Wholesome Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal: Your Perfect Fall Meal Prep Breakfast with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

Discover the ultimate fall breakfast solution with this delightful pumpkin apple baked oatmeal. Crafted with hearty oats, tender diced apples, warming autumn spices, and crunchy chopped nuts, this recipe bakes in under an hour, making it ideal for healthy meal prep throughout the week.

As the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves begin to change, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting breakfast to start your day. This week, my kitchen has been continuously filled with the inviting aroma of Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal, a delicious and wholesome meal that truly embodies the spirit of fall. The secret to my endless supply? A weekend baking marathon where I perfected not just one, but three variations of this seasonal favorite!

And yes, I’m still happily making my way through the generous five bags of apples I accidentally ordered a couple of weeks ago. Fortunately, they are being put to excellent use in this incredibly satisfying recipe. While testing, the scents of pumpkin pie spice, warm cinnamon, and sweet baked apples created an intoxicating aroma that filled every corner of my home. It’s a challenge to choose between pumpkin and apple during this glorious time of year, so I decided to embrace both equally in this recipe.

The final version I settled on perfectly balances the rich, earthy notes of pumpkin with the sweet, tart crispness of apples, all crowned with a luscious vegan cream cheese frosting. This Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal is more than just a breakfast; it’s a comforting experience that’s surprisingly quick to prepare and ideal for busy fall mornings. You are absolutely going to adore this simple yet decadent way to enjoy the season’s best flavors.

Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal

Crafting this delightful pumpkin apple baked oatmeal is straightforward, requiring a selection of simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to bring this cozy breakfast to life:

• Oats: My personal favorite, Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, provide the perfect texture and a naturally gluten-free base. Rolled oats are crucial here for their ability to absorb moisture and create a creamy, yet structured baked oatmeal.
• Baking Powder: A small but mighty leavening agent that helps the oatmeal achieve a light and fluffy consistency, preventing it from becoming too dense.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend is the heart of fall flavor, typically combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It infuses the oatmeal with that signature autumnal warmth.
• Ground Cinnamon: An extra touch of cinnamon enhances the overall spice profile, complementing both the pumpkin and apple beautifully.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: Provides the liquid base, keeping the recipe dairy-free and contributing to its creamy texture. Any plant-based milk will work, but almond milk offers a neutral flavor.
• Pumpkin Purée: The star of the show, delivering rich flavor, vibrant color, and essential moisture. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Unsweetened Apple Sauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture while enhancing the apple flavor without overwhelming the pumpkin. It also helps bind the ingredients.
• Ground Flaxseed: When mixed with water, ground flaxseed creates a “flax egg,” acting as a superb vegan binder and adding healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that pairs wonderfully with fall flavors, adding a touch of caramel-like richness. Adjust to your desired sweetness level.
• Apples: Fresh, diced apples are key. They soften beautifully during baking, releasing their sweet and tart notes. Choose firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the best results.
• Walnuts or Pecans: Optional but highly recommended for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the fruit and spices. You can use one or a mix of both.

That’s all it takes to gather your ingredients for a truly satisfying and wholesome breakfast!

Why Bob’s Red Mill Oats Make All the Difference

Baked oats are undeniably a game-changer for breakfast – they’re convenient, wonderfully adaptable, and provide a fantastic base for an array of delicious flavors. For this Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal, I exclusively use my absolute favorite: Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats. I’m not exaggerating when I say these oats have an entire dedicated shelf in my pantry!

There’s a noticeable difference in the quality and flavor of Bob’s Red Mill oats. Their commitment to sourcing and processing high-quality grains truly shines through in every bite. These oats cook up beautifully, offering a hearty yet creamy texture that is essential for perfect baked oatmeal. Choosing gluten-free oats also makes this recipe accessible to those with dietary restrictions, without compromising on taste or texture.

You’ll appreciate how these premium oats are transformed into a truly flavorful and satisfying fall breakfast, beautifully infused with pumpkin, apple, and warming spices. It’s a testament to how quality ingredients can elevate a simple dish into something truly extraordinary.

