Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

When my kids were little, it took so much effort to get out of the house that I often just stayed home. I would talk on the phone with my best friend for hours. We often discussed what we were making for dinner. One day she told me how she has a “theme” for breakfast. One day is “toast” another day is “eggs” and anther is “baked oatmeal.” I had never heard of baked oatmeal, but I set out to find a recipe. It is very simple to put together and bakes in less than 30 minutes making it perfect for a weekday morning. There are many versions out there on the web, but my favorite is this apple cinnamon version. It is a little sweet and a little tart (if you use tart apples.) It is warm and custard-like and the cinnamon makes the apples shine like a good apple pie.

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

2 Apples diced into 1/4 inch cubes (I leave the skins on.)

1 3/4 Cups Milk

2 Eggs

1/2 Cup Brown Sugar (packed)

1/4 Cup Butter, melted

3 Cups Old Fashioned Oats (oatmeal)

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon Cinnamon

Cooking Spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the chopped apples in a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high for 3 minutes. The apples will soften and cook slightly.

In a medium bowl, mix milk, eggs, brown sugar and melted butter. Add in the oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon and stir to combine. Stir in the warm apples.

Generously coat an 8 x 8 baking dish with cooking spray. (I prefer a glass baking dish, but metal works too.) Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. The oatmeal should be a little jiggly in the middle (like custard.) Remove from oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. It will continue to cook and thicken as it rests. Serve warm.