Oats, walnuts, blueberries, and apples are baked together in this hearty breakfast dish that’s so good it almost tastes like dessert!
I received free samples of California walnuts mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering
a recipe contest sponsored by the California Walnut Commission and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
If you have never experienced the wonders of baked oatmeal, then you must try this dish! Oats, walnuts, blueberries and apples are baked together in a hearty and comforting breakfast dish that tastes so good it almost feels like dessert. And the best part is, it tastes even better the next day.
My Blueberry Apple & Walnut Baked Oatmeal is packed with plenty of flavor and nutritious ingredients, including heart-healthy walnuts. When I heard that California walnuts and the Recipe Redux were sponsoring the We Heart Walnuts! Recipe Challenge, I had a really hard time narrowing down my recipe ideas. With such a delicious and versatile ingredient, my wheels were really turning!
I decided on this baked oatmeal dish because I’m always looking for healthy breakfast ideas that will give me energy to get through the day. I usually work 12-hour shifts in the ER so keeping my stamina up throughout the day is really important. I like to pack my own meals on work days- that way I don’t have to rely on what the hospital cafeteria is serving up plus I never know when I’ll be able to take a quick break to eat. This baked oatmeal is the ideal breakfast for me because I can bake it on the weekend for my whole family to enjoy and then I can take the leftovers to work the rest of the week.
Walnuts are a pantry staple in my house because they are so versatile and pair well with a wide variety of ingredients, both savory and sweet. If you’re looking to create nutritious and tasty meals for your family, try incorporating some walnuts. They are the perfect topping for salads, pasta dishes and rice pilaf to add flavor and texture. Sweet treats like cookies, cakes and brownies also get a boost with the addition walnuts. I also like to grind up walnuts in a food processor with fresh herbs and olive oil for a twist on classic Italian pesto. Ground walnuts also make an excellent crust for fish when you mix them with some breadcrumbs and herbs. You can even grind them up to make walnut butter, which you can spread on toast or incorporate into sweet or savory dishes.
Walnuts are packed with a wide variety of important nutrients. Did you know that one ounce of walnuts has 2.5 grams of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), 4 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fiber? This combination helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Walnuts are a welcome addition to the rolled oats and fruit in this baked oatmeal dish. I chop some
of them up and mix them in with the oats. Then I sprinkle more nuts on top to give the dish a nice, crunchy crust. To complement the walnuts, I also add antioxidant-packed blueberries to the mix- after all, it is berry season! And finally, I stir in some diced apple, which adds fiber and vitamin C, and plenty of aromatic cinnamon.
of them up and mix them in with the oats. Then I sprinkle more nuts on top to give the dish a nice, crunchy crust. To complement the walnuts, I also add antioxidant-packed blueberries to the mix- after all, it is berry season! And finally, I stir in some diced apple, which adds fiber and vitamin C, and plenty of aromatic cinnamon.
The dry ingredients get bathed in a custardy mixture to which I add Greek yogurt for a boost of protein. And then into the oven it goes. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, piping hot, baked casserole that’s bursting with flavor and your whole kitchen will smell delicious.
I enjoy my baked oatmeal hot with a bit of milk drizzled on top or a dollop of Greek yogurt and maple syrup. But it’s also actually really satisfying eaten cold, straight out of the fridge the next day- or as a midnight snack if you can’t wait until morning!
A hearty and satisfying breakfast that’s bursting with flavor, whole grains, protein, fiber, and antioxidants. What more can you ask for?
Blueberry Apple & Walnut Baked Oatmeal
Oats, walnuts, blueberries, and apples are baked together in this hearty breakfast dish that's so good it almost tastes like dessert!
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 390 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup California walnuts, divided use
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon plus extra for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ¼ cups milk, any type (I used 2%)
- ½ cup plain low fat Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups blueberries, divided use
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped, peeled apple, divided use
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Spray an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Finely chop ½ cup walnuts and place them in a bowl along with the oats, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
- Whisk the milk, yogurt, egg, maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla together in another bowl.
- Arrange 1 cup blueberries and 1 cup chopped apple in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Scatter the oat mixture evenly on top. Pour in the milk mixture and press to submerge all of the dry ingredients in the liquid. Roughly chop the remaining ½ cup walnuts and scatter them on top along with the remaining ½ cup blueberries and ½ cup apple. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Bake 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and the oats are set. Serve warm or at room temperature. Serve as is or topped with milk, Greek yogurt or maple syrup.
