High Protein Apple Baked Oatmeal [Dairy-free]

Is there anything cozier than a bowl of oatmeal on a chilly morning? Actually, yes: a bowl of baked apple oatmeal you didn’t have to babysit on the stove (or a pumpkin protein mug cake when you’re craving something warm and gooey).

This meal-prep-friendly recipe packs all the nostalgic flavors of maple, cinnamon, and apple pie with 16 grams of protein to keep you full and focused. My kids devour it without hesitation, and I love that I can make it the night before and just bake it in the morning like this low-calorie overnight oats recipe and these make-ahead protein breakfasts.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here is a quick peek of the ingredients you’ll need for the apple pie baked oatmeal, and many of the ingredients you need for apple pie overnight oats, too!

• Rolled oats: If you’re new to a gluten-free diet, make sure to use gluten-free certified oats (and these other gluten-free diet tips). You want regular oats so that the dish doesn’t become mushy. Learn more about the types of oats.
• Chia seeds: Though the chia seeds are optional, they give a boost of plant-based protein and are one of the foods all toddlers should have in their diet.
• Cinnamon flavor: Adjust the seasonings as preferred by adding more or less cinnamon, nutmeg, or a sprinkle of ginger. You can do this with a pumpkin protein shake, too.
• Collagen powder: The protein in this baked oatmeal comes from high-quality collagen powder, which is the cleanest source of protein you’ll find and what I use in this slow cooker porridge recipe. Learn more about the difference between collagen and protein powder.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities

Flavor Variations

There are a lot of ways you can make this healthy apple pie baked uniquely! Below are a few fun flavors and toppings to try.

Fruits: This baked oatmeal can work with pears, peaches, or yes, berries to change the base flavor.

Drizzle: If making this baked apple pie oatmeal for brunch, and you want a sweeter taste, drizzle dairy-free caramel sauce on top before serving. Or use a protein caramel sauce like in these caramel apple overnight oats.

Add-ins: Toss in extra pecans, raisins, or other dried fruit for extra texture.

Toppings: Serve it with some Whole30 whipped cream for a delicious, apple crumble flavor.

How To Make High-Protein Baked Apple Oatmeal

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients together.

Step 2: Add the liquid ingredients and mix well.

Step 3: Layer an 8x8 baking pan with sliced apples.

Step 4: Pour in the oatmeal and smooth it out.

Step 5: Top with more apples and walnuts, and bake until cooked through.

Important Teaching Tips

If you need the apple pie oatmeal to be nut-free, use homemade hemp milk or oat milk in place of almond milk and substitute pumpkin or sesame seeds for the walnuts.

Adjust the cooking time based on personal texture preference. The longer you bake it, the chewier it will be, kind of like a single-serve banana bread.

How To Store and Meal Prep It

Storing: Store leftover, cooked, apple pie baked oatmeal in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven (at 250F) until warmed through. You'll want to add a splash more milk when reheating the oatmeal so that it retains some moisture and doesn't dry out.

Meal prepping: To make the baked apple oatmeal in advance, follow the directions to pour the oatmeal mixture into the apples. Then, wrap the baking dish in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until morning.

In the morning, let the dish come to room temperature on the counter while the oven preheats. Remove the plastic wrap. Bake until cooked to your desired consistency.

High-Protein Apple Baked Oatmeal FAQs

Other High-Protein Fall Recipes

If you tried this High-Protein Baked Apple Oatmeal Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!