Name: Maple Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Walnuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 6 cups quick oats (this will be almost a whole 18 oz canister); 2 eggs; 2 cups milk (or milk alternative); 1 cup pure maple syrup (we like Grade A); 1/3 cup butter, melted; 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 2 tsp baking powder; 2 apples, diced into 1/2" pieces (we like Gala because they retain a little crunch); 1/2 cup walnuts rough chopped

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You are probably used to cooking your quick oats the old-fashioned way — over a stove top, by gently boiling your quick oats over low heat in either milk or water.

On busy mornings, however, it’s difficult to stand at the stove top stirring your oats while also trying to get everyone ready for the day. Especially when you have to constantly look over your shoulder to make sure everyone is on task.

What’s great about this recipe is that it eliminates the need to stir over the stove at all.

You simply put all the ingredients into a bowl, stir until just to mixed, pour the mixture into an oven safe dish, pop it in the oven, set the timer and you’re free to go get your family get ready.

Plus, you get to enjoy all the lovely smells coming from the oven while you’re busy wrangling the troops. This recipe really is that easy.

What are the Benefits of Eating Oatmeal?

Let’s take a moment to review the well-researched nutritional benefits oatmeal. It’s quite an extensive list!

Oatmeal Benefits:

High in fiber (it’s recommended we get a minimum of 30 grams of fiber per day).
Lowers cholesterol while protecting your good LDL cholesterol.
Helps control blood sugar which prevents cravings throughout your day.
Packed with antioxidants.
Promotes healthy bacteria in your gut.
Could help reduce chances of getting colon cancer.

While all of the above matter, the most important benefit of oatmeal isn’t measured in a lab. It’s measured by our senses. Specifically, how comforting oatmeal is.

Prepared right, it’s a warm, nutritious and pure comfort food — a hug in a bowl.

In fact, that’s exactly how we would describe our Maple Baked Oats with Walnuts and Apples. A warm hug with creamy milk, soft oats, Grade A maple syrup and cinnamon for even more warmth.

The walnuts and apples are mixed in for added nutrition, flavor and texture. So, along with the oatmeal itself, this recipe is a powerhouse of nutrition and a delight to the taste buds.

Walnuts Benefits:

High in antioxidants.
High in fiber.
High in Omega-3 fat.
Helps lower blood pressure.

Apple Benefits:

High in fiber which aids in digestion.
Packed with antioxidants.
Helps lower cholesterol.

Are you beginning to noticing a common theme here? There’s actually even more to the nutritional story behind this recipe.

Benefits of Free-Range Eggs from Nature’s Yoke:

There’s actually even more nutrition in this recipe. While we’re not trying to overload you with details, we can’t forget about the eggs!

Eggs not only serve as a great binder in this recipe, but they’re also highly nutritional in their own right. They add both high quality protein and healthy fats to this meal.

And when we say high quality, we mean it.

Did you know that the better hens live the better quality eggs they lay?

It’s true. In addition to the well-balanced feed we provide, Nature’s Yoke Certified Humane free-range hens enjoy pasture-like outdoor spaces where they can nibble on all the plants and insects they love (and which also add extra nutrition to their diets and the eggs they lay). It all adds up to a healthier egg.

Tips for Baking Oatmeal:

Here are a few tips to help guide you through the recipe so that your Maple Baked Oats with Apples and Walnuts turn out every bit as delicious as ours.

It’s best if all ingredients are room temperature, this will allow your dish to bake evenly.
If garnishing the top of your oatmeal bake, use extra slices of apple, walnuts and a sprinkling of cinnamon.
For serving, we suggest placing a scoop of oats in a bowl. Pour some milk around the base and drizzle the top with a little extra maple syrup (or a lot — we won’t judge).
Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator.
To reheat, warm in the microwave at 25 second intervals until desired temperature is reached.
If you do not have a microwave, place a serving of milk in a small sauce pan and then place a scoop of oats into the pan. As the milk warms, break the oatmeal up so the heat evenly distributes throughout.
The longer the baked oats are stored, the more the oats on the top and edges will begin to dry out. But we have a feeling there won’t be too many leftovers.
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, you can use the same amount of honey or brown sugar.
We love butter, but if you’d prefer you can use coconut oil — just make sure it is melted.
If you would like to use a non-dairy milk, this recipe will work with any alternative milk choice.

So, there you have it! All the goodness of oatmeal, baked up sweet and comforting. A warm hug you can give your family or yourself anytime you need one.