Nutrition Facts
Blueberry Apple & Walnut Baked Oatmeal
Amount Per Serving
Calories 390 Calories from Fat 203
% Daily Value*
Fat 22.5g35%
Saturated Fat 4.8g30%
Sodium 168mg7%
Carbohydrates 35.1g12%
Fiber 5.2g22%
Protein 12.9g26%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Check out the links below to see how my fellow Recipe Reduxers are using walnuts!
Not only does this look beautiful, it sounds delicious. I love blueberries (especially now) and they pair so well with walnuts!! Yum!
Count me in! I love a meal that tastes better the next day, too! I have to say, CA Walnuts got a great deal of recipes from this contest! What a fabulous follow up from your veggie patties!
This looks so delicious and packed with flavor! I can't wait to make this using gluten free oats!
Baked oatmeal is always one of my favourite breakfasts as you can make up a big batch and either freeze it or enjoy it all week long! This looks absolutely perfect!
Blueberries and walnuts are such a delicious combo – but especially with apple added in too!
This looks heavenly! My kids and I are big fans of Baked Oatmeal. Can't wait to make this!!
I want to dive into that bowl! Looks SO delicious!!
I have never thought to make a breakfast like this before! I can't wait to enjoy this on a nice fall morning 🙂
This is the best looking breakfast recipe! I've already pinned it to my private little "must make" board.
What delicious way to eat oatmeal! I love the sound of this!
I don't know why, but I've been craving some hearty warm breakfasts lately and this is perfect!! I love that I could make it for when my family visits too!
Sonali, I so love baked oatmeal and this looks amazing! I love your addition of walnuts into this and ooh – just look at those ready-to-burst-blueberries! Good luck with the contest!
This looks absolutely amazing! I need to make this one for sure.
I really can't wait to make this! Thanks for such an awesome recipe Sonali!
I rarely make baked oatmeal but it does make for one glorious breakfast!
I like baked oatmeal, and blueberry one is my favorite because the berries basically melt into the oats introducing a fantastic texture. I think I've never added apples and walnuts along with blueberries though, but this sounds and looks great! Well done, Sonali!
Yay! I'm all about baked oatmeal! I've done a blueberry one before, but never thought to throw in apples too! Great idea! *-*
Besides the amazing flavors, what I love best about this is making it on the weekend and enjoying it during the week. My mornings can be so busy, that I just don't have time for anything besides blending a smoothie, or scrambling an egg. I would have time to reheat a serving of this deliciousness!
Is it ok to leave out or reduce the coconut oil, as I’m trying to reduce saturated fat and this meal contains a high percentage of rda in the 1st meal of the day.
Yes, you can reduce the amount of coconut oil. You could also substitute a different type of oil that’s high in unsaturated fats or applesauce.
This sounds delicious!! Can it be made dairy free?
Can I use more milk instead of yogurt?
Yes, you can. I would cut back a little on the amount of milk so that it’s not too liquidy.
Is it possible to make this dairy free by using coconut yoghurt instead of Greek? I’ve made this many times and it’s delicious I don’t want to miss out now I’m dairy free ;( Thanks – Cat
I’ve never tried it but it should work fine. Otherwise, you can leave out the yogurt and add extra milk.
O.M.G…..I love love love this recipe !!!! It’s my new fav .This is the second time I have made it ..I use a little less syrup and use a red delicious apple. Otherwise I make exact recipe 😋It is The Best !!!!
Thank you!!! So happy that you love it!
Delicious!!!
I made this with several changes:
• I put it in the slow cooker for four hours on low and it came out perfect.
• I left out the sweetener and it was sweet enough in my opinion.
• I forgot the oil.
• I used 1 1/4 cups lite coconut milk in place of milk and yogurt.
• I added extra blueberries to the top.
• I halved the amount of walnuts.
It was so good that my sister who hates oatmeal said she could even stand it. I will be making it again!
Thank you very much!
That’s great! So glad you liked it!
Can you use frozen blueberries or will that be too liquidy/messy?
Yes, frozen blueberries will work!
I see a dietation for a variety of issues and she gave me this recipe – as it sits in the intersection of something healthy and suitable for an adult with the palate of a 12 year old. Also, it helped me discover that I actually LOVE fresh blueberries – so thank you so much! Very delicious!