Introduction

This creamy apple baked oatmeal is a comforting and nourishing breakfast perfect for chilly mornings. Packed with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a homemade healthy caramel sauce, it’s both wholesome and indulgent. Dairy-free and naturally sweetened, it’s a delicious way to start your day.

Two white bowls each hold a multi-layered dish starting with a thick, dark brown base that looks like baked oats or cake, topped with crunchy peanut pieces scattered around. On top of that is a smooth, thick white layer resembling yogurt or cream, sprinkled lightly with cinnamon powder. Fresh diced red and yellow apple pieces are spread over the cream, and glossy brown nut butter is drizzled generously over the top. The bowls rest on a white marbled surface, accompanied by two small red apples and two silver spoons placed nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Healthy Caramel Sauce:

8 medjool dates – pits removed
1/2 cup non-dairy milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional Topping: Whipped Coconut Cream

1 can coconut milk (cold) – a higher quality brand will yield more cream
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Baked Oatmeal:

Flax seed eggs – mix 2 tbsp ground flax seed with 4 tbsp water
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup homemade caramel sauce
2 apples, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup roughly chopped peanuts
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups non-dairy milk
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the healthy caramel sauce by blending the dates, non-dairy milk, water, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the flax seed eggs by mixing ground flax seed with water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and chopped peanuts.
Step 5: In another bowl, mix the flax seed eggs, maple syrup, homemade caramel sauce, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and cubed apples.
Step 6: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
Step 7: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden and set.
Step 8: While baking, prepare the whipped coconut cream if desired. Scoop only the solid cream from the chilled can of coconut milk and whip with maple syrup and vanilla until fluffy.
Step 9: Serve the baked oatmeal warm, topped with whipped coconut cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce if you like.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet caramel flavor.
Substitute peanuts with chopped walnuts or pecans for a different nutty taste.
Make the caramel sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week to save time.
For a gluten-free option, ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a warm oven until heated through. The whipped coconut cream is best served fresh but can be refrigerated separately for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Two white bowls with handles are placed on a white marbled surface, each filled with a dark brown base layer of baked oatmeal. On top of this base, there is a layer of chopped peanuts scattered around. Over the nuts, a generous dollop of white creamy yogurt sits centered in each bowl, covered by a drizzle of smooth, light brown nut butter. Around the yogurt and nut butter, small chopped pieces of red and yellow apple add a fresh and colorful touch. The image includes two fresh whole apples near the bowls and two silver spoons crossed on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of non-dairy milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular dairy milk if you prefer. It will work well in both the caramel sauce and baked oatmeal.

How do I make flax seed eggs?

Mix 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed with 4 tablespoons of water, stir well, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens to an egg-like consistency. This mixture works as a vegan binder in recipes.

Creamy Apple Baked Oatmeal with Caramel Sauce and Coconut Whipped Topping Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 148 reviews

This Creamy Apple Baked Oatmeal is a wholesome and comforting breakfast option, featuring tender apples baked into hearty oats sweetened naturally with maple syrup and a homemade healthy caramel sauce made from Medjool dates. Topped optionally with whipped coconut cream, this dish offers a deliciously creamy texture and warm flavors perfect for a nutritious start to your day.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

Healthy Caramel Sauce

8 Medjool dates, pits removed
1/2 cup non-dairy milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional Topping: Whipped Coconut Cream

1 can cold coconut milk (higher quality yields more cream)
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Baked Oatmeal

2 tbsp ground flax seed mixed with 4 tbsp water (flax seed eggs)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup homemade caramel sauce
2 apples, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup roughly chopped peanuts
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups non-dairy milk
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare Flax Seed Eggs: Combine 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed with 4 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside to thicken for about 5-10 minutes to create a flax egg substitute.
Make Healthy Caramel Sauce: In a blender, add 8 pitted Medjool dates, 1/2 cup non-dairy milk, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Make Whipped Coconut Cream (Optional): Chill a can of coconut milk overnight in the fridge. Scoop the solid cream into a bowl (discard or save the liquid). Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whip with a hand mixer until fluffy and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flax seed eggs, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup homemade caramel sauce, 2 cups non-dairy milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir well until thoroughly combined.
Add Dry Ingredients and Apples: To the wet mixture, add 2 cups rolled oats, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 diced apples, and 1/2 cup roughly chopped peanuts. Stir thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Transfer and Bake: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the oats are set and tender.
Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optionally, top with whipped coconut cream for an extra creamy texture and sweetness.

Notes

Use firm apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture after baking.
For nut-free version, omit the peanuts or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
Ensure the coconut milk is well chilled overnight for best whipping results.
Flax seed eggs can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
This baked oatmeal stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the microwave.
Maple syrup and the date caramel provide natural sweetness without refined sugars.

Keywords: apple baked oatmeal, healthy caramel sauce, vegan breakfast, dairy-free oatmeal, wholesome morning meal