Crafting Your Delicious Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this pumpkin apple baked oatmeal is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect fall breakfast:

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish: First, begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×9 square baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your baked oatmeal won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free organic old-fashioned rolled oats, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon. Give them a quick whisk to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Then, add the wet ingredients: unsweetened almond milk, pumpkin purée, unsweetened apple sauce, your prepared flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tablespoons filtered water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes to thicken), and pure maple syrup. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is uniformly moist.
3. Fold in the Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and your chosen nuts (walnuts or pecans) into the oatmeal mixture. Mix just enough to distribute them evenly without overmixing. I typically prefer to peel my apples for a smoother texture in this recipe, but if you enjoy a bit more chew and extra fiber, feel free to leave the skins on!
4. Transfer and Top: Spread the prepared oatmeal mixture into an even layer in your greased or parchment-lined baking dish. If you wish to add a little extra visual appeal and texture, sprinkle a few more chopped apples and pecans over the top before baking. This creates a beautiful, caramelized crust.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. The oatmeal is ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and set, with a slight firmness when gently pressed in the center.
6. Cool Before Frosting: Once baked, remove the pumpkin apple oatmeal from the oven. Allow it to cool in the dish for at least 30 minutes before proceeding with the frosting. This cooling time is crucial as it allows the oatmeal to firm up and prevents the frosting from melting when applied.

Ingredients for Irresistible Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

No baked oatmeal is complete without a decadent topping, and this vegan cream cheese frosting adds the perfect creamy, tangy, and sweet finish. It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few staple ingredients:

• Vegan Cream Cheese: The base of our frosting. You can use either a high-quality store-bought vegan cream cheese or try your hand at making a homemade version. Look for brands that offer a smooth, spreadable texture.
• Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener complements the fall flavors of the oatmeal beautifully. It adds sweetness and a subtle depth that refined sugars can’t match.
• Cinnamon: A pinch of ground cinnamon adds an extra layer of warmth and spice, tying the frosting perfectly to the pumpkin and apple notes in the baked oatmeal.

That’s all you need for a frosting that will elevate your baked oatmeal to a whole new level of deliciousness!

Whipping Up Your Easy Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

This vegan cream cheese frosting is a dream – it’s wonderfully sweet, lusciously creamy, and astonishingly easy to prepare in under 5 minutes. The best part? You can achieve its perfect consistency simply by hand, meaning no need to get out a bulky blender or electric mixer!

To make the frosting, start by adding the softened vegan cream cheese, maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon to a small mixing bowl. With a fork, vigorously whisk all the ingredients together. Continue whisking until the mixture transforms into a smooth, uniform, and creamy frosting. You’ll see it come together beautifully in no time.

Once your baked oatmeal has cooled sufficiently, simply spread this delectable cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using the back of a spoon or a knife. For an added touch of elegance and an extra layer of flavor, I often like to garnish mine with a sprinkle of additional chopped pecans and a dusting of cinnamon – it really enhances both the appearance and the taste!

Thoughtful Swaps and Smart Substitutions for Your Baked Oatmeal

One of the best aspects of this Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or to suit your dietary preferences. Here are some easy swaps and substitutions:

• Baking Dish Size: If you don’t own a 9×9 inch baking dish, don’t worry! You can certainly use a baking dish of a similar size. However, be mindful of the dimensions. If you opt for a larger dish, such as a 9×13 inch casserole dish, the oatmeal layer will be thinner, and it will cook faster. In this case, you’ll need to decrease the bake time by approximately 10-15 minutes to prevent it from drying out. Keep an eye on it!
• Pumpkin Alternatives: If pumpkin isn’t your favorite, or if you’re looking to switch things up, you can easily substitute the pumpkin purée with another creamy vegetable purée. Sweet potato or butternut squash purée would work wonderfully, offering a similar texture and naturally sweet, earthy flavor profile that complements the apples and spices.
• Nut-Free Option: I love the texture and flavor that chopped pecans or walnuts add, but if you have a nut allergy or simply prefer to omit them, you absolutely can. The baked oatmeal will still be incredibly delicious without them. For an alternative crunch, consider adding seeds like pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds.
• Milk Varieties: The unsweetened almond milk can be swapped with any plant-based milk of your choice. Soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk would all provide a similar creamy consistency and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to control the overall sweetness of the dish.
• Apple Varieties: While any apple works, crisp and slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala will hold their shape and flavor best during baking, providing a delightful textural contrast. Softer apples might become too mushy.
• Sweetener Adjustments: If you prefer less sweetness, you can slightly reduce the amount of maple syrup. For a different flavor profile, you could also experiment with agave nectar or date syrup, adjusting quantities to taste.

