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