Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

I love oatmeal.  I eat it nearly every single day.  It is a great source of fiber, low on the Glycemic Index, helps lower cholesterol (though thankfully I don't have any concerns in that area of my health) and is a wonderful way to give you the energy you need to kickstart the day.  Pair it with a food high in protein, such as scrambled egg whites on the side,  and you are good to go.

This dish is not just your everyday morning oatmeal but rather a baked version that is so sweet and delicious you will want to eat oatmeal every day too.  It is excellent topped with some agave nectar and a splash of milk.

The combo of apples and cinnamon are always a warm welcome at our breakfast table.  Who doesn't love that flavor? When added to oatmeal it makes for an extremely heart-healthy and comforting meal.

Now there are some options with this recipe.  You can add sweetener to the dish before baking, you can add butter for extra richness or omit it completely.  You can swap out the raisins for dried cranberries and maybe some orange zest for added flavor.  You could even omit the apples and cinnamon replacing with dried cherries and 1/2 tsp of almond extract.  If you don't care for raisins or any dried fruit just leave them out of the recipe completely.  Personally, I think some chopped walnuts tossed into this dish would be excellent ! Basically go with what works for you.  Just remember, anytime you change this recipe especially when removing moisture such as syrup and butter,  you need to be careful with your baking time.  Start checking for doneness at around 30 minutes into bake time. If there is no visible liquid and oats appear set then it is done.  You are not looking for a dry oatmeal but you don't want a sopping one either. Moist and tender is the end goal.

Ready for a great breakfast treat?  Let's Go !

RECIPE:
*adapted source recipe:  Baked Apple Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal,  Dainty Chef 

WHAT YOU NEED

1 cup large flake rolled oats (not instant)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup maple syrup or dark agave nectar (optional)
1 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly  (optional)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup raisins  (dark or golden)

MAKE IT

PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees.
GREASE a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
IN MEDIUM BOWL, stir together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
IN SMALL BOWL, whisk together the maple syrup or agave nectar (if using), milk, egg, the melted butter (if using), and the vanilla extract.
SPRINKLE diced apples in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared dish.
SCATTER 1/4 cup of the raisins over the top of the apples
EVENLY spoon oatmeal mixture on top of apples/raisins
POUR milk mixture over the oats, distributing evenly across the top of the mixture
SCATTER with remaining raisins
BAKE 35-45 minutes or until golden brown and oats have set .
REMOVE from oven and serve hot.

You can store this, covered, in your refrigerator for several days and reheat portion sizes in the microwave.

ENJOY !