Description
Hearty “apple-cranberry oats” bring warmth to morning breakfast tables with their rustic charm and comforting flavors. Wholesome ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a nourishing start that connects you to simple, satisfying culinary pleasures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Fruit and Base Ingredients:
- 2 large Fuji or Honeycrisp apples
- 2 1/2 cups (230 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups (285 grams) frozen cranberries
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (355 milliliters) whole milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) orange juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vanilla extract
Sweeteners and Spices:
- 1/3 cup (70 grams) packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F and lightly grease a 7-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Create two apple preparations: grate one apple using large box grater holes to obtain approximately ¾ cup packed, and separately dice the second apple into ½-inch cubes for about 1 cup.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine oats, milk, eggs, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until ingredients are fully integrated.
- Gently incorporate cranberries and grated apple into the mixed base, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Carefully transfer the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, strategically arranging the chopped apple pieces across the top surface.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, monitoring until the surface turns golden brown and the center becomes completely set.
- Remove from oven and allow the baked oats to rest and cool for 15 minutes, which helps the dish stabilize and makes slicing easier.
- Serve the baked oats either warm or at room temperature, depending on personal preference.
Notes
- Grate apples with care to ensure consistent texture and prevent mushy oatmeal.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
- Customize the dish by swapping cranberries with other seasonal berries like blueberries or chopped strawberries for variety.
- Make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and replacing eggs with flax eggs for dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg