A warm, wholesome, and naturally sweet dish you can enjoy three times a day — and still lose weight.
This easy, flourless apple-oatmeal bake is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a light dessert!
Recipe Card
Servings: 2–3
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25–30 mins
Total Time: 35–40 mins
Dietary Info: Flour-Free, Refined Sugar-Free, Vegetarian
✅ Ingredients Checklist
Rolled oats
Warm milk
Apples (peeled and diced)
Melted butter
Vanillin or vanilla extract
Eggs
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease or line a small baking dish.
Soak the oats: In a bowl, combine the oats with warm milk. Let it sit for 10 minutes to soften.
Prepare the apples: Peel and dice two apples. Add them to the soaked oats.
Add the rest: Stir in melted butter, vanillin (or vanilla extract), and eggs. Mix until well combined.
Bake: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and set.
Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or cold!
💡 Quick Tips & Notes
This recipe is naturally sweetened by the apples – no added sugar needed!
Use ripe, sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for best results.
Can be eaten warm like a baked oatmeal or chilled like a dense apple-oat bar.
High in fiber and filling – perfect for weight management.
🖼️ Hero Image
(Insert image of a golden-brown oatmeal bake with visible apple chunks – ideally in a rustic dish, surrounded by oats and apple slices.)
🥣 Brief Introduction
I created this apple-oatmeal bake during a phase when I wanted to eat clean without feeling deprived — and it’s become a daily go-to! Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or a snack, this cozy, naturally sweet dish keeps me full and energized without any refined sugar or flour. Think of it as a cross between baked oatmeal and a soft apple cake — only simpler and healthier.
📸 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Soak the Oats
Pour warm milk over oats and let them soak for 10 minutes.
Tip: This softens the oats and makes them bake into a more cohesive, cake-like texture.
Prepare the Apples
Peel and dice the apples into small cubes. Stir them into the soaked oats.
Tip: Ripe apples give more natural sweetness, reducing any need for sugar.
Add Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter, vanillin or vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined.
Tip: Ensure eggs are fully mixed in for a uniform bake.
Bake
Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes. The top should be lightly golden and the center set.
Tip: You can insert a toothpick in the center — it should come out mostly clean.
🧾 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Ingredient Insights
Oats: Rolled oats give the best texture. Avoid instant oats — they can get mushy.
Apples: Any sweet variety works, but Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp add great flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture.
Vanillin/Vanilla: Enhances the apple flavor and adds aroma.
Eggs: Help bind the mixture and give structure.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy milk.
Butter-Free: Swap butter for coconut oil or neutral oil.
Egg-Free: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) for a vegan version.
Add-Ins: Toss in a handful of raisins, cinnamon, or chopped walnuts for variety.
Equipment Alternatives
No oven? You can try baking this in a covered stovetop pan on low heat — though texture may vary.
No baking dish? Use a muffin tray for single-serve portions.
🔄 Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Variations
Add 1 tsp of cinnamon or apple pie spice for a fall-inspired twist.
Mix in ¼ cup of raisins or dried cranberries.
Stir in 1 tbsp of peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty flavor.
Dietary Variations
Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs.
Low-Fat: Use low-fat milk and reduce or omit butter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey (if not strictly sugar-free).
Pairs well with black coffee or chai.
Great for meal prep — portion into containers for a grab-and-go meal.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Best enjoyed warm, but also delicious cold like a breakfast bar.
Freezing Tips
Freeze in individual portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat.
Reheating Tips
Microwave for 30–45 seconds or warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5–10 minutes.
Shelf Life Notes
Best texture on day 1–2. Softens slightly after refrigeration but still tasty.
📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving – approx. 1/3 of recipe)
Calories: 240 kcal
Carbs: 29g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 4g
Allergens: Contains eggs, dairy (can be made dairy-free)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
A: It’s not recommended — instant oats tend to become mushy and may affect texture.
Q: Are there any sweeteners I can add?
A: If you want it sweeter, try a bit of honey, maple syrup, or stevia. But most find the apples sweet enough!
Q: Can I use only egg whites?
A: Yes, but the texture might be slightly less rich. Use 3 egg whites to replace 2 whole eggs.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely — just use a larger baking dish and increase baking time by 5–10 minutes as needed.
📝 Personal Notes
I’ve eaten this dish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on certain days — and it never gets old. The simplicity, combined with real, whole-food ingredients, makes it the ultimate comfort meal that supports weight loss goals. Whether you’re looking for something clean, easy, and budget-friendly, or just a cozy warm bake, this recipe hits the spot.
💬 Have you tried it? Let me know how it turned out in the comments – or tag me in your photos!
❤️ Want more no-flour, no-sugar recipes? Check out my Banana Oat Cookies
or Zucchini Oat Muffins