Vegan Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Walnuts

This vegan baked oatmeal is like a healthy apple pie for breakfast! It’s simple, naturally sweetened, and keeps you full and energized all morning long!

Oatmeal is one of my favorite ways to start the day. It’s a whole grain full of fiber, and when paired with fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup it almost feels like dessert!

I probably enjoy oatmeal for breakfast at least a few times a week. Sometimes I make it stove top, sometimes I do my favorite peanut butter overnight oats, or my protein overnight oats with berries and when I’m feeding a crowd, baked oatmeal is the way to go!

It makes for an easy addition to a brunch spread, or to feed a family on a weekend morning.

I made this vegan baked oatmeal with apples and walnuts for my family on a Sunday morning. We were running low on our grocery supply, and I wanted to use what we had to make a healthy and delicious breakfast that was a bit more special than our usual spread.

Looking to your pantry for meal inspiration is a great way to save money on your weekly grocery bill. I often buy things like oats, quinoa, and almond milk in bulk. It takes me a few months to get through it, but that’s not a problem since it all keeps.

I also bulk buy sturdy produce such as apples, potatoes, carrots, and onions. Paired with the right spices, which also keep well, and you can pull together an improvised meal in no time.

That’s exactly how this Vegan Baked Oatmeal came to be. With an abundance of oats, plenty of almond milk, a few beautiful apples, and some cinnamon, I pulled together a spectacularly healthy breakfast that resembled an apple pie.

The apples are tart and sweet and the walnuts add a nice crunch.

I would have topped this oatmeal with some unsweetened coconut milk yogurt but alas, I finished it off a few days ago! There’s always next time!

Why You’ll Love this Vegan Baked Oatmeal…

• Feeds a small crowd
• High in fiber
• Low in calorie
• Keeps you feeling full all morning
• Tastes like apple pie!
• All whole food plant-based ingredients
• Simple and easy
• Uses pantry staples
• Versatile recipe you can make your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 3/4 cups of unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tbsp of flax seeds
• 1/4 cup of maple syrup (plus more to drizzle)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 apples chopped into cubes

Dairy Free Milk

You can use any dairy free milk of your choice. We have an abundance of unsweetened almond milk, but oat milk would also work very well.

Spices

Add more cinnamon if you like a stronger cinnamon flavor. You can also use pumpkin pie spice which is a combination of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.

Apples and Nuts

I was planning to use pecans in this recipe until I opened my pantry and remembered I used all my pecans in these dairy free chocolate chip cookies I made the other day.

Lucky for me I still had some walnuts because toasted nuts adds a nice crunch to this oatmeal. Use pecans, walnuts, or any nut you like, or leave them out all together if you’re not a fan or have an allergy.

When it comes to apples I had some Granny Smith and Gala apples on hand. I used one of each chopped into chunks. Gala apples are sweet, while Granny Smith apples are tart. Together they compliment one another well. However, you can use any variety of apples you have at home.

Or add another favorite fruit if you don’t have apples!

Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• 9 x 9 inch baking dish

You can use a 9 x 9 inch square baking dish, or one of similar size. I used a 2.5 Qt oval baking dish which I have as part of a set.

How to Make Vegan Baked Oatmeal – Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 F. Combine the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 2: In a separate bowl combine the almond milk, flax seeds, and maple syrup.

Step 3: Chop apples into 1/2 inch chunks.

Step 4: Spread half the apples onto the bottom of the baking dish. Pour oats mixture on top of apples. Pour almond milk mixture on top of the oats. Make sure all the oats are covered with the almond milk. If some parts are dry, add a bit more almond milk until oats are completely covered.

Step 5: Top with the rest of the apples and the chopped nuts.

Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes at 375 F or until top of oats are golden brown.

Step 7: Remove from oven and allow to cool for a 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Tips and Variations

• Use rolled oats, not steel cut oats.
• Add a few more spices if you choose. I kept it simple with cinnamon, but 1/4 tsp of ginger, or nutmeg would be a nice addition.
• You can add whatever fruit you have on hand. Sliced banana, or blueberries would work well.
• Add 1/4 cup of raisins for a little extra sweetness.
• Use gluten free oats if you need to ensure this dish is gluten-free. Oats are naturally gluten-free but some brands are cross contaminated.

How to Serve and Keep

I drizzled a touch of maple syrup on top before serving. This would also pair will with a dollop of unsweetened coconut milk yogurt and a dash of cinnamon. Serve warm straight from the oven.

If you have leftovers, cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Drizzle with a little extra almond milk to bring back some moisture and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Check out these other vegan breakfast recipes!

• Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
• Coffee Cake
• Vegan Protein Pancakes
• Vegan French Toast Casserole
• Sugar Free Granola
• How to Make Sugar Free Applesauce

If you’ve tried this Vegan Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Walnuts, please rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more plant-based family recipes your whole family will enjoy!