Fig, Apple & Vanilla Oat Crumb Bars

Fall in love with these autumn-inspired crumb bars featuring a ruby red fig, apple, and vanilla jam between layers of a sweet and salty oat and brown sugar crumb. They are sweet and salty, tender and crunchy, buttery and fruity, all in one delicious bite. These rustic, messy-delicious crumb bars aren’t winning any beauty pageants, […]

The post Fig, Apple & Vanilla Oat Crumb Bars first appeared on Love and Olive Oil.

Fall in love with these autumn-inspired crumb bars featuring a ruby red fig, apple, and vanilla jam between layers of a sweet and salty oat and brown sugar crumb. They are sweet and salty, tender and crunchy, buttery and fruity, all in one delicious bite.

These rustic, messy-delicious crumb bars aren’t winning any beauty pageants, but when it comes to flavor and simplicity, they’ll score top marks every time. With a simple oat-based dough that’s used as both the base and the crumb, and a layer of homemade fig, apple and vanilla jam sandwiched in between.

Squares of Fig, Apple & Vanilla Crumb Bars on a marble background, randomly arranged with a bowl of figs and a few cut figs scattered around.

I wanted to make a fall flavored bar cookie of sorts. I knew I wanted a brown sugar and oat crumble with some sort of vanilla-infused fruit filling, but I couldn’t decide if I wanted that filling to be fig or apple.

Fig and vanilla? Or apple and vanilla? Which sounds better to you? That is the million dollar question.

I ended up making a pan of each to bring to ceramics class with me, hoping to crowdsource the decision and help me make up my mind. Ultimately, my classmates liked both versions equally for different reasons (y’all were really no help at all here, lol).

In the end, I did what I often do when I can’t decide: I did both, combining the fig and apple together into a single multi-fruit spread that’s fruity and flavorful and fabulous for fall.

It’s really the best of both worlds.

(more…)

Homemade Applesauce

A simple & delicious Homemade Applesauce recipe with no added sugar, four simple ingredients, and lots of cozy fall flavor!

The post Homemade Applesauce appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I always get a warm and cozy feeling anytime I make homemade applesauce. The smell of apples and cinnamon spreads through the kitchen as it cooks and soon the scent of Fall has filled the entire house. Fall is also the best time to make this homemade applesauce recipe because apples are in season so there are a lot of varieties to choose from, their flavor is at their peak, and they’re inexpensive. Sure you can buy store-bought applesauce, but trust me it’s no comparison to the taste of homemade applesauce!

Two small bowls of homemade applesauce with apples and cinnamon on the side.

Ingredients for Homemade Applesauce

You only need 4 simple ingredients to make this easy homemade applesauce recipe:

  • Apples – Of course, there are lots of different apples to choose from when making applesauce, but in general you’ll want to stick with sweet or semi-sweet varieties. If you choose a tart apple, like granny smith, you may want to add some additional sugar. We used Gala apples for this recipe.
  • Water –  Water is used to cook the apples. Using water instead of apple juice or apple cider allows the fresh flavor of the apples to shine through!
  • Ground cinnamon – A touch of ground cinnamon goes a long way and tastes great with cooked apples. It also gives the applesauce just a hint of flavor. 
  • Lemon juice – A little lemon juice brightens up the applesauce and helps the flavors pop. Don’t skip this one!

That’s it! Perfect homemade applesauce and no added sweetener needed.

What Kind of Apples Are Best For Making Applesauce?

You can honestly use several different types of apples to make applesauce. But to keep from having to add any sugar or sweetener, I suggest using a sweeter or semi-sweet variety of apple, like Fuji, Gala, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp. You can use just one kind or a combination of 2 varieties if you want. And, of course, if you’re making your applesauce during the fall season, you’ll find the best deals and the sweetest apples during this time of year. ;)

Should You Peel The Apples?

This is a great question and it honestly depends on personal preference. I like to peel my apples when making applesauce in order to get a smoother consistency. But it’s definitely not required. If you’re short on time, just give them a good wash and leave the peel on.

How To Store Homemade Applesauce?

