Name: Vegan Baked Apple Oatmeal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp of flaxseed meal and 6 tbsp water); 3 cups rolled oats; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup dates, chopped; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 tablespoons whole-wheat flour; 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped*; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 apples, cored and diced into 1"-2" cubes*; 2 1/2 cups plant milk (I used almond milk); 2/3 cups maple syrup; 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted; 2 tablespoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

A cozy fall or winter breakfast idea - vegan baked apple oatmeal. This recipe is filling, healthy, and the perfect way to start the day!

Two plates of oatmeal with a large baking dish full of oatmeal.

When you think of oatmeal, what's the first word that comes to mind?

If you thought warm and cozy, then I'm right there with you! As the weather starts to change and the crisp fall and winter air rolls in, oatmeal is what I crave every single morning. It is a bowl full of comfort and nutrition!

My recipe today for vegan baked apple oatmeal takes cozy to new heights! It is full of fall spices, delicious apples, and sweetened with some brown sugar and dates. It's basically as if oatmeal and apple pie had a baby!

Vegan Baked Apple Oatmeal Ingredients

You might be surprised to find all of the ingredients you'll need for this recipe already in your pantry!

Flax egg - this binds the oatmeal together so you can easily cut it into squares. You'll need two flax eggs for this recipe which can be made by whisking together two tablespoons of flaxseed meal and six tablespoons of water. Make this first and let it sit for about ten minutes until it has a gel-like consistency.
Rolled oats - use either rolled oats or quick oats for this recipe. I would not use steel-cut oats as they cook differently and probably won't get as tender.
Brown sugar and dates - these are what make the oatmeal perfectly sweet! The dates give you a bit of sweetness in every bite.
Baking powder - this acts as the leavening agent in the recipe and ensures that your baked oatmeal won't be too dense.
Walnuts - adding some walnuts gives that little bit of crunch in every bite. Walnuts are also rich in omega-3 fats and antioxidants that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. If you are allergic to nuts though or don't like the taste feel free to omit them.
Allspice, ground cloves, and cinnamon - these are the spices that give this oatmeal its fall flavor!
Salt - salt helps all the other flavors come out in a dish, so never skip it!
Vegan butter - I always use Earth Balance Soy Free Buttery Spread because it's easily found at most grocery stores.
Maple syrup - for that extra sweetness, I used some maple syrup.
Vanilla and almond extract - both of these bring the flavor to another level!

How to Make Baked Oatmeal

First, make your flax egg by combining two tablespoons of flaxseed meal and six tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stir to combine and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes while completing the next couple of steps.

2. Butter a 9x11 baking pan and preheat your oven to 375°F.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients (oats, brown sugar, baking powder, dates, flour, walnuts, allspice, ground cloves, cinnamon, and salt).

4. In a small mixing bowl, combine all of the wet ingredients (milk, flax egg, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract).

Adding all dry ingredients to a mixing bowl. — Step Three

All of the wet ingredients for baked oatmeal in a mixing bowl. — Step Three

5. Add the wet ingredients to your dry ingredients, and mix until well combined. Fold in the diced apples, and then pour the mixture into your baking pan. Top the oatmeal with more apples, nuts, or spices if desired.

6. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the top looks golden brown. The oatmeal will still be slightly jiggly, but let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving, and the oats will absorb the excess liquid.

Apples folded into the oatmeal mixture in a glass bowl. — Step Five

Apple oatmeal mixture added to a baking pan. — Step Five

7. Serve while hot and top with nuts and seeds, fresh fruit, maple syrup, and/or whipped cream. Store in an airtight container in your refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days.

Vegan baked apple oatmeal in a baking dish surrounded by apples.

Recipe Tips and Variations

How do you know when the baked oatmeal is done?
The top of the oatmeal will look golden brown when it's ready. It might have some liquid still when you pull it out of the oven; that's ok! As it sits and cools, the oats will absorb the remaining liquid.

How do you store baked oatmeal?
You can store this baked oatmeal in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Can you freeze baked oatmeal?
Yes! This is a great meal prep recipe, and I sometimes make two at the same time to save one of them for the freezer. After baking, let it cool completely, then slice it into squares. Place squares in a freezer-friendly container for up to three months. Then, when you need an easy breakfast in the future, heat up a slice in your oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 2 minutes.

Can you use different fruit in this recipe?
Of course! Apples scream fall to me, but if you don't like them or are making this in the spring or summertime, feel free to switch up the fruit. I think sliced peaches, raspberries, or strawberries would all be delicious!

What are the best baked oatmeal toppings?

Fresh fruit
Dried fruit
Nuts
Plant milk
Chocolate chips
Maple syrup or agave

A plate of apple oatmeal with a silver fork ready to be eaten.

I just know that this baked oatmeal will become a family favorite for you because it's:

Easy to make
Cozy
Fall-inspired
Filling
Comforting
Hearty
Wholesome
Spiced
Made in only 30-minutes

Let me know if you try out this vegan baked apple oatmeal, and if you do, I would love it if you left a rating and review below! Make sure you are also following along on Instagram and Pinterest for more food inspiration.