Baked Oatmeal with Apple, Banana, and Walnuts

Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch (or equivalent) baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. This will add natural sweetness and moisture to the oatmeal.
Chop the Apple and Walnuts: Dice the apple into small cubes (you can leave the skin on for extra fiber) and roughly chop the walnuts. If you prefer a less crunchy texture, you can also toast the walnuts slightly in a dry pan before adding them to the mixture.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Combine Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the eggs, milk, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is fully incorporated. You should have a thick but pourable batter.
Step 5: Assemble the Baked Oatmeal
Layer in the Baking Dish: Fold in the chopped apple and walnuts, then pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Optional Topping: If you like, you can slice some extra banana and apple and place them on top of the oatmeal before baking for added texture and decoration.
Step 6: Bake
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The oatmeal should be set and have a custardy texture.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Cool Slightly: Let the baked oatmeal cool for a few minutes before serving. You can cut it into squares or scoop it out like a casserole.
Toppings: Serve your baked oatmeal warm with your favorite toppings, such as a dollop of Greek yogurt, a spoonful of almond butter, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness. You can also top it with more fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Why You’ll Love Baked Oatmeal with Apple, Banana, and Walnuts:
Packed with Nutrients: This baked oatmeal is loaded with fiber from the oats and fruit, which helps keep you full and satisfied throughout the morning. The bananas provide potassium, the apples add vitamins and antioxidants, and the walnuts contribute healthy fats and protein, making it a well-balanced meal.
Easy to Make: One of the best things about baked oatmeal is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can assemble this dish in no time and let the oven do the work. It’s perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick, nutritious breakfast.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a batch ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, and reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for a quick, no-fuss breakfast all week long.
Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds, use dried fruit instead of fresh apples, or add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost. The possibilities are endless!
Comforting and Cozy: With warm, soft oats and the sweet scent of baked fruit and cinnamon filling your kitchen, this baked oatmeal feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect way to start a chilly morning or enjoy a lazy weekend breakfast.
Tips for the Best Baked Oatmeal:
Use Overripe Bananas: Riper bananas are sweeter and have a smoother texture, making them ideal for baking. They will naturally sweeten the oatmeal without the need for added sugars.
Make It Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply swap the milk for a non-dairy alternative such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
Add Protein: If you want to boost the protein content, consider adding a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt to the mix.
Try Different Fruits: This recipe is very versatile, and you can switch up the fruit depending on what’s in season. Pears, blueberries, or berries would also work beautifully in this oatmeal.
Store and Reheat: Leftover baked oatmeal stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, simply microwave a portion for about 30-45 seconds or warm it up in the oven.
Serving Suggestions:
With Yogurt: Top your baked oatmeal with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt for extra creaminess and protein.
Nut Butter: Add a spoonful of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter for a rich, nutty flavor.
Extra Fruit: For more texture and freshness, top with sliced bananas, apples, or berries.
Sweetener: If you like it a bit sweeter, drizzle some honey or maple syrup on top before serving.
Why This Recipe Works:
Baked Oatmeal with Apple, Banana, and Walnuts is a winning breakfast recipe because it combines convenience with nutrition and comfort. The bananas provide natural sweetness, the apples offer a burst of freshness, and the walnuts add crunch and healthy fats. The cinnamon-spiced oats tie everything together into a warm, satisfying dish that’s perfect for starting your day on a healthy note.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, preparing a cozy weekend breakfast, or looking for a simple way to add more fruits and nuts to your diet, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Final Thoughts:
Baked oatmeal is a game-changer when it comes to easy, delicious, and nutritious breakfasts. The combination of apple, banana, and walnuts in this recipe creates a balanced, flavorful dish that’s sure to keep you full and energized throughout the day. Plus, it’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prepping.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a cozy, nourishing start to your day—your taste buds will thank you!