Sometimes, I prepare a recipe many, many times, allowing for one adjustment at a time in efforts to achieve the precise texture and taste I envision.  I always learn a lot from these little challenges.  Occasionally, I end up with several worthy variations of the same recipe, never publishing the recipe because I have made things too complicated and can’t choose!

Such was almost the case with this recipe!  But I have received multiple requests over the past months for a version of my many baked oatmeals (scan through the breakfast category on the right side of the page to view them all) that uses all quinoa and is gluten-free.

My challenge in this recipe was to eliminate the slight crumbliness that occurs with the quinoa.  Initial attempts with varying the amount of eggs and other obvious factors yielded results that were perhaps a little too eggy or otherwise just okay.  An early attempt incorporated cooked quinoa, but after several good versions with uncooked quinoa, I decided that was the only option.  I wanted this recipe to be as easy to prepare as it is healthy and satisfying, so why create an extra step!  (By the way, the final recipe mixes up in one bowl and uses no oils.)

While the addition of nut butters didn’t pass the test, a small amount of almond flour was the final piece of the puzzle.  This gluten-free option acts as a binder and contributes to a slightly “cakier” version of this wholesome breakfast.  Because there is a second version without the almond flour that everyone in my house enjoyed, I am including that variation in the notes section.  While this version didn’t hold together quite as well, everything else about the recipe worked, most importantly the taste.

As always, if you have questions about a specific option, please ask.  Chances are I have tried it.  And if you try this recipe yourself, I would love to hear what you think!

Apple Almond Baked Quinoa

For an easy morning routine, I always prepare this recipe the night before. I reheat my piece, often adding a drizzle of warm milk and maybe some chopped banana or nuts. My kids like theirs cold from the fridge with nothing added. Treat as you would your favorite bowl of oatmeal, topping as you like.

Yields 6-8 servings.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and well drained
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups milk of choice
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (may use honey)
  • 1/2 cup blanched almond flour (see notes)
  • 1/3 cup raisins
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 apple, cored and diced (I leave skin on; peel if desired)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease an 9x13-inch baking pan and set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the uncooked quinoa and the remaining ingredients, stirring to thoroughly combine.
  3. Pour into the prepared baking dish and bake, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes or until the casserole is just set in the middle.
  4. Serve warm or allow to cool, and then cover and refrigerate. When serving from the refrigerator, gently reheat if desired. (See serving ideas in comments above.)

Notes

  • In my countless preparations of this recipe, I hit upon almond flour as the final piece to bind the quinoa in this recipe, making it slightly more similar to one of my baked oatmeals. If you do not have almond flour or wish to omit it, my other favorite version of this breakfast is the following: Omit the almond flour, decrease eggs to 2, add 1/3 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, and almonds are great choices; omit if allergic), and 1 ripe, diced banana. I do like the chia seeds in this version as they act as a binder along with the banana and eggs but, if you don't have them, the recipe will still taste great without.
The final recipe…followed by a few of the earlier tries!
Early versions used more eggs or precooked quinoa. Serving with a dollop of tangy, plain Greek yogurt and a drizzle of pure maple syrup is a great option.
This is the version without almond flour that is described in the recipe notes. The pieces do not hold together as well, but they are still delicious.
Sliced apples look pretty, but I think the baked quinoa is easier to eat when they are diced.
Next up? Varying the fruit and baking in a deeper serving dish. I’d love to hear if you try the recipe above and if you branch out from there!
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11 responses to “Apple Almond Baked Quinoa”

  1. I have chickpea flour. Wonder if this is good enough.

    1. Hi Elsa, If you’re thinking of replacing the almond flour with the chickpea flour, it would likely work. The flavor may be slightly different, but mixed in with everything else, probably not overly noticeable. If you try, I’d love to know how you make out!

  2. Elizabeth Avatar
    Elizabeth

    How long does this keep in the fridge?

    1. When well covered, it will keep up to one week.

  3. Mary Lou Keller Avatar
    Mary Lou Keller

    Four thumbs up from me and my husband Ann! it is delish!

    1. I am so glad you both enjoyed it! Thanks for the great feedback!

  4. Mary Lou Keller Avatar
    Mary Lou Keller

    Thanks for tip Ann.. It is in the oven now baking. I’ll let you know how it turns out!

  5. Mary Lou Keller Avatar
    Mary Lou Keller

    Ann, was just going to email you.. I got the Bob’s Red Mill brand, almond meal/flour. I assume that is same thing?

    Going to make it tonight!

    1. That will be great, Mary Lou. Almond ‘meal’ usually has little brown bits of the skin mixed in. That would actually work well in this recipe, too. The finely ground ‘flour’ with no brown bits is better for baked goods where you prefer a more tender “crumb.” : )

  6. Mary Lou Keller Avatar
    Mary Lou Keller

    This looks yummy! I would think finding almond flour should be easy enough.. I think I will have to try it sometime this week Ann.

    1. I would love to know what you think, Mary Lou. I use almond flour frequently and particularly like Bob’s Red Mill brand. Many people report that Honeyville brand is wonderful, too, although that is not available where we live.