Homemade applesauce stores very well in the refrigerator and the freezer. Just store any leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw the applesauce, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.

Homemade applesauce in a small saucepan with apples and a napkin on the side.
Two small bowls of homemade applesauce with apples and cinnamon on the side.
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Homemade Applesauce

A simple & delicious Homemade Applesauce recipe with no added sugar, four simple ingredients, and lots of cozy fall flavor!
Course Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost $5.14 recipe / $0.85 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 190kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 6 large apples (about 3 lbs.) $5.07
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon $0.03
  • 3/4 cup water $0.00
  • 2 tsp lemon juice $0.04

Instructions

  • Wash, peel, and remove the core from the apples. Chop the apples into small 3/4 inch chunks.
  • Add the chopped apples, ground cinnamon and water to a medium pot and place a lid on top. Heat the apples over medium, allowing them to come up to a simmer. Continue to simmer the apples for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender. The total cook time will vary depending on the variety of apple used.*
  • Remove the pot from heat. Mash the apples with a potato masher inside the pot for a chunky texture. Or allow the apples to cool slightly and blend with an immersion blender or carefully inside a blender for a smoother texture.
  • Add the lemon juice to the applesauce and stir to combine. Serve homemade applesauce warm or chilled in the refrigerator.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

* If the applesauce is too thick you can add a little more water, or if it’s too runny it can be simmered a little longer, without a lid, to thicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cups | Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7mg | Fiber: 9g
Side view of two bowls of homemade applesauce.

How to Make Homemade Applesauce – Step by Step Photos

Overhead view of six apples on a counter.

Wash, peel, and remove the core from 6 apples. Chop the apples into 3/4 inch small chunks.

Overhead view of peeled and diced apples in a small saucepan with cinnamon and water being poured on top.

Add the chopped apples, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 3/4 cup of water to a medium pot and place a lid on top. Heat the apples over medium heat, allowing them to come up to a simmer. Continue to simmer the apples for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender. The total cook time will vary depending on the variety of apple used.

Overhead view of cooked apples in a saucepan being mashed with a potato masher.

Remove the pot from heat. Mash the apples with a potato masher inside the pot for a chunky texture. Or allow the apples to cool slightly and blend with an immersion blender or carefully inside a blender for smoother texture.

Overhead view of mashed homemade applesauce in a small saucepan.

Add the 2 tsp of lemon juice to the applesauce and stir to combine. Serve homemade applesauce warm or chilled in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

Homemade applesauce in a small saucepan with apples and a napkin on the side.

The post Homemade Applesauce appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Brown Butter Dutch Baby

We make pancakes almost every single weekend. A few favorites include: buttermilk, blueberry, chocolate chip, lemon ricotta, and pumpkin. We also love making German Pancakes and this Brown Butter Dutch Baby. A Dutch baby is like a crepe, popover, and p…

We make pancakes almost every single weekend. A few favorites include: buttermilk, blueberry, chocolate chip, lemon ricotta, and pumpkin. We also love making German Pancakes and this Brown Butter Dutch Baby. A Dutch baby is like a crepe, popover, and pancake all in one recipe. You make the batter in a blender, pour it into…

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

This apple cinnamon muffins recipe is so fluffy and moist, with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. A total family favorite!…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This apple cinnamon muffins recipe is so fluffy and moist, with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. A total family favorite!

Apple cinnamon muffins

Here’s a muffin recipe that’s the best cozy baking project: apple cinnamon muffins! These are so delicious everyone will beg for the recipe. Each one has a fluffy, tender crumb, with just the right amount of sweet tart bursts of apples. The best part? Sprinkling with cinnamon sugar before and after baking makes a crunchy, warm spiced topping. You won’t believe how tasty these are!

