Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats

One of my absolute favorite things to eat for breakfast is gluten free oats cooked in water with a nut butter and some fruit; It's gooey, warm, delicious, and nutritious. That being said, I've been wanting to make baked oatmeal for a LONG time, Last weekend, my mom finally bought me the perfect baking dish to try out my own baked oatmeal recipe, and I was super excited. Little did I know, however, that it would turn out to be the BEST breakfast I've made in pretty much ever.

Ever since creating this baked apple and cinnamon oatmeal dish on Wednesday morning, I've been eating it for breakfast every day. I made it for my boyfriend and his mom as well, and they became even more in love with it than I am, if that is even possible. Not only does this dish remind me of my favorite breakfast item, but it reminds me of my favorite desert- apple pie. Add in some more coconut sugar or favorite sweetener, top it with coconut cream or non-dairy ice cream and you have yourself the perfect apple cinnamon "pie"!


The BEST thing about this dish is that it tastes so incredibly naughty that you will be tricked into thinking it is bad for you, but in fact, it is completely the opposite! It is packed with heart healthy fiber, healthy fats, omega 3's, and fresh fruit. It is gluten free, vegan, refined sugar free, and pretty much contains 100% all natural, nutritious ingredients; what could be better than a big bowl of all of that for breakfast PLUS a party in your mouth?

I could go on and on about how amazingly delicious this baked oatmeal dish is, but you won't believe me until you try it yourself...

Ingredients

• 1 cup gluten free oats
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 stevia packet
• 1 apple (chopped)
• 1 banana (thinly sliced)
• 1 tsp coconut sugar (can add more if desired) (can substitute with any sweetener of choice)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 dates (chopped)
• A touch of coconut oil for spreading (if your baking dish requires this)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a cooking pot, cook gluten free oats with 1 cup of water (can use any type of milk as well if desired). After stirring for a few minutes, add in chia seeds and packet of stevia. Meanwhile, in a separate pan, cook apple and banana slices in a touch of water until soft. Add in coconut sugar and cinnamon as well. Once the apple/banana mixture and oatmeal has been cooked for a few minutes, mix everything together (leave a few apple and banana slices for the top), and let cook for another minute. Pour the oatmeal mixture into a small baking dish (can coat with a little but of coconut oil if needed), top with the rest of the apple/banana mixture and 2 chopped dates. Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until crispy at the top. Let cool for a few minutes and serve with a nut butter (cashew butter is my absolute favorite with this!), coconut yogurt, coconut cream, or ice cream of your choice! 

Enjoy and please let me know how you like this one!

xxx

Rachel