Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce – Easy Vegan Breakfast Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, nourishing, and meal-prep friendly, this Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce is the perfect answer. It’s warm, naturally sweetened, and brimming with whole grains and fruit—my favorite kind of comfort food.

Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or cold from the fridge, it makes breakfast feel a little more like a treat, and a lot more satisfying.

Why I Love Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce

This baked oatmeal is a staple in my house, especially on busy mornings. Here’s why you’ll want to bake a pan, too:

• Great for meal prep – make once, eat all week!
• Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and applesauce
• Vegan-friendly using flax eggs and non-dairy milk
• Customizable with fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips
• Kid-approved and perfect for school mornings

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana)
• 1 3/4 cups non-dairy milk (almond, oat, soy)
• 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-Ins:

• 1 cup blueberries (or chopped apples, pears, strawberries)
• 1 small sliced banana for topping (optional)

Equipment:

• 1 9×9 inch OR 11×7 inch baking pan

How to Make Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease or spray your baking pan.

Step 2: Make Your Flax Eggs

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed and 6 tablespoons water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to gel.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together:

• Rolled oats
• Nuts
• Spices
• Baking powder
• Salt

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk:

• Applesauce
• Flax egg mixture
• Non-dairy milk
• Maple syrup
• Vanilla

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Gently fold in blueberries or your chosen fruit.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

1. Pour mixture into the prepared pan.
2. Top with banana slices or extra fruit.
3. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the center is mostly set. For a firmer texture, bake until fully set (closer to 45 minutes).

Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with yogurt, warm milk, or more maple syrup.

Easy Tips for the Best Baked Oatmeal

• Use rolled oats, not quick oats, for ideal texture
• Want it nut-free? Omit the nuts or use sunflower seeds
• Swap applesauce for mashed banana or pumpkin puree
• Add dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist
• Store in the fridge up to 1 week or freeze for 2–3 weeks

Variations You’ll Love

• Apple Cinnamon: Use chopped apples and add a pinch more cinnamon
• Berry Banana: Blueberries + banana slices = dreamy
• Nut-Free: Skip the nuts and use seed butter drizzle on top
• High-Protein: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of chia seeds or hemp seeds

FAQs About Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce

Can I use quick oats instead?
Rolled oats are best—they hold up better in baked form.

How do I make this sugar-free?
Skip the maple syrup and use extra mashed banana or unsweetened fruit.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Mix and refrigerate the batter overnight, then bake in the morning.

What can I use instead of flax eggs?
Try chia eggs (same ratio) or a store-bought egg replacer.

Why are my oats rubbery?
Overbaking or too little liquid—follow the timing and ingredient amounts.

Serving Ideas for Baked Oatmeal

• Warm with plant-based yogurt
• A splash of oat milk
• A drizzle of nut butter
• Fresh fruit on top

More Wholesome Oatmeal Recipes You’ll Love

• Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Protein Recipe
• Overnight Oats Recipe
• Caramelized Banana Oatmeal Recipe

If you make this Wholesome Baked Oatmeal with Applesauce, tag me on Pinterest and show me how it turned out! 🍎💛

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