Ingredients in apple cinnamon muffins

Apples and cinnamon are the best combination, like in oatmeal or apple crisp. So why not translate that into muffin form? These little cakes taste like you picked them up at a local bakery. They’re tall, delicately sweet, and have the best crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder, baking soda, and salt
  • Buttermilk
  • Butter
  • Neutral oil
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla
  • Cinnamon
Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Best types of apples for baking

The best type of apples for baking? Bake with a firm, crisp tart apple. Crisp tart apples hold up well texture-wise, and their tangy tartness accents the sweetness of baked goods. Here are some of the best apples for baking and cooking. You can use other types too, but the flavor of these types have the best flavor:

  • Pink Lady
  • Jonathon or Jonagold
  • Granny Smith
  • Fuji

The keys to apple cinnamon muffins

These apple cinnamon muffins are so full of flavor, you’ll make them a fall baking staple! (They are in our house.) There are a few keys to the flavor and achieving an even bake. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Use real buttermilk (no substitutes!). Buttermilk is crucial to making a fluffy muffin with a tender crumb. We’ve tried all sorts of muffin recipes and buttermilk is truly the best! Don’t be tempted to use even a buttermilk substitute here! It’s got to be the real thing.
  • For an even bake, fill every other cup in two 12-cup muffin tins. Here’s a key to even baking for muffins: fill every other cup in a tin! This helps them to have beautiful domed tops and an even bake. It’s not required, but helpful for perfect muffins.
  • Baking at 375°F makes a taller muffin. Many muffin recipes bake at 350°F, but a slightly hotter oven makes a taller and fluffier muffin. This recipe also has a large amount of leavener (baking powder and baking soda) for a good rise.
Cinnamon apple muffins

Storage info

Apple cinnamon muffins taste best the day of baking, but they save well too! You’ll want to keep them refrigerated because of the crunchy topping and the moisture in the apples, which can make them soggy if stored at room temperature. Here’s what to know:

  • Refrigerator: Store refrigerated for up to 1 week! Let them stand at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
  • Freeze: Freeze in a sealable container and store up to 3 months.
Apple Cinnamon Muffins

More apple recipes

Love baking with apples! When it’s the season, we love baking them up into muffins, breads, cookies, and crisps. Here are a few more apple recipes:

This apple cinnamon muffins recipe is…

Vegetarian. For vegan, go to Vegan Apple Muffins.

Print
Apple cinnamon muffins

Apple Cinnamon Muffins


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12

Description

This apple cinnamon muffins recipe is so fluffy and moist, with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. A total family favorite!


Ingredients

For the muffins

  • 1 ½ cups apples, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups [280 g] all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup buttermilk*
  • 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup neutral oil (grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 ½ tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Peel and chop the apples and set them aside. Place muffin wrappers in every other muffin cup of two 12-cup muffin tins.**
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center. In a medium bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, neutral oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. In a mix bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients from the batter into the well in the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined and there are no longer streaks of flour.
  6. Add the apples and fold it in with a spatula, taking care not to overwork the batter. (If desired, you can store the batter up to 24 hours before baking.)
  7. Scoop the batter into the muffin papers using a dough scoop: it should fill to the top of the muffin papers. Sprinkle the tops with the cinnamon sugar, using half of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
  8. Bake until the tops are golden and set and a toothpick in the center comes out with a few crumbs, about 20 to 26 minutes total (rotate the pans halfway through baking). Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
  9. Brush the top of each muffin with melted butter, place the remaining cinnamon sugar on a plate, and dip each muffin into the plate to coat the top. Transfer to a baking rack to fully cool (about 30 minutes to 1 hour). The muffins are best eaten the day they are made, but they store very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator and last up to 1 week.

Notes

*Buttermilk is the magic ingredient which makes the most consistent texture and rise! Don’t be tempted to leave it out or use a buttermilk substitute. It’s worth it (we promise).

**Baking in every other muffin cup makes for a more consistent bake. If all you have is a 12-cup muffin tin, you can use that too.

  • Category: Muffin
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Baked
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Apple cinnamon muffins, apple cinnamon muffin, cinnamon apple muffin

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Apple Bread Recipe

This apple bread recipe is cozy and sweet, with a tender crumb and brown sugar cinnamon swirl. A great baking…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This apple bread recipe is cozy and sweet, with a tender crumb and brown sugar cinnamon swirl. A great baking project for apple season!

apple bread recipe

Here’s a cozy, fun quick bread to make any time of the year: try this Apple Bread recipe! It’s got a moist, tender crumb, and is bursting with tangy fruit, warm spices, and a brown sugar cinnamon swirl. It’s a total crowd pleaser! Everyone loves this spiced bread, and it makes the kitchen smell incredible. We couldn’t stop sneaking bites!

