This easy-to-make Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal breakfast recipe is comfort food on a plate. Just mix and bake with simple pantry ingredients for breakfast, brunch, dessert, and snacks. You will love the added flavors of cinnamon, and pecans. Don't forget to pour a drizzle of maple syrup on top for a hearty and delicious healthy breakfast.
Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. and prepare an 8" x " baking pan with cooking spray.
Combine the oatmeal, brown sugar, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl.
In a medium-sized bowl add the butter and put in the microwave to melt. Then whisk in the applesauce, milk, and beaten egg. Mix to thoroughly combine.
Pour the applesauce mixture into the dry ingredients, mix to combine with a heavy spoon or spatula.
Stir in the cranberries and pecans.
Pour the batter into an 8 x 8" pan and bake for 30 minutes or until set and browned.
Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes then cut into squares and serve warm
You can pour maple syrup on top of the oatmeal square once served.
Cover any leftovers and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
Notes
This recipe is very adaptable so feel free to add different spices, fruit, and nuts. Or leave plain.These squares are delicious without a topping, but we like to add maple syrup, yogurt, or lemon curd on top.Variations
Substitute soy, almond, or oat milk for the whole milk
Substitute coconut sugar for the brown sugar
How to premake, freeze, thaw and reheat
You can make and bake the baked oatmeal, cool completely then cover and place in the fridge. When ready to eat you can reheat the entire pan or reheat individual oatmeal squares.
Make-Ahead Instructions: Bake the oatmeal, cool completely, and store in the refrigerator for a quick and easy breakfast.
Reheat in the microwave or cover and bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10 minutes.
To Freeze: Let the oatmeal cool completely. Cover the pan with plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to 3 months. You can also cut the oatmeal into squares, wrap them in foil, and freeze.
Let thaw in the refrigerator or you can set it on the counter at room temperature, then reheat.