Baked Oatmeal with Apples

Ingredients

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (or replace 1/2 cup of the oats with flaxseed)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar, or more to taste (or add 1–2 scoops sweetened protein powder)
• 2 1/2 cups milk (cow's milk or almond milk)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons butter or coconut oil, melted
• 4 large apples, cored and diced (half Granny Smith and half Gala recommended; peeling is optional)
• Rhubarb or other fruit with the apples (optional)
• 1/2 cup nuts (optional; 1/4 cup sliced almonds and 1/4 cup pecans recommended)

Instructions

1. Melt the butter or coconut oil. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray and set it aside. Preheat the oven to 325°F, unless assembling the oatmeal ahead to refrigerate overnight.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar.
3. In a large liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and add the melted butter or coconut oil. Stir or whisk to combine, then let the mixture sit while cutting the apples.
5. Arrange the diced apples evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then pour the oatmeal mixture over them.
6. Bake immediately, or cover and refrigerate overnight. If refrigerated, preheat the oven to 325°F and uncover the dish before baking the next morning.
7. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the mixture is set rather than very jiggly.