Ingredients in this apple bread recipe

This apple bread was inspired by a trip to the apple orchard for picking, but since apples are readily available you can make it any time of the year! The cinnamon and nutmeg are ideal for fall and winter baking, but it’s seasonal any time of the year. The magic ingredient is buttermilk, which makes an incredible fluffy tender crumb. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg
  • Apples
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Kosher salt
  • Granulated sugar
  • Buttermilk
  • Butter
  • Neutral oil
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
Apple bread recipe

Best types of apples for bread

What variety of apple is best for baking into a bread recipe? First off, avoid those bright red delicious apples at the store. The ideal variety for sauteed apples is a firm, crisp tart apple. Crisp tart apples cook well and the tangy tartness accents the sweetness of baked goods. Here are some of the best apples for baking and cooking:

  • Pink Lady
  • Jonathon or Jonagold
  • Granny Smith
  • Fuji

Of course, apple bread will taste great with most types of apples! But if you use a sweeter variety, you won’t get the delightful pop of sweet tart that a crisp tart apple brings.

Apple bread recipe

Secrets to a light and fluffy apple bread

Quick breads can be notoriously dense, dry, or filled with air pockets. But this apple bread recipe has the perfect velvety, soft crumb. Here are a few keys to the texture in this recipe:

  • Use real buttermilk (no substitutes!). Buttermilk is crucial to making a fluffy quick bread with a tender crumb. Don’t be tempted to use even a buttermilk substitute here! It’s got to be the real thing.
  • Use both butter and oil. Butter and oil work uniquely in baked goods. Often we use oil in our quick breads and muffins, but we love the richness in flavor and texture that butter adds.

Tips for baking this apple bread recipe

Apple bread is simple to whip up, but there are a few tricks to getting the best end result. Here’s what to know:

  • Use an aluminum pan (9 x 5 inch). The key to an even bake is in the pan. The best results for a quick bread are with an aluminum pan.
  • For the swirl, insert a butter knife straight down into the dough. Then make a few S shapes across the length of the pan. This swirls the brown sugar cinnamon mixture into the bread, and makes an interesting texture to the top of the bread.
Apple bread recipe

Storage info

How to store it? This apple bread recipe tastes best the day it’s baked, but it holds up well over time!

  • Refrigerator: This bread stores well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week! Let the slices stand at room temperature for a few minutes before eating: it’s not quite as tasty cold.
  • Freeze: Freeze in a sealable container and store up to 3 months.

More apple recipes

This apple bread recipe is one of our top ways to bake with this tasty fruit! Here are a few more apple recipes to try:

This apple bread recipe is…

Vegetarian.

Print
apple bread recipe

Apple Bread Recipe


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12

Description

This apple bread recipe is cozy and sweet, with a tender crumb and brown sugar cinnamon swirl. A great baking project for apple season!


Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
  • 2 cups sweet tart apples, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces (about 1 pound)
  • 2 cups [280 g] all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup buttermilk*
  • 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup neutral oil (grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 
  2. Mix the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon in a small bowl and reserve it.
  3. Peel and chop the apples into 1/4-inch pieces. Butter a 9 x 5-inch aluminum loaf pan.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon. Make a well in the center.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, neutral oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  6. Pour the wet ingredients from the batter into the well in the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined and there are no longer streaks of flour.
  7. Add the apples and fold them in with a spatula, taking care not to overwork the batter.
  8. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with ½ of the brown sugar mixture. Add the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture on top. Insert a butter knife into the batter and draw a few S shapes through the pan to swirl. 
  9. Place the pan in the oven. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs, rotating the pan halfway through baking, about 55 to 65 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan for 30 minutes. 
  10. Run a knife around the edge and invert the loaf onto a cooling rack. Allow to cool fully to room temperature (about 1 hour) before slicing into pieces. This bread is best the day it’s made, but you can store refrigerated for up to 1 week: make sure to bring to room temperature before enjoying. Alternatively, store frozen for up to 3 months.

