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How to Make Baked Oatmeal Apple Cups
Making these individual oatmeal cups is incredibly simple. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or preparing for the week ahead, here’s how to get them ready:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line with muffin liners to prevent the oatmeal cups from sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), baking powder, and salt. Stir everything together until the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil (or butter) until smooth.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients to the Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry oat mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Be sure that the oats are fully soaked in the liquid.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples and Add-Ins
Add the diced apples to the oatmeal mixture and gently fold them in. If you’re using chopped nuts or raisins, add them to the mixture as well. The apples will soften as they bake, infusing the oatmeal with their sweet, juicy flavor.
Step 6: Spoon the Mixture into the Muffin Tin
Spoon the oatmeal mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top. The oats will expand as they bake, so don’t worry about overfilling.
Step 7: Bake the Oatmeal Cups
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The apples will become soft, and the oatmeal will set into a firm yet tender consistency.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the oatmeal cups to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, or extra chopped apples for a fresh, crisp contrast.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Oatmeal Apple Cups
- Choose the Right Apples: Apples that hold up well during baking, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, are great choices for this recipe. They stay firm and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness when baked.
- Make it Vegan: If you’re vegan or dairy-free, simply swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. You can also substitute the maple syrup for agave or coconut sugar if preferred.
- Boost the Protein: To make these oatmeal cups even more filling, try adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or unflavored) to the dry ingredients. You can also mix in some chia seeds or hemp seeds for extra protein and omega-3s.
- Get Creative with Add-ins: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Add in extras like chocolate chips, pumpkin puree, or even a sprinkle of coconut flakes for a fun twist. You can also add spices like ginger or cloves for more warmth.
- Make-Ahead and Freezing: These oatmeal cups are perfect for meal prep. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Why These Oatmeal Apple Cups Are a Perfect Breakfast
Baked Oatmeal Apple Cups combine the wholesome goodness of oats with the sweet, juicy flavor of apples, making them the perfect breakfast to start your day. They’re filling, healthy, and customizable, and you can make them ahead of time for easy meal prep. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or take them with you on the go, these individual oatmeal cups are an easy way to incorporate a delicious and nutritious breakfast into your routine.
Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, these oatmeal cups will keep you satisfied throughout the morning without the sugar crash that often accompanies more traditional breakfast options. They also make a great snack or light dessert if you’re craving something comforting and sweet.
Conclusion
These Baked Oatmeal Apple Cups are a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a warm, healthy, and satisfying breakfast. They’re easy to prepare, customizable, and can be made ahead for a week’s worth of grab-and-go meals. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or simply someone who loves a good homemade breakfast, these oatmeal cups will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and give this cozy breakfast recipe a try today—you won’t regret it!
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