Oh wow, let me tell you about my absolute favorite breakfast treat: the Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal Bake! Seriously, this dish is like a warm hug on a chilly morning. Just the smell of it baking in the oven sends me back to my childhood, when my mom would whip up something cozy before school. I remember rushing down the stairs, the sweet scent of cinnamon filling every corner of the house, and I knew it was going to be a good day. It’s one of those recipes that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart.
This oatmeal bake is so much more than just a breakfast option; it’s a delightful way to start your day or even enjoy as a snack. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s hearty, nutritious, and super satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare! You can have this beauty in the oven in under 10 minutes, and then just sit back and let the magic happen. Trust me, you’ll love how versatile it is, too! You can mix in your favorite fruits or nuts, and it keeps well, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week. What’s not to love?
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s gather everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal Bake! I promise, the ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to have everything on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apples (feel free to use your favorite variety!)
- 1/2 cup raisins or nuts (optional, but I love the added texture!)
Just a quick tip: when you’re chopping the apples, aim for bite-sized pieces. This way, they can really mingle with the oats and add that juicy goodness to every bite. Now you’re all set to get cooking!
How to Prepare Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal Bake
Alright, let’s dive into how to bring this comforting Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal Bake to life! Don’t worry, the steps are super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be enjoying a warm, delicious breakfast in no time. Just make sure to follow along closely, and let’s get that oven preheated!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial, so the bake can cook evenly and come out perfectly fluffy!
- While the oven is warming up, grab a big bowl and mix together the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Just give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
- In another bowl (I know, more dishes!), whisk together the milk, honey, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure those eggs are well beaten so they blend in smoothly.
- Now, it’s time to bring the dry and wet ingredients together! Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix it all together until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix—just a gentle fold will do!
- Next, fold in your chopped apples and those optional raisins or nuts if you’re using them. This is where all the goodness comes together, and it smells amazing already!
- Once everything is mixed, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×9-inch square dish, but whatever you have will work just fine.
- Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and set. You can poke it with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, you’re ready to go!
- Let it cool for a few minutes before you dive in. This waiting time is the hardest part, I know, but it’ll help it set even more. Plus, you don’t want to burn your tongue on that deliciousness!
And there you have it! You’re just a few simple steps away from a warm, hearty breakfast that’s sure to please. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the goodness packed into this Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal Bake! I always think it’s helpful to know what you’re fueling your body with, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (which is about one-sixth of the bake):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 6g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, you’re getting a tasty, healthy start to your day that’s filled with fiber and protein. Enjoy every bite knowing you’re treating yourself right!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can have this oatmeal bake mixed and ready for the oven in just about 10 minutes. Perfect for busy mornings!
- Hearty Flavor: The warm spices and sweet apples create a comforting blend that makes each bite feel like a cozy hug.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome oats, fresh fruit, and natural sweeteners, it’s a nutritious way to kickstart your day.
- Versatile: This recipe is easily customizable—add your favorite nuts, seeds, or even swap in different fruits to keep things exciting!
- Great for Meal Prep: It keeps well in the fridge, so you can make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week for breakfast or snacks.
- Kid-Friendly: Trust me, kids love it! It’s a great way to sneak in some healthy ingredients without them even noticing.
Tips for Success
Alright, my friend, let’s make sure your Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal Bake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips that I’ve learned along the way—because we all want that golden, fluffy goodness, right?
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, just mix until everything is barely combined. Overmixing can make it dense, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bake as it approaches the 30-minute mark. When it’s done, the edges will pull away slightly from the sides, and the center should be set but not overly dry.
- Cool Before Serving: I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but letting it cool for at least 5-10 minutes helps it firm up a bit. This way, it’ll slice nicely and hold its shape!
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to play around with the spices! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can elevate the flavor even more. Trust me, it’s a delightful twist!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apples and quality oats can make a world of difference in flavor. If you can, opt for local or seasonal apples for that extra pop!
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bake, you can easily adjust the honey or even add a splash of maple syrup. Just remember that the apples also bring a natural sweetness!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to master this delicious oatmeal bake. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it—happy baking!
Variations
Oh, the possibilities with this Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal Bake are endless! I absolutely love how you can switch things up to keep it exciting. Here are some fun variations to try that will add a personal twist to this cozy dish:
- Fruit Fiesta: Swap out the apples for other fruits like pears, bananas, or even berries! Each fruit brings its own unique flavor and texture, making it fun to experiment.
- Nutty Delight: Add a mix of your favorite nuts—walnuts, pecans, or almonds work beautifully. They’ll add a lovely crunch and extra protein, too!
- Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to play with the spices! A dash of nutmeg, ginger, or even a bit of pumpkin pie spice can elevate the flavor profile and make it feel like a special treat.
- Chocolate Lover: If you want to indulge a little more, sprinkle in some chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey twist. It’s like dessert for breakfast—yum!
- Maple Pecan: Replace honey with maple syrup and add chopped pecans for a deliciously nutty and sweet combo that feels like a warm autumn day.
- Savory Option: For a unique take, try adding some sautéed spinach and feta cheese instead of sweet ingredients. It’s a great savory breakfast option that’s still hearty and filling!
Feel free to get creative and mix and match these ideas based on what you have on hand. I love how adaptable this recipe is—it’s a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity! Happy baking and experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked up this scrumptious Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal Bake, let’s talk about how to elevate your serving experience! While it’s delicious on its own, adding a little something extra can take it to the next level. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Yogurt Delight: A dollop of Greek yogurt on top adds creaminess and a nice tang that pairs beautifully with the sweet spices. You can even swirl in some honey or fruit preserves for an extra burst of flavor!
- Drizzle of Maple Syrup: A drizzle of warm maple syrup is like adding a hug to each bite! It enhances the sweetness and complements the cinnamon perfectly—pure bliss!
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh fruit like sliced bananas, berries, or even a handful of nuts. It adds a refreshing touch and makes for a colorful plate!
- Nuts or Seeds: Sprinkle some chopped nuts or seeds on top for added crunch and nutrition. I love the texture contrast it brings, plus it boosts the protein content!
- Nut Butter Spread: A spread of almond or peanut butter can add richness and flavor, too. Just a thin layer on top transforms it into an indulgent treat!
- Warm Milk: For a cozy touch, serve with a warm glass of milk or your favorite nut milk. It makes for a comforting breakfast that feels like a big hug!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your mood or what you have on hand. I can’t wait for you to enjoy every delicious bite of your Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal Bake! Happy serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve got some delicious Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal Bake left over (if you can resist eating it all in one sitting!), let’s talk about how to store it properly so you can enjoy it for days to come. Trust me, this bake is just as good reheated!
To store your leftovers, simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the slices to an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I love how it makes for a quick breakfast or snack option throughout the week!
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, reheating is a breeze. You can pop it in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or until it’s warmed through. If you prefer a crispy top, try reheating it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out!
Oh, and if you want to take it up a notch, add a little drizzle of honey or a dollop of yogurt on top before reheating. It’ll melt into the warm bake and make every bite even more delightful! Now go on and savor those leftovers—they’re just waiting to be enjoyed!
Print
Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal Bake: 7 Heartwarming Delights
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and hearty cinnamon spice oatmeal bake perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apples
- 1/2 cup raisins or nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, honey, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Fold in chopped apples and raisins or nuts if using.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave before serving.
- Can be served with yogurt or maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the bake
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal Bake, oatmeal, breakfast, baked oatmeal