Baked Apple-Oat Breakfast Squares
Start your day with these wholesome and incredibly satisfying Baked Apple-Oat Breakfast Squares. Bursting with the warm flavors of cinnamon and sweet apples, these squares are a delightful way to fuel your morning. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prepping, they offer a comforting, nourishing option that's far from boring.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20-30 minutes
Total Time
35-45 minutes
Servings
12 squares
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A wholesome and delicious way to start your day, packed with fiber from oats and natural sweetness from apples.
- Perfect for meal prepping, these squares can be made ahead and enjoyed throughout the week for a quick breakfast or snack.
- Customizable with various additions like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
- Naturally sweetened with applesauce and maple syrup, making them a healthier alternative to many baked goods.
- Incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients, suitable for even novice bakers.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 450 grams (5 cups) old-fashioned rolled oats, divided
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) ground cinnamon
- 10 milliliters (2 teaspoons) baking powder
- 1.25 milliliters (1/4 teaspoon) salt
- 240 milliliters (1 cup) unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) maple syrup
- 1 medium apple, peeled or unpeeled, cut into 1.25 centimeter (1/2-inch) chunks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and position an oven rack in the middle. Lightly coat a 23×33 centimeter (9×13-inch) baking pan with cooking spray, ensuring all surfaces are covered to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
- In a blender or food processor, process 90 grams (1 cup) of the old-fashioned rolled oats until a fine, flour-like powder is achieved, which typically takes about 30 seconds. This oat flour will help bind the squares. Transfer the freshly ground oat flour to a medium-sized bowl. Add the remaining 360 grams (4 cups) of whole rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, large eggs, and maple syrup. Whisk these wet ingredients vigorously until they are smoothly integrated and evenly mixed. This creates the liquid base for the squares.
- Incorporate the dry oat mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher texture. The batter will be thick, but spreadable.
- Pour the prepared batter into the baking pan that was coated earlier, spreading it into an even layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Distribute the apple chunks uniformly over the surface of the batter, then lightly press them into the mixture. This ensures the apples are nestled within the squares as they bake.
- Bake the squares for 20 to 25 minutes if using a metal pan, or up to 30 minutes if using a glass or ceramic pan, or until the top is golden-brown and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. This indicates that the squares are fully cooked through. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool fully before cutting ensures they hold their shape perfectly. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan
- Blender or food processor
- Large mixing bowls (2)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Wire rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board (for apple)
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. Consistent oven temperature is crucial for even cooking and proper rising.
- Do not overmix the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the squares tender and moist.
- For the best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant oats, as they provide a chewier texture and more structural integrity.
- Allow the squares to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting. This prevents them from crumbling and helps them set properly.
- If using a very juicy apple variety, you might want to pat the chunks dry slightly to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To elevate the apple flavor, consider tossing the apple chunks with a pinch of nutmeg or a tiny splash of vanilla extract before adding them to the batter. This adds another layer of aromatic complexity.
- For a richer flavor profile and slightly softer squares, let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes after mixing and before baking. This allows the oats to fully hydrate, resulting in a more uniform texture.
- A touch of browned butter (approximately 30 milliliters or 2 tablespoons, cooled) can be whisked into the wet ingredients for a subtle, nutty depth that complements the apple and cinnamon beautifully.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooled squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen.
- Variations: Feel free to add 30 grams (1/4 cup) of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch and healthy fats. A sprinkle of flax seeds or chia seeds can also boost the nutritional content.
- Serving Suggestion: These squares are delightful on their own, or try them warmed slightly with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of extra maple syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
No, steel-cut oats have a different texture and require longer cooking times and more liquid. Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for the best results in this recipe.
How can I make these squares gluten-free?
Ensure you use certified gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats. While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, leading to cross-contamination. Always check the label.
Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely! Pears, berries, or peaches (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained) can be lovely substitutions. Adjust quantities as needed, keeping in mind the moisture content of different fruits.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate per square (yields 12): Calories: 180, Protein: 5g, Fat: 4g, Carbohydrates: 33g, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 15g.
Allergy Information
Contains eggs. For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). Contains gluten if not using certified gluten-free oats. These squares are dairy-free.
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