There’s nothing like starting your day with a warm, cozy bowl of Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce (Vegan). This hearty and healthy dish is not only tasty but also incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for meal prep. You can enjoy this baked oatmeal during busy weekday mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. Customizable with your favorite fruits and nuts, this recipe is dairy-free and egg-free, ensuring everyone can indulge in its comforting goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious breakfast ready in no time.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with rolled oats, nuts, and fruits, this recipe offers a nutritious start to your day.
- Versatile: Feel free to swap out fruits and nuts based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and store it for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
- Satisfying Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that everyone will love.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce (Vegan), you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These tools will help ensure your baking process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking pan (9×9 or 11×7)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for efficient mixing of dry and wet ingredients without spills.
- Baking pan: A non-stick baking pan ensures even cooking and easy release of the baked oatmeal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana)
- 1 3/4 cups non-dairy mylk
- 2 flax eggs
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 1 cup blueberries (or other fruit like chopped apples, pears, strawberries)
- 1 small sliced banana (for topping – optional)
How to Make Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce (Vegan)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350F. Grease or spray a 9×9 or 11×7 baking pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Flax Eggs
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water. Set aside to thicken; this mixture will serve as your flax eggs.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: rolled oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients including the prepared flax egg mixture until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredient mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Add Fruit
Fold in the blueberries or your choice of fruit until evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Top with sliced banana or additional fruit if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes. Check that the center appears almost set; for a firmer texture, bake longer until completely set.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy it plain or top it with yogurt, additional non-dairy mylk, or maple syrup. To store leftovers, cover and refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to two to three weeks.
How to Serve Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce (Vegan)
Serving Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious and healthy dish.
Top with Fresh Fruit
- Sliced Bananas: Add fresh banana slices for extra sweetness and a creamy texture.
- Berries: Sprinkle fresh blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries on top for a burst of flavor.
- Chopped Apples or Pears: Dice seasonal fruits for added crunch and nutrition.
Drizzle with Sweeteners
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle of pure maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness.
- Agave Nectar: Use agave as a vegan-friendly sweetener alternative.
- Honey (if not strictly vegan): This adds warmth and richness to your oatmeal.
Pair with Nut Butters
- Almond Butter: Spread almond butter on top for a nutty flavor and added protein.
- Peanut Butter: A classic choice that complements the oatmeal beautifully.
- Sunflower Seed Butter: A great option for those with nut allergies.
Serve with Dairy Alternatives
- Almond Milk: Pour some almond milk over your oatmeal for creaminess.
- Coconut Yogurt: Add a dollop of coconut yogurt for a refreshing twist.
- Non-Dairy Creamer: Use any non-dairy creamer to enhance texture and flavor.
Add Crunchy Toppings
- Granola: Sprinkle granola on top for an extra crunch and flavor dimension.
- Chopped Nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and healthy fats.
How to Perfect Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce (Vegan)
To achieve the perfect Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your dish.
- Boldly Measure Your Ingredients: Accurate measurements ensure consistency in texture and taste.
- Boldly Choose Your Fruit: Experiment with different fruits based on seasonality for varied flavors.
- Boldly Adjust Sweetness Levels: Taste the mixture before baking to adjust sweetness according to your preference.
- Boldly Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the overall aroma and flavor profile.
- Boldly Cool Before Serving: Let it cool slightly before serving; this helps set the texture perfectly.
- Boldly Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce (Vegan)
Pairing side dishes with your Wholesome Baked Oatmeal can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to your breakfast.
- Nutty Granola Bars: These bars provide additional crunch and energy for an active day ahead.
- Dairy-Free Smoothie: A refreshing smoothie made from fruits and spinach offers extra vitamins while balancing flavors.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy pudding packed with nutrients complements baked oatmeal nicely.
- Avocado Toast: The creaminess of avocado on whole-grain bread makes for a satisfying side dish filled with healthy fats.
- Green Tea or Herbal Tea: A warm cup of tea pairs well, promoting relaxation alongside your hearty meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce (Vegan), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong oats: Regular oats can lead to a mushy texture. Always use rolled oats for the best results.
- Skipping the flax eggs: Flax eggs help bind the mixture. If omitted, the baked oatmeal may crumble apart. Make sure to prepare them properly.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make your oatmeal dense. Gently combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Not greasing the pan: A sticky pan makes for a messy cleanup and uneven cooking. Always grease or spray your baking pan beforehand.
- Ignoring baking time: Baking too long can dry out your oatmeal, while underbaking leaves it soggy. Check for doneness before removing it from the oven.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to one week.
Freezing Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce (Vegan)
- Cut into portions before freezing for easy access.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or use freezer-safe containers. It lasts up to 2-3 weeks in the freezer.
Reheating Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce (Vegan)
- Oven: Preheat to 350F and warm individual portions for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warm, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of non-dairy milk and heat over low until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce (Vegan).
How do I customize my Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce (Vegan)?
You can easily add nuts, seeds, or other fruits like chopped apples or pears. Experiment with your favorites!
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes! You can substitute maple syrup with agave nectar or coconut sugar if you prefer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe is suitable for gluten-intolerant individuals.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The center should be almost set but not jiggly. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce (Vegan) is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on your tastes and what you have at home. Whether you enjoy it fresh or reheated later, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and comfort any day of the week.
Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce (Vegan)
Start your day with a delightful bowl of Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce (Vegan), a comforting and nutritious breakfast option perfect for busy mornings or relaxed weekend brunches. This easy-to-make dish combines rolled oats, fresh fruits, and nuts, creating a satisfying meal that can be customized to fit your taste. With its warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, this vegan baked oatmeal is ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a healthy breakfast throughout the week. Whether topped with fresh berries or drizzled with maple syrup, this recipe promises to be a hit for everyone at the table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 3/4 cups non-dairy mylk
- 2 flax eggs
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup blueberries (or other fruit like chopped apples, pears, strawberries)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350F and grease a baking pan (9×9 or 11×7).
- Prepare flax eggs by mixing ground flaxseed with water and letting it thicken.
- In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients: oats, nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together wet ingredients including flax egg mixture until smooth.
- Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir gently until combined.
- Fold in blueberries or choice of fruit; transfer to the prepared pan.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes until almost set; let cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