Notes

*Buttermilk is the magic ingredient which makes the most consistent texture and rise! Don’t be tempted to leave it out or use a buttermilk substitute. It’s worth it (we promise).

  • Category: Baked good
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Baked
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Apple bread recipe, apple bread

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

This apple cinnamon oatmeal makes the best cozy breakfast! It’s simple to make with brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Do…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This apple cinnamon oatmeal makes the best cozy breakfast! It’s simple to make with brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice.

Apple cinnamon oatmeal

Do the words apple cinnamon oatmeal make you first think of a packet of instant oatmeal? Turns out, it’s infinitely more delicious homemade! This oatmeal recipe is cozy and comforting, made with real fresh fruit and seasoned with brown sugar, cinnamon and a hint of allspice. When it comes to cozy healthy breakfasts, it’s king! We’re huge oatmeal fans over here, and this recipe is ideal for chunky sweaters and chilly mornings.

Ingredients for apple cinnamon oatmeal

We make a bowl of oatmeal every day (using this classic oatmeal recipe, the microwave version). But when we have time, we love to add apples and amp up the spices for a flavorful spin. Growing up, I used to love the apple cinnamon oatmeal packets, but something about them tasted, well, artificial. This version is bursting with pure, wholesome flavor, making this cozy bowl taste larger than life. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Salted butter or coconut oil
  • Old Fashioned rolled oats
  • Milk
  • Apple
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon and allspice
  • Salt
  • Vanilla extract
Apple cinnamon oatmeal

Tips for making apple cinnamon oatmeal

Apple stovetop it quick and simple! This method makes a big pot of creamy, chewy oats with 4 servings. Here’s what to do (or jump to the recipe below):

  1. Peel and dice the apple finely. The best way to incorporate the apple is peeled, which helps the texture meld into the oatmeal.
  2. Toast the oats first. This helps to bring out a nutty, intriguing flavor! Melt butter or coconut oil in a saucepan, then add the oats and toast for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
  3. Add seasonings and boil for 7 to 8 minutes. Heat over low heat, stirring, until tender and cooked through.
Oats

Topping ideas

How to serve this apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe? All you need are a few toppings to make it into a simple, easy breakfast recipe. Here are some ideas:

What would you add to your apple cinnamon oatmeal? Let us know in the comments below!

Apple cinnamon oatmeal

Oatmeal nutrition

Oatmeal is part of a healthy diet: it’s great for digestion and helps to keep you full all morning long! Here are a few of the main nutritional benefits of oats (source):

  • Oats are high in plant based protein. 1 cup of raw oats have 11 grams protein. That’s about 20% of your daily need!
  • Oats are high in fiber. 1 cup of raw oats have 8 grams of fiber, which is about 30% of the daily value.
  • Oats are very filling: they may reduce appetite and help you eat less calories.

More oatmeal recipes

There’s an oatmeal recipe for every season! Here are a few more ways to make this cozy breakfast:

This apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based and dairy-free, use oat milk and coconut oil.

Print
Apple cinnamon oatmeal

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 12 minutes
  • Yield: 2

Description

This apple cinnamon oatmeal makes the best cozy breakfast! It’s simple to make with brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice.


Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon salted butter or coconut oil
  • 1 cup Old Fashioned rolled oats (do not use instant oats or steel cut oats)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup milk of choice
  • 1 apple, peeled and finely diced
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon allspice
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter or coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the oats and toast for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
  2. Turn the heat to low and carefully pour in the water, milk, apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, salt and vanilla extract, stirring.
  3. Bring to a boil, then return heat to low and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until tender, then remove from the heat. Top with desired toppings and serve.
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Apple cinnamon oatmeal,

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Apple Crisp

Apple Crisp is one of my favorite fall desserts. I actually prefer it over apple pie because it is so easy to make, you don’t have to fuss with rolling out pie crust and the crisp topping is incredible! This rustic apple dessert is simply delicio…

Apple Crisp is one of my favorite fall desserts. I actually prefer it over apple pie because it is so easy to make, you don’t have to fuss with rolling out pie crust and the crisp topping is incredible! This rustic apple dessert is simply delicious! My family requests it every fall and I am…

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

This cozy apple cinnamon baked oatmeal is the perfect hot breakfast for cool fall mornings, and it’s great for meal prep, too!

