Baked Oatmeal with Raisins, Apples, Bananas and Walnuts

### Instructions: How to Make Baked Oatmeal with Raisins, Apples, Bananas, and Walnuts

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking.

**Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients**
In a medium bowl, whisk together the **milk**, **eggs**, **honey** (or maple syrup), and **vanilla extract**. This will be the base of your baked oatmeal, so be sure everything is well combined.

**Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients**
In a large bowl, combine the **rolled oats**, **cinnamon**, **nutmeg**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. Mix everything together evenly to ensure the dry ingredients are well distributed.

**Step 4: Add the Fruits and Nuts**
Add the chopped **apple**, sliced **banana**, **raisins**, and **walnuts** to the dry ingredients. Gently stir to incorporate the fruits and nuts into the oat mixture. The apples and bananas will soften as they bake, creating pockets of sweetness throughout the dish, while the walnuts provide crunch and richness.

**Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
Pour the wet ingredients (milk, eggs, honey, and vanilla) into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until the oats are well coated and the mixture is fully combined.

**Step 6: Bake the Oatmeal**
Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the oatmeal is golden on top and the center is set. You can test the center with a fork – it should come out clean when fully cooked.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. You can serve it warm with extra honey or maple syrup on top, a dollop of yogurt, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like. Enjoy a warm, hearty breakfast that’s full of natural sweetness and wholesome goodness.

### Tips for Perfect Baked Oatmeal

1. **Use Rolled Oats**: For the best texture, use rolled oats (old-fashioned oats). Instant oats may become too mushy when baked, while steel-cut oats will take much longer to cook.
2. **Add More Fruits or Nuts**: Feel free to get creative and add your favorite fruits or nuts. Blueberries, strawberries, pecans, or almonds can all be great alternatives or additions.
3. **Make It Vegan**: To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, left to sit for a few minutes to thicken).
4. **Sweetness Level**: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup based on your taste preferences. If you prefer a less sweet breakfast, you can reduce the sweetener or skip it entirely, as the fruits already provide natural sweetness.
5. **Add Spices**: If you love spices, feel free to add a pinch of ginger, cloves, or allspice to give the baked oatmeal an extra depth of flavor.

### Make-Ahead and Storage

Baked oatmeal is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. Simply allow the oatmeal to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, just heat it in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast.

If you want to freeze individual portions, cut the baked oatmeal into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap or foil before storing them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave or oven for a delicious, homemade breakfast in minutes.

### Health Benefits of Baked Oatmeal with Raisins, Apples, Bananas, and Walnuts

This baked oatmeal is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:

– **Fiber**: Oats are an excellent source of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. Apples and bananas also add additional fiber and natural sweetness.
– **Healthy Fats**: Walnuts are packed with healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for brain health and reducing inflammation.
– **Antioxidants**: Raisins are high in antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals in the body and support overall health.
– **Vitamins and Minerals**: The combination of fruits and oats provides a range of essential vitamins (like vitamin C from apples and bananas) and minerals (like potassium from bananas and calcium from milk).

### Final Thoughts

**Baked Oatmeal with Raisins, Apples, Bananas, and Walnuts** is the perfect way to start your day with a healthy, satisfying breakfast. It’s an easy-to-make dish that is both filling and delicious, offering a balance of sweet and savory flavors with the comforting texture of baked oats. Plus, it’s customizable, making it easy to add your favorite ingredients to suit your tastes.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast to enjoy on a lazy weekend morning or you want a meal prep option for the week, this baked oatmeal recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Packed with nutrients and bursting with natural sweetness, it’s a breakfast that nourishes both your body and soul.