3. Spiced Apple Baked Oats
These spiced apple baked oats combine tender apple pieces, cinnamon and warm mixed spice for a comforting breakfast inspired by apple crumble.
Ingredients
- 40g plain porridge oats
- 1 small egg
- 90g plain fat-free yogurt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon mixed spice
- 1 level teaspoon granulated sweetener, optional
- ½ small apple (approximately 60g), finely diced
- 1 tablespoon skimmed milk, if needed
- A little cooking spray for the dish
For the topping:
- A few thin apple slices
- A light dusting of cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan), Gas Mark 6.
- Lightly grease a small ovenproof dish.
- Mix the oats, egg, yogurt, vanilla, cinnamon, mixed spice and optional sweetener in a bowl.
- Stir until combined, adding a splash of milk if necessary.
- Fold in the diced apple.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish.
- Arrange a few thin apple slices over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes, until golden and set in the centre.
- Leave to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving suggestion: Enjoy warm with a spoonful of plain yogurt.
Tips for Perfect Baked Oats
Use Plain Porridge Oats
Regular porridge oats provide a pleasantly soft texture while still giving the baked oats some structure.
Choose the Right Ramekin
Use a small ovenproof dish with enough room for the mixture to rise during cooking.
Don’t Overbake
The top should be lightly golden and the centre fully set. Overbaking may make the oats dry.
Adjust the Sweetness
Ripe bananas and fresh fruit add natural sweetness. Taste preferences vary, so optional sweetener can be adjusted.
Allow the Oats to Rest
Let the baked oats stand for a few minutes after cooking to help the texture settle.
Easy Ways to Customise Your Baked Oats
Blueberry & Lemon: Add blueberries and a little finely grated lemon zest.
Strawberry & Vanilla: Replace the raspberries with chopped strawberries.
Pear & Cinnamon: Use finely diced pear instead of apple.
Chocolate & Banana: Add a small amount of dark chocolate chips to the banana mixture.
Mixed Berry: Combine raspberries, blueberries and strawberries for a colourful breakfast.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerating
Allow the baked oats to cool promptly and transfer them to a covered container.
Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Warm in the microwave or oven until steaming hot throughout.
Add fresh fruit and yogurt toppings after reheating.
Freezing
Freeze the baked oat bases without fresh toppings for up to 2 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked oats without a blender?
Yes. These recipes use whole porridge oats, so a mixing bowl and spoon are all you need.
Can I make baked oats ahead of time?
Yes. Bake them in advance, refrigerate promptly and reheat when ready to eat.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes. Frozen raspberries can be added to the mixture, although they may release extra moisture and slightly increase cooking time.
Can I cook baked oats in an air fryer?
Yes. The banana confetti variation includes an air fryer method. Cooking times for other variations may need adjusting.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead?
Yes. Plain Greek yogurt works well. If it’s particularly thick, add a little milk to loosen the mixture.
Can I make baked oats without added sweetener?
Yes. You can leave out the sweetener, especially when using ripe banana or naturally sweet fruit.
Are baked oats suitable for breakfast meal prep?
Yes. Individual portions are convenient for preparing ahead and reheating during busy mornings.
Final Thoughts
These easy baked oats three ways bring variety and flavour to your breakfast routine without complicated preparation.
From fruity raspberry and vanilla to colourful banana confetti and comforting spiced apple, each version offers a different way to enjoy a warm, homemade oat breakfast.
Choose your favourite flavour or try all three throughout the week!
