Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Coat an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix the Oatmeal
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the maple syrup or honey, applesauce, eggs, milk, melted butter or coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Stir until all the ingredients are evenly combined and the oats are fully moistened.
- Fold in the shredded or finely diced apple and the toasted chopped walnuts.
Assemble and Bake
- Transfer the oatmeal mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle a few additional chopped toasted walnuts over the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Rest and Serve
- Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Cut into 9 squares and serve warm. Top with yogurt or whipped topping, diced apple, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.
Notes
- Chia seeds: The chia seeds are optional and may be omitted without making any other changes.
- Sweetener: Use either pure maple syrup or honey.
- Fat: Melted unsalted butter or melted coconut oil may be used.
- Apple preparation: The apple may be shredded for a softer texture or finely diced for more distinct apple pieces.
- Best apples: Firm baking apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Fuji work well.
- Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts before adding them improves their flavor and crunch.
- Doneness: The center should be set and no longer look wet. Bake for up to 35 minutes if needed.
- Resting: Let the baked oatmeal rest for 10 minutes so it firms up and slices cleanly.
- Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm several portions in a covered baking dish in the oven.
- Freezing: Wrap individual cooled squares and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Egg-free option: The source recipe mentions an egg-free variation but does not provide the replacement quantities, so no unverified substitution has been included.
