Pumpkin Raisin Oatmeal Baked Apple

Get cozy with this festive fall treat.

Welcome to pumpkin season, the best time of year to get cozy with comforting breakfast dishes that spotlight the star of the show: pumpkin. This pumpkin raisin oatmeal baked apple recipe is a delightful fusion of sweet pumpkin and fresh apples, creating a healthy breakfast that’s sure to become one of your favorite fall flavors. And the best part? It’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep!

Ingredients Needed to Make Pumpkin Raisin Oatmeal Baked Apples

This scrumptious pumpkin raisin oatmeal baked apple recipe combines simple yet classic autumn-inspired ingredients you love!

For the Dry Ingredients:

• 1 apple, cored and hollowed to 3/4 inch thickness
• 1/4 cup rolled oats (gluten-free oats optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground cloves

For the Wet Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon pumpkin butter (homemade or store-bought, divided)
• 1 tablespoon fat-free milk or almond milk
• 1 teaspoon raisins
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar (divided)

Extras:

• 2 tablespoons hot water

Putting It All Together:

1. Prep and Preheat: First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Dry Mix Magic: In a medium bowl, combine your dry ingredients: oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Wet Blend Wonder: In a separate bowl, blend 1 tablespoon pumpkin butter, almond milk, raisins, and a half teaspoon agave nectar. This wet ingredient mixture will infuse your breakfast with a flavor reminiscent of your favorite pumpkin spice latte.
4. Combine and Fill: Now, take the oatmeal mixture from the large bowl and mix it with the wet ingredients. This will be your apple filling. Stuff your cored apple with this blend.
5. Getting Saucy: In your baking dish, stir together hot water, one teaspoon pumpkin butter, and a half teaspoon agave to create a sweet glaze.
6. Apple in Place: Position your filled apple in the baking dish with the glaze.
7. Bake to Perfection: Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake until golden brown, about 40 to 45 minutes. A little bit before it’s done, about 10 minutes prior, spoon the syrup from the dish over the apple. It’s a final step that ensures a delightful glaze.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Post-baking, allow it to cool a tad. For best results, drizzle with pure maple syrup or a dollop of greek yogurt. Fancy some extra texture? Toss in some pumpkin granola or pumpkin seeds from last year’s stash!

Meal Prep and Storage Tips for These Baked Apples

This recipe is perfect for those who like to prep their breakfast the night before. For individual portions, you can also try creating oatmeal cups. Once baked, let them reach room temperature before wrapping in plastic wrap or placing in an airtight container. The next morning, you can reheat them in a toaster oven for a quick and easy breakfast.

Feel free to experiment with this recipe next time. Want it sweeter? Add a touch of brown sugar or chocolate chips. Love more texture? Stir in some steel-cut oats or flax eggs for added healthy fats. And for those who are all about pumpkin, try swapping the apple for sweet potato, or adding some real pumpkin puree or pumpkin pie filling.

Oat Varieties: You can use instant oats or old-fashioned rolled oats, but steel cut oats will require a bit more cooking time.

Pumpkin Spice and All Things Nice

Pumpkin and apple recipes like this pumpkin raisin oatmeal baked apples, are a testament to the cozy and comforting breakfasts of fall. The combination of warm spices, pumpkin, and apple evokes memories of chilly mornings, and a breakfast bake like this is sure to become one of your favorite breakfasts.

Remember, cooking isn’t just about following a new recipe to the letter. It’s about making it your own. So, whether you stick to this pumpkin apple baked oatmeal recipe, or use it as a base to create something new, you’re in for a treat.

Happy pumpkin season, everyone! Enjoy this recipe and all things pumpkin as grocery stores stock up with your autumn favorites. Maybe a Trader Joe’s pumpkin spice latte to accompany this breakfast? Pure bliss!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the healthiest way to eat pumpkin? Pumpkin is a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable that can be consumed in a variety of ways. Here’s how to get the most health benefits:

• Raw: Consume pumpkin seeds raw to retain all their nutrients. They are packed with healthy fats, magnesium, and zinc.
• Steamed or Boiled: Steaming or boiling pumpkin retains most of its nutrients. It’s a low-calorie method without the need for added fats or oils.
• Roasted: Drizzle chunks with a small amount of olive oil and roast them. It brings out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin without adding too many extra calories.
• Puréed: Fresh pumpkin purée is better than canned versions which can sometimes have added sugars. Use it in soups, smoothies, or baked goods.
• Avoid Over-Sugaring: While pumpkin pies and lattes are delicious, they often come loaded with sugars. Opt for natural sweeteners or spices like cinnamon to enhance the flavor without adding too many empty calories.

2. What can I mix with oatmeal to make it taste better? Oatmeal is a breakfast staple for many due to its health benefits, but it can sometimes be bland on its own. Here are some tasty additions:

• Fruits: Fresh or dried fruits like bananas, berries, apples, or raisins can add natural sweetness.
• Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, or pumpkin seeds add crunch and healthy fats.
• Natural Sweeteners: Drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Even a mashed banana can lend sweetness.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, or a pinch of salt can elevate the flavor.
• Dairy or Alternatives: Mix in Greek yogurt, almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk for creaminess.
• Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or a spoonful of peanut or almond butter.

3. How can I make oatmeal in a healthier way? Oatmeal is inherently healthy, but preparation plays a key role in its nutritional outcome:

• Whole Oats: Opt for whole or steel-cut oats over instant varieties, which can sometimes have added sugars and fewer nutrients.
• Watch the Water-to-Oat Ratio: Typically, a 2:1 ratio of water (or milk) to oats is recommended.
• Natural Sweeteners: Instead of sugar, sweeten your oatmeal with natural sources like fresh fruits or a touch of honey or maple syrup.
• Limit High-Calorie Toppings: Be mindful of high-calorie toppings. While nuts and seeds are healthy, they are also calorie-dense, so use them in moderation.
• Add Protein: Incorporate Greek yogurt, protein powder, or nut butters to increase the protein content, making it a more balanced meal.
• Spice it Up: Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can add flavor without added sugars or calories.
• Dairy Alternatives: If you’re trying to reduce calories or dairy, use almond milk, soy milk, or other dairy-free alternatives when preparing your oatmeal.

Remember, variety is the spice of life. Rotate your oatmeal add-ins to ensure you’re getting a wide range of nutrients and flavors!

We want to hear what you think. Who did you make this for? Did you make any substitutions? Leave us a comment in the comments section below. Want to find virtual clean eating buddies? Join the conversation on Facebook!