The post Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Who needs those autumn-themed candles when you’ve got Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal in the oven? NO ONE. This warm and cozy oatmeal casserole, of sorts, is the epitome of fall vibes. Not only will this baked oatmeal make your house smell amazing, but it’s an easy way to meal prep breakfast for the week ahead. It’s cozy, delicious, filling, and EASY. 🙌

Overhead view of a casserole dish full of apple cinnamon baked oatmeal with the corner being scooped out.

What is Baked Oatmeal?

If you’re new to baked oatmeal, it’s kind of like bread pudding, but made with oats instead of chunks of bread. It’s sweet, rich, hearty, and absolutely amazing. The texture is soft and moist, but not goopy like traditional oatmeal can be, and it gets just a little bit crispy around the edges of the baking dish. You can eat it hot out of the oven and the leftovers can be eaten cold or reheated in the microwave. I like to pour a little cold milk over top for a delicious hot-cold combo. Baked oatmeal can also be frozen in single-serving containers for quick reheatable weekday breakfasts!

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

This apple cinnamon baked oatmeal combines our usual baked oatmeal base with apples that are coated in a little cinnamon and sugar, and then baked until they form an apple pie-like layer on the bottom of the oats. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this incredible apple cinnamon baked oatmeal:

  • Fresh apples: Pick a sweet or semi-sweet variety of apple, like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. And, of course, take advantage of the fresh fall apples for the best price and flavor!
  • Oats: Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe, not quick oats or minute oats, to achieve the best texture. Quick oats are too thin and will create a mushier texture.
  • Milk and eggs: Milk and eggs create a custard that keeps the baked oats soft, tender, and moist. I like to use whole milk, but you can substitute it with non-dairy milk if needed.
  • Brown sugar and applesauce: Using both broth sugar and applesauce to sweeten the baked oatmeal creates an even bigger apple pie-like flavor without having to use too much added sugar.
  • Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla make these baked oats that classic fall aroma!
  • Lemon juice: A little lemon juice brightens up the baked apples and really makes their flavor shine.
  • Cornstarch and baking powder: These two ingredients are added for texture. The cornstarch helps thicken the apple juices as they bake, creating a pie-filling-like texture. The baking powder lightens the oat mixture just a touch so it’s not quite so heavy.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Baked oatmeal is pretty versatile. You can eat it either hot OR cold. I love it just out of the oven with a little cold milk poured over top, but it’s also great cold after it’s been refrigerated overnight. You can top it with some nuts or even some whipped cream for an even more dessert-like treat!

How to Store The Leftovers

After baking, divide the oatmeal into single-serving portions and refrigerate until completely cool. The baked oatmeal can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, or you can transfer it to the freezer for longer storage (about three months). Refrigerated or frozen baked oatmeal can be reheated quickly in the microwave.

A bowl full of apple cinnamon baked oatmeal with milk.
Overhead view of a casserole dish of apple cinnamon baked oatmeal with the corner being scooped out.
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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

This cozy apple cinnamon baked oatmeal is the perfect hot breakfast for cool fall mornings, and it's great for meal prep, too!
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Total Cost $5.92 recipe / $0.99 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 (about 1.3 cups each)
Calories 336kcal

Ingredients

Baked Apple Layer

  • 4 medium apples (about 2 lbs. total) $2.66
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice $0.06
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar $0.06
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch $0.03
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon $0.05
  • 1/8 tsp cloves $0.02

Baked Oatmeal Layer

  • 1.5 cups unsweetened applesauce $0.91
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar $0.12
  • 2 large eggs $0.18
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract $0.59
  • 1 tsp salt $0.05
  • 1 tsp baking powder $0.06
  • 1 tsp cinnamon $0.10
  • 1.5 cups milk* $0.72
  • 2.5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats $0.72

