⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 30 minutes

When you're not feeling 100%, this applesauce oatmeal bake is the kind of recipe that does the thinking for you. It’s soft, spiced, and warm, with just the right amount of natural sweetness from applesauce and maple syrup. Stir everything in one bowl, pour it into a baking dish, and pop it in the oven. That’s it.

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*A soft, cinnamon-kissed oatmeal bake that tastes amazing straight from the oven.*

This is the kind of thing I crave when I’m run-down and not really in the mood to chew or think too hard. It’s gentle on the stomach but still satisfying, and it makes the kitchen smell like fall in the best way. The texture is somewhere between baked oatmeal and bread pudding—soft, scoopable, and just cozy enough to make you feel like you're being taken care of.

Best part? You can eat it warm right out of the oven or stash leftovers in the fridge for a couple days. It reheats beautifully, especially with a splash of milk or dollop of yogurt on top. If you're up for it, toss in a handful of raisins or chopped walnuts, but it’s lovely just as it is. One bowl, one pan, and one happy stomach.

🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 270

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger (optional but cozy)
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1½ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 egg
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp melted butter or oil

Steps

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (8x8 or similar).

Step 2

In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and baking powder.

Step 3

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the applesauce, milk, egg, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted butter.

Step 4

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.

Step 5

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 6

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are just turning golden.

Step 7

Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with a splash of milk or extra applesauce.

Make it your own!

🍌 Swap the fruit
No applesauce? Mashed banana works beautifully here, with a slightly different flavor twist.
🥜 Add some crunch
Stir in a handful of chopped nuts or sprinkle some on top before baking for texture.
🧁 Make it dessert-y
Add a few dark chocolate chips and a pinch more sweetener for a treat-yourself version.
🌱 Make it vegan
Use plant-based milk, swap the egg for a flax egg, and use oil instead of butter.