Date-Sweetened Baked Apple Oatmeal

Name: Date-Sweetened Baked Apple Oatmeal
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 2 apples (tart or sweet), peeled, cored, and evenly sliced; 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, optional; ¼ tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, use certified gluten-free for gluten-free eaters; 1 cup water; 1 cup dairy-free milk, unsweetened almond milk recommended; 1 pinch salt; 4 whole dates, finely chopped

A comforting and naturally sweet breakfast combining tender baked apples with creamy oatmeal, enhanced by the caramel notes of dates.

Prep5 min
Cook25 min
Total30 min
DifficultyEasy
Servings2

This wholesome oatmeal is a delightful departure from the usual breakfast fare. Baked apples, softened and infused with cinnamon, provide a sweet and tender base, while dates melt into the creamy oats, offering a natural caramel-like sweetness.

It’s a perfect dish for a cozy weekend morning or a nourishing start to a busy weekday, easily prepared and wonderfully satisfying. The gluten-free and vegan nature makes it a versatile choice for many dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Servings 2

2 apples (tart or sweet), peeled, cored, and evenly sliced
1 tsp honey or maple syrup, optional
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp lemon juice
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, use certified gluten-free for gluten-free eaters
1 cup water
1 cup dairy-free milk, unsweetened almond milk recommended
1 pinch salt
4 whole dates, finely chopped

Converted amounts are rounded.

Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (350°F).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and optional honey or maple syrup. Spread them on the parchment paper and bake for 5 minutes. Carefully fold the parchment paper around the apples to create a pocket that traps moisture, then continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, until the apples are tender (about 20 minutes total). Set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine the rolled oats, salt, water, and dairy-free milk. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low-medium. Stir occasionally until the oatmeal thickens and becomes creamy. Add the chopped dates a few minutes after reducing the heat to allow them to soften and sweeten the mixture.
Once the oatmeal reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. If it’s too thick, stir in a little more dairy-free milk.
To serve, spoon about 1/3 cup of the baked apples into the bottom of each serving bowl. Top generously with the prepared oatmeal. Consider adding your favorite toppings like nuts, nut butter, flaxseed, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.

💡 Tips

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon when baking the apples.
If you don't have dates, you can use other dried fruits like raisins or figs, finely chopped, or simply rely on honey/maple syrup for sweetness.

#Gluten-free #Healthy #Vegan #Quick (under 30 min)

Inspired by a recipe from Minimalist Baker

Date-Sweetened Baked Apple Oatmeal

Ingredients

Method

💡 Tips

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