin or sunflower seeds also work great sprinkled on top for texture and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cranberry Apple Baked Oatmeal enough for anyone longing for a breakfast that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to because of its perfect blend of fruity brightness and cozy spice. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a cherished staple in your morning routine!

Cranberry Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: Matteo
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A warm and comforting Cranberry Apple Baked Oatmeal featuring wholesome oats, tart cranberries, and sweet apples, baked to golden perfection. This nutritious breakfast dish combines natural sweetness from applesauce and maple syrup with a hint of cinnamon, making it a perfect start to your day.

Instructions

Preheat and mix dry ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Stir them together to ensure even distribution.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
Combine dry and wet mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Carefully fold in the fresh cranberries and diced apple ensuring an even spread.
Prepare the baking dish: Lightly spray a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray or grease it to prevent sticking. Pour the oatmeal mixture evenly into the dish and smooth the top.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes until the oatmeal is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Once baked, let the oatmeal cool slightly to set before serving. Enjoy warm as a wholesome breakfast or snack.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar, ensuring the sugar used is vegan.
Feel free to swap almond milk with any other plant-based milk or regular dairy milk.
Using tart apples such as Granny Smith adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
Add a handful of nuts or seeds for extra crunch and protein, if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American