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Core and dice the apples.
  • Place the diced apples in the bottom of a 9×9-inch (or 2 qt.) casserole dish. Add the lemon juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until the apples are coated in sugar and spices.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  • While the apples are baking, prepare the baked oatmeal mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Then add the milk and whisk to combine again.
  • Finally, stir the dry oats into the applesauce mixture and stir until fully combined.
  • After the apples come out of the oven, give them a good stir, then pour the oat mixture over top. Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
  • After baking for 30 more minutes the oats should be golden brown on top and you may see some of the apple cinnamon layer bubbling up around the edges. Let the oats cool for about five minutes before serving.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*I use whole milk but you can use any type of milk, including non-dairy varieties.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.3cups | Calories: 336kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 514mg | Fiber: 7g
Overhead view of a casserole dish full of apple cinnamon baked oatmeal with ingredients on the sides.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal – Step by Step Photos

Four apples on a cutting board.

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Core and dice four medium apples (about ½ lb. each).

Apples in the casserole dish with sugar, spices, and cornstarch added.

Place the apples in the bottom of a 9×9-inch or 2-quart casserole dish. Add 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, ½ tsp cinnamon, and ⅛ tsp cloves. Stir until the apples are evenly coated in sugar and spices.

Baked apples in the casserole dish.

Cover the dish with foil and bake the apples for 15 minutes in the preheated 375ºF oven.

Eggs, applesauce, sugar, and spices in a bowl.

While the apples are baking, begin preparing the oat mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1.5 cups unsweetened applesauce, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ¼ cup brown sugar.

Milk being poured into the bowl of applesauce mixture.

Add 1.5 cups milk to the applesauce mixture, then whisk again to combine.

Dry oats stirred into the applesauce and milk mixture.

Add 2.5 cups rolled oats (not quick oats) and stir until everything is evenly combined.

Oat mixture in the casserole dish on top of the baked apples.

After the baked apples come out of the oven, give them a stir, then pour the oat mixture over top of the apples. Place the dish back into the oven (uncovered) and bake for 30 minutes more.

Baked oatmeal in the casserole dish from above.

After 30 minutes the oats should be golden brown around the edges and you might see some of the apple cinnamon layer bubbling up around the edges. Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Side view of a casserole dish full of apple cinnamon baked oatmeal with a portion scooped out.

The bottom layer will be sweet and tender baked apples and the top layer will be a soft baked oatmeal. SO GOOD!

Milk being poured into a bowl of apple cinnamon baked oatmeal.

I like to eat my apple cinnamon baked oatmeal with a splash of cold milk on top!

The post Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Apple Slaw

This crisp and refreshing apple slaw is the perfect easy side dish for weeknight meals or potlucks during the fall season.

The post Apple Slaw appeared first on Budget Bytes.

This light, crunchy, and refreshing Apple Slaw recipe takes just a few minutes to put together and makes a huge amount of slaw for well under a dollar a serving. It’s one of my favorite slaw recipes because it’s incredibly versatile and can be served as a main dish (I love it topped with Roasted Chicken) or as a side dish for a quick weeknight meal. It also travels really well, so it’s an excellent option for your next potluck. The best part? It holds up beautifully throughout the week. 

Overhead view of a bowl full of apple slaw with ingredients on the sides.

What Is Apple Slaw?

Apple Slaw is a cold chopped salad. Crunchy sliced apples, carrots, green onions, and shredded cabbage are tossed in a creamy dressing, creating the perfect addition to any weeknight meal or backyard BBQ.

