Baked Oatmeal with the Fall Flavors of Apple Pie

As soon as Daylight Saving Time hits, I start to really feel the effects of the change in weather. Everything is a just a little colder, darker. Not only that, but visually we're bombarded with signs of autumn and winter. Supermarkets line their shelves with both Halloween candies and Christmas cookies. It's an unusual crossover time, this transition of the seasons, but it takes hold of me, and I start craving all the foods that symbolize the autumn and winter months.

So there's nothing else left to do but celebrate with the comfort foods that make the fall and winter seasons so special. Bring on the pumpkin spice lattes, the apple pie, the gingerbread cookies, and the mulled wine. But beyond enjoying these seasonal classics, this is the time I switch out my breakfasts from cold bowls of cereals to hot bowls of porridge. For me, nothing feels more soul-satisfying and warming than a bowl of oatmeal. But there's something even better, simpler and that's baked oatmeal.



Back about 15 years ago, while I was working at Food Network, I discovered baked oatmeal at one of my favorite bakeries, Amy's Bread in Chelsea Market. How had I not known of this amazing breakfast item before? Just the concept of it impressed me: Instead of standing over a pot of bubbling oatmeal, you could simply slide a dish of oats into the oven, and take it out about 45 minutes later. It's almost no effort or fuss. What could be easier?



And, what makes this concept even more appealing is its versatility. You can swap out any of the ingredients. My favorite combination is apple, walnuts, and raisins, but you can use your favorite combination of fresh fruit, nut, or dried fruit. And the milk can also be substituted. I use oat milk, but you can use any dairy or plant milk. Use this recipe as guide to create your preferred baked oatmeal to enjoy during the colder months.

Baked Oatmeal with Apple, Walnuts, Raisins, Cinnamon, and Orange

1-1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts
1/3 cup raisins
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 medium apple, chopped
1 orange, zested and juiced
1-1/2 cups oat milk
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon butter, plus more for baking dish
1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 1-1/2-quart baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Mix so that all the ingredients are coated with the cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.

In a small bowl, toss the chopped apple with the orange zest and half the orange juice.

Add the fruit mixture to the dry ingredients and fold together.

In a measuring cup, combine the oat milk and the egg. Pour this mixture into the large bowl of mixed ingredients. Stir to combine. Pour into the buttered baking dish, spreading the mixture evenly.

Top the surface of the mixture with small dots of butter and sprinkle over with sugar.

Bake until the oats are set and the top is crisp and golden brown, about 45 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving. Yield: 4 servings.