These simple adjustments ensure that everyone can enjoy a customized version of this fantastic fall breakfast.

Smart Notes on Meal Prep for Busy Weeks

One of the most appealing features of this Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal is its incredible suitability for meal prep, making your busy mornings a breeze. This recipe is designed to be baked once and enjoyed multiple times throughout the week, offering a delicious and wholesome breakfast without the daily fuss.

My preferred method is to prepare and bake a batch on Sunday. This way, I have perfectly portioned slices ready to grab and enjoy every morning. It’s truly a gift to yourself during a hectic work week!

For storage, you have a couple of convenient options. If you’re short on fridge space, you can pre-slice the cooled baked oatmeal into individual servings and store them in airtight Tupperware containers. This makes it incredibly easy to grab a portion on your way out the door.

Alternatively, which is what I often do, you can leave the baked oatmeal in its original casserole dish. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Either way, the baked oatmeal will store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to one week, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.

To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm it in a toaster oven for a crispier edge. This baked oatmeal keeps so well, ensuring you have a nourishing and satisfying breakfast ready whenever hunger strikes.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal

This Pumpkin Apple Baked Oatmeal is a fantastic pre-baked breakfast that offers versatility in how you enjoy it. Whether you prefer it chilled or warm, there are many delightful ways to customize your serving experience.

• Chilled or Warm: While you can certainly enjoy it chilled straight from the refrigerator, my favorite way is to reheat a slice in the microwave until it’s warm and cozy. The warmth really brings out the comforting fall spices and softens the apples even further.
• A Touch of Richness: I love serving my warm slice with a generous drizzle of my favorite nut butter – almond or cashew butter adds extra protein and a lovely creamy texture.
• Freshness Boost: Pair it with a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. Their bright, tart notes offer a wonderful contrast to the rich, spiced oatmeal.
• Extra Creaminess: If you’re looking for an added layer of creaminess, try adding a big spoonful of almond milk yogurt on top, as M (my partner) often does. It’s a fantastic way to introduce a tangy counterpoint and boost probiotics.
• For the Crunch Lovers: Craving more crunch? Sprinkle some extra granola on top right before serving. It adds a delightful texture and can introduce new flavor dimensions.
• Perfect Pairing: This hearty breakfast pairs absolutely deliciously with your favorite warm beverage. Enjoy it alongside a creamy latte, a comforting hot cup of tea, or a bold cup of coffee. It’s the ultimate autumnal pairing.

Because it’s packed with wholesome ingredients, including plant-based protein from the oats and flaxseed, and plenty of fiber from the fruits, this breakfast is the perfect healthy fuel to keep you energized through your fall day. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Explore More Baked Oatmeal Delights

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and comfort of baked oatmeal, you’re in luck! There are so many delicious variations to try. Here are some other fantastic baked oatmeal recipes to add to your repertoire:

• Berry Baked Oatmeal: A vibrant and fruity option, perfect for a fresh start.

• Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal: Indulge in the flavors of classic carrot cake in a wholesome breakfast form.

• Chocolate Baked Oatmeal: A decadent treat for chocolate lovers, making breakfast feel like dessert.

• Raspberry Baked Oatmeal Cups: Convenient, portable, and bursting with sweet-tart raspberry flavor.

We Value Your Feedback!

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XO Lauren

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