Last Updated on September 7, 2025 by Souhail
There’s something undeniably comforting about starting your day with a warm, fragrant dish straight from the oven, and this Amish-Style Baked Oatmeal with Apples, Raisins & Walnuts absolutely delivers. The recipe has deep roots in traditional Amish kitchens, where hearty, wholesome breakfasts reign supreme. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, sweet, spiced, and satisfyingly hearty.
What I love most about this baked oatmeal is how it blends the natural sweetness of apples and raisins with the crunch of toasted walnuts, all bound together in tender, cinnamon-kissed oats. It’s perfect for those chilly mornings when you want something nourishing but don’t feel like fussing over the stove. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a cozy brunch, this baked oatmeal is your new go-to.
Why This Oatmeal Bake Is Worth Waking Up For
This isn’t your average oatmeal. Amish-Style Baked Oatmeal with Apples, Raisins & Walnuts brings comfort, simplicity, and big flavor all in one dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or just need a cozy breakfast that’ll last a few days, here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation:
- Warm & Cozy Flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, sweet apples, and plump raisins make each bite taste like fall in a bowl.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Mix it the night before and bake in the morning—or bake ahead and reheat all week.
- Wholesome & Hearty: Packed with fiber-rich oats, fruit, and nuts, it keeps you full and satisfied for hours.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Reward: Just stir, pour, and bake—no stove-top stirring required.
- Versatile for Diets: Easily adaptable for dairy-free, gluten-free, or lower sugar versions.
Customization Ideas:
- Dairy-Free? Use almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Gluten-Free? Choose certified gluten-free oats.
- No Nuts? Leave out the walnuts or swap with sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Lower Sugar? Reduce maple syrup and rely more on the natural sweetness of apples and raisins.
What to Prep Ahead (So You’re Not Rushing Later)
Let’s be real—mornings can be hectic. Here’s how to make sure your oatmeal bake is as stress-free as possible:
- Chop Apples: Dice and store them in an airtight container in the fridge (squeeze with lemon to prevent browning).
- Pre-Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine oats, spices, baking powder, and salt in advance and keep them in a jar or zip-top bag.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: Beat together milk, eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup and store in a jar in the fridge overnight.
- Assemble Entire Dish: You can even mix everything in the baking dish the night before—just cover and refrigerate. Bake in the morning.
How To Make It
Pro Tips to Bake It Like a Pro
Okay friend, let’s chat. I’ve made this baked oatmeal so many times (like, enough to test it with every milk and nut under the sun), and these little tricks are what take it from good to crave-worthy. Here’s how to make sure it turns out amazing every single time:
- Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats make it too soft and mushy.
- Chop those apples nice and small so they melt right into the oatmeal while baking.
- Plump your raisins first by soaking them in warm water or even juice, this keeps them soft and juicy in the final dish.
- Sprinkle a little brown sugar on top before baking if you want a crispier, caramelized top layer.
- Let it cool just a bit before slicing so the oatmeal holds together nicely.
- Try it topped with warm fried apples for an extra indulgent and cozy breakfast treat. I’ve used this fried apples recipe as a topping and trust me—it’s next level.
Variations to Try
Love this oatmeal but want to play with the flavors? Here are some creative spins I’ve tested over the years—each one brings a little something special to the table:
- Apple Jam Surprise: Instead of using all fresh apples, swirl in 2 tablespoons of homemade apple jam before baking. It adds a deep apple flavor and gooey texture that’s irresistible.
- Fall Spice Pumpkin Bake: Add 0.5 cup canned pumpkin and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and reduce the milk slightly. It’s like pumpkin pie met oatmeal and fell in love.
- Chocolate Pecan Treat: Skip the raisins and walnuts, and stir in chopped pecans and chocolate chips. It’s giving serious Texas chocolate pecan pie vibes in breakfast form.
- Fruit Swap: Sub in blueberries, diced pears, or even some mashed banana if you’re short on apples. It still bakes up beautifully.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free Friendly: Use flax eggs, almond or oat milk, and certified gluten-free oats for a version everyone can enjoy.
- Crunchy Vanilla Topper: Serve with a scoop of vanilla granola on top for an added crunch and extra fiber.
And for a cozy brunch pairing? This oatmeal goes surprisingly well with a savory soup like lasagna soup. It’s the sweet-and-savory comfort combo you didn’t know you needed.
How to Serve This Cozy Oatmeal Bake
This baked oatmeal is already a warm hug in a bowl, but there are some fun and tasty ways to serve it up that make it feel extra special. Whether you’re making breakfast for the family or prepping for the week, here’s how I love to plate it:
- Classic & Cozy: Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a pat of butter melting over the top.
- With Yogurt or Cream: A scoop of Greek yogurt or a splash of warm cream adds richness and balances the sweetness.
- Fruit Forward: Add a side of sliced fresh apples or even spoon over some warmed spiced apples for a little flair.
- Brunch Board Style: Cut into squares and pair with fresh fruit, boiled eggs, and toast for a hearty brunch spread.
FAQs: Questions You Might Be Asking
Absolutely! You can fully assemble it the night before and refrigerate it (covered) overnight. In the morning, just pop it into the oven and bake as directed. If baking straight from the fridge, you may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal, they hold their shape and give you that hearty, slightly chewy texture. Steel-cut oats need a longer cooking time and quick oats can turn mushy, so stick with rolled for the best result.
Yes, and it freezes beautifully! Cool completely, slice into squares, and wrap individual portions before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen in the microwave or oven.
Easy, use flax eggs! For this recipe, mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken, then use just like eggs in the recipe.
Totally. This recipe is super flexible. Leave them out or swap them with other mix-ins like dried cranberries, chopped pecans, or chocolate chips, whatever you love!
This usually happens when there’s not enough liquid or if it’s overbaked. Be sure to measure your milk correctly and don’t bake past the golden-brown top. Adding a little melted butter on top before baking helps lock in moisture too.
A Warm Slice of Comfort to Start Your Day
There’s something so satisfying about a breakfast that feels homemade, hearty, and a little nostalgic, and this Amish-Style Baked Oatmeal with Apples, Raisins & Walnuts delivers all that and more. Whether you’re prepping it for weekday mornings or serving it fresh from the oven at your next brunch, this cozy dish brings comfort with every bite. I hope it finds a spot in your kitchen the way it has in mine—shared, savored, and always a little bit special.