Sometimes, I line the bottom of the pan with a couple of bananas, sliced into coins. Serve warm, as is, or with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of warm milk, if desired.
1/2cupslivered or sliced almonds, chopped pecans or walnuts (or a mix), divided use
1teaspoonbaking powder
1 1/2teaspoonsground cinnamon
1/4teaspoonkosher or sea salt
1/4 - 1/3cupmaple syrup or honey
2cupsmilk of choice
1large egg
3tablespoonsmelted coconut oil or butter
1/2tablespoonpure vanilla extract
3cupsdiced apples, skin may be left on (see note)
1/4 - 1/3cupbrown sugar (see notes)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and butter the inside of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, 1/4 cup of the almonds, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, milk, egg, coconut oil or butter, and vanilla.
Sprinkle half of the apples over the bottom of the baking dish. Cover the fruit with the dry oat mixture. Slowly drizzle the milk mixture over the oats. Scatter the remaining apples and almonds over the top. Sprinkle with the brown sugar.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the oat mixture has set. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
This may be eaten immediately or made ahead and reheated. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
I like to use a mixture of apples. This time, I used one Fuji, one Honey Crisp, and one Gold Rush.
Overall sweetness will depend partially on the type of apples used and on personal preference. If you aren't sure the first time how sweet you'd like the baked oatmeal, err on the low side as you can always add a bit of brown sugar or maple syrup when serving.
When using melted coconut oil or butter, it is helpful if the cold ingredients have come to room temperature prior to mixing so that the oil or butter doesn’t re-harden once stirred in. If this happens, you may slowly heat in the microwave until the liquid mixture is just warm enough to soften the butter or coconut oil.