Ingredients For Apple Slaw

  • Green Cabbage: Is the foundation of this slaw. Cabbage is hearty but loaded with water, so always taste your slaw before serving it and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You can substitute green cabbage with red cabbage or even kale.
  • Apples: I use Granny Smith, but if you really want to have fun with it, use a mixture of apples. My favorites to throw in are Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp (they’re affordable when they’re in season). Keep apples from turning brown by submerging them in water that has an acid added to it. For every cup of water, use 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or 1 teaspoon of distilled or apple cider vinegar.
  • Carrots: Bring sweetness and crunch to the salad and a pop of color. If you don’t have carrots, substitute with raw butternut squash, parsnips, or add an extra cup of cabbage to the mix.
  • Green Onions: Lends a mild onion flavor to the salad. You can substitute them with chives or sweet onions. If you only have white or red onions, soak them in water for a minute or two to help decrease their pungency. 
  • Mayonnaise: Is the backbone of the dressing and adds a tangy creaminess. Substitute it with Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a peppery kick and a touch of color to the dressing. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, use brown or yellow mustard.
  • Honey: Creates a touch of sweetness in the dressing. If you don’t have honey, substitute it with one teaspoon of brown sugar. Just dissolve it well before adding the dressing to the salad.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy note to the dressing and keeps the apples from browning. 

What To Serve With Apple Slaw

Serve this tangy slaw topped with roasted chicken for a light lunch. Or use it as topping on a Pulled Pork or Pulled Chicken sandwich. I also love it served as a side for BBQ Ribs paired with Corn On The Cobb.

How To Store Leftovers

Store Apple Slaw in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days. Do not freeze, as it will change the texture of the cabbage. Always mix the slaw a few times and taste for salt before serving.

Close up side view of a bowl of apple slaw.
Overhead view of a bowl full of apple slaw with the ingredients on the sides.
Print

Apple Slaw

This crisp and refreshing apple slaw is the perfect easy side dish for weeknight meals or potlucks during the fall season.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $6.46 recipe / $0.65 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 10 (1 cup each)
Calories 109kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise $0.63
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard $0.05
  • 2 tsp honey $0.11
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar $0.09
  • 1/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste) $0.01
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper $0.01
  • 1 small cabbage, thinly sliced (about 5 cups) $2.23
  • 3 Granny Smith apples, julienned (about 2 cups)* $2.55
  • 2 carrots, julienned (about 2 cups)* $0.42
  • 3 green onions, sliced (about 1 cup)* $0.36

Instructions

  • Mix the mayonnaise, Dijon, honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper to make a dressing.
  • Shred or thinly slice the cabbage into 2-inch by ¼-inch strips. Shred or slice the carrots into 2-inch by ⅛-inch strips. Peel and core the apples. Shred or slice them into 2-inch by ⅛-inch strips and keep them in water with lemon juice or vinegar added, so they don't brown.** Cut the green onions on the diagonal into 1/8-inch thick slices.
  • Mix the apples and vegetables with the dressing in a large bowl. If necessary, add more salt to taste.
  • Keep the salad refrigerated until ready to serve. Mix before serving, and add more salt to taste.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*If finely slicing vegetables is difficult for you, use the slicing or shredding attachment on a food processor, a mandoline, or a large-holed cheese grater.
**For every one cup of water add 2 tsp lemon juice or 1 tsp distilled or apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 109kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 139mg | Fiber: 4g

How to Make Apple Slaw – Step by Step Photos

Ingredients for dressing in a bowl, not mixed.

Mix 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tsp honey, 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper to make a dressing.

Prepared vegetables on a cutting board.

Shred or slice one small cabbage into 2 by ⅛-inch strips. Shred or slice two carrots into 2 by ¼-inch strips. Peel and core two apples, then shred or slice them into 2 by ⅛-inch strips and keep them in water with lemon juice or vinegar added, so they don’t brown. Cut three green onions on the diagonal into 1/8-inch thick slices.

Dressing being poured over the bowl of shredded vegetables.

Mix the apples and vegetables with the dressing in a large bowl. If necessary, add more salt to taste.

Finished apple slaw in a bowl.

Keep the apple slaw refrigerated until ready to serve. Mix before serving, and add more salt to taste.

Close up side view of a bowl of apple slaw.

The post Apple Slaw appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Apple Zucchini Bread

What do you do when you still have a lot of summer zucchini but are ready for fall baking? You make Apple Zucchini Bread! You get the best of both worlds. This easy zucchini bread is warm and cozy thanks to the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. T…

What do you do when you still have a lot of summer zucchini but are ready for fall baking? You make Apple Zucchini Bread! You get the best of both worlds. This easy zucchini bread is warm and cozy thanks to the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. The bread is super moist because it is…