Spiced Apple Baked Oatmeal

Published July 1, 2025

Overview

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 medium honeycrisp, Fuji, or gala apples (no need to peel; coarsely grated)

• 2 large eggs (or flax eggs, as an alternative)

• 1 (13½-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk, plus extra for serving if desired

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (e.g., Diamond Crystal) or ¼ teaspoon fine salt

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1½ teaspoons ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2–4 tablespoons turbinado or demerara sugar (to taste)

• Milk, buttermilk, or additional coconut milk for serving (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Vessel:

Set an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a large, high-sided, broiler-safe skillet to hold the mixture during baking.

1. Prepare Apple-Coconut Base:

Coarsely grate apples into a large bowl, working around the cores to remove seeds; discard cores. Whisk in eggs (or flax eggs, if preferred) and coconut milk until thoroughly combined. Season with salt and mix until smooth.

1. Toast Oats with Spices:

In the preheated skillet, add rolled oats. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until oats develop a toasty aroma and light golden color (4–6 minutes). Remove from heat and immediately stir in cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and black pepper. The residual heat will gently toast the spices, enhancing their complexity.

1. Combine & Bake:

Add the apple-coconut mixture to the spiced oats. Stir thoroughly to ensure uniform distribution. Transfer the entire mixture to the oven and bake until set: the edges will be firm, and the center will retain a slight jiggle, approximately 20–25 minutes.

1. Caramelize & Serve:

Remove the skillet from the oven and set the broiler to high. Evenly sprinkle sugar across the top of the baked oatmeal. Broil for 2–3 minutes until the sugar caramelizes into a golden, slightly crisp layer. Divide into bowls and serve immediately with milk, buttermilk, or additional coconut milk.

Storage & Reheating

• Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Reheat: Cover individual portions with a microwave-safe lid (or damp paper towel) and microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes. Add milk, buttermilk, or coconut milk after reheating.

Reader Reviews & Suggestions

• "Since it already has apple in it, maybe use flax eggs instead." (Suggestion)

• "This was pretty good... Substituted 2 banana slices for apples; added texture. Used soy milk instead of coconut milk. Reduced turmeric and eliminated black pepper next time." (Review with substitutions)

• "Fabulous! Added shredded coconut; pairs well with Greek yogurt. Will make again." (Review with addition)

• "New favorite! Added pumpkin seeds and 1 tbsp flax meal for fiber/protein. Sweetness from apples was sufficient (no extra sugar needed)." (Review with additions)

• "Halve the turmeric and consider cardamom for a different spice profile." (Suggestion)

• "Wonderful as-is; also add golden raisins or dried apricots for extra flavor." (Review with addition)

This structured format maintains the original recipe while enhancing clarity and professionalism, with added details to guide the cook through each step.