Apple-pumpkin baked oatmeal

An easy, delicious air fryer or oven-cooked breakfast!

Baking oatmeal is a great way to ‘set it and forget it’ – no stirring required as the dish cooks. This is a really flexible recipe – you can omit the pumpkin puree and replace with 1/4 cup (60 mL) more liquid, or swap in applesauce if you prefer. Any fruit is delicious – I’ve made it with pear, banana, blueberries and raspberries. You can bake this in one large dish or divide the quantity below among four 4-oz ramekins if you prefer to make smaller servings. If making your own pumpkin puree, I recommend using a small ‘sweet’ or ‘pie’ pumpkin rather than a flavourless, stringy jack-o’-lantern one. Canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) is a great option as well. Note that you can bake the oatmeal in ramekins ahead of time then reheat in the microwave before serving – this is a great option if you want to include cooked oatmeal as part of a brunch buffet. If you’re looking for more morning meal inspiration, check out these twice-cooked oatmeal squares or this great oatmeal breakfast bowl.

Ingredients

Cinnamon-sugar blend

• 1 tablespoon (12.5 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (1.4 g) ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon (.35 g) each ground ginger, cloves and nutmeg

Baked oatmeal

• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsweetened pumpkin purée
• 1 1/4 cups (310 mL) milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 tablespoons (30 mL) maple syrup
• 1 cup (80 g) quick rolled oats (look for gluten-free, if needed)
• Pinch salt
• 1 apple, peeled, cored and diced

Toppings

• Yogurt, cream or milk
• Toasted coconut and/or chopped nuts

Method

• Lightly grease or spray two 8 ounce (250 mL) oven-safe ramekins or other baking dishes that will fit in the air fryer (if using) with neutral oil. Set aside. If using oven, preheat to 350F. Most air fryers do not need preheating.
• In a small bowl, blend together the sugar and spices. Set aside.
• In a large bowl whisk together the pumpkin, milk and maple syrup. Add in the rolled oats and salt; stir together.
• Put half of the diced apple in the bottom of each ramekin. Sprinkle with half of the spiced sugar mixture. Divide the pumpkin and oat mixture over top of the apple. Top with remaining spiced sugar mixture.
• Bake the oatmeal for 12-14 minutes in the air fryer (18 – 20 in the oven), until bubbling and somewhat set in the centre. Let rest 5 minutes before serving (with toppings, if desired).

Serves 2 – 4; recipe can easily be multiplied.