If ever there was a dish that blurred the lines between breakfast and dessert, this recipe is it. The three main ingredients – apples, oats, and seeds/nuts – are the makings of a healthy start to your day. But in this recipe these ordinary ingredients are transformed into something truly decadent, sure to please dessert lovers. I used a little molasses and organic pure cane sugar for a caramel flavor, but feel free to use any sugar you have on hand. The texture of this is luxuriously smooth, and the egg gives it a custard-like quality, which is why I decided to caramelize a little brown sugar on top (crème brûlée, anyone?...no torch needed! ;) )
This sort of double-duty recipe is perfect for the holidays. It can be served for breakfast or dessert, and tastes great at any temperature. (Served warm it’s more reminiscent of oats and served chilled it feels more custard-y.) Reheating is a snap too…just pop it back in the oven until warm.
I’m taking a short break from blogging until next Sunday to spend some time with my family, but then I’ll be back to my regular posting and commenting. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday! Merry Christmas Everyone!
A Note on the Apples: There’s no need to peel the apples before cooking them down, since they’ll be pureed anyway. In the final product any pieces of peel that may be there aren’t noticeable.
Baked Caramel-Apple Custard Oats
(Yield: 10 servings)
8 c apples, washed, cored, and chopped but not peeled (or 3 c unsweetened applesauce)
2 c rolled oats
1 c sunflower seeds, toasted (you can use any nuts you like, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, etc.)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
⅓ teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
2 TB molasses
About ¼ c organic pure cane sugar (or any sugar you have on hand; you can use more or less, depending on how sweet your apples are)
1 egg
2 ½ teaspoon brown sugar (for topping)
Butter, to grease the ramekins
10 (6 oz) oven-safe ramekins
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease the ramekins with butter. Heat the apples on medium heat (covered) for 20-30 minutes, until they turn into a chunky applesauce (you should end up with about 3 c applesauce). Once the applesauce is cooled slightly, transfer it to a blender or food processor and process until smooth (there will still be small bits of apple skin; don’t worry, they won’t be noticeable in the final product).
Pulverize the oats and sunflower seeds in a blender or food processor until they form a fine powder; pulse in the salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to combine. Transfer the applesauce and the oat mixture to a bowl; add the molasses, then add sugar to taste (start with about ¼ c sugar). Beat in the egg. Divide the mixture between the ramekins and place ¼ teaspoon brown sugar on top of each. Bake for about 12 minutes until they’re set, then broil for about 2 minutes until the brown sugar on top is caramelized (watch them closely while they’re in the broiler).
Serve hot, warm, or chilled.
Lori says
That looks like breakfast for me in a cheating on my diet kinda way. But really, this is one of those times where I would really like to make this staight away.
Jenna says
This oatmeal looks great. Love caramel and apples together.
Blond Duck says
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
donna says
Oh this sounds beyond delicious! Great treat.
Happy holidays to you.
coco says
amazing oat combo! YUM YUM~~~
Merry Christmas! :D
marla {Family Fresh Cooking} says
Oh Miss Faith, these oats sound soooooo very good. I love that blurry line between breakfast and dessert! How smart to make that brulée topping. I could eat these with or without that. Anything with nuts and oats is great eats in my book. Thanks for the method photos, very helpful! Happy Holidays! We will miss u.....see u Sunday :)
Holly says
faith...AMAZING! this sounds completely and totally right up my alley!
lots of love to you - have an AMAZING christmas, relax, enjoy and have WAY TOO MUCH FUN! :)
Joanne says
Mmmm this sounds like a perfectly decadent breakfast for the holidays! And creme brulee top....sign me UP! Have a fun time with your family and happy holidays!
Jen says
My daughter loves cinnamon apple oatmeal. I will make this recipe for her. I am sure that she will love it for breakfast or dessert! Nice and healthy is a big plus, especially at this time of year :)
Merry Christmas Faith! Enjoy the time with your family!
Blond Duck says
That's like apple pie without the guilt!
Mimi says
Faith
Great recipe, my kids love dessert for breakfast!
Have a wonderful Christmas.
Mimi
Reeni says
You make the most decadent oats! I love this! What a treat. Merry Christmas!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Faith what a recipe to leave us on! :D It's dessert but breakfast in one (a category I wholly adore). I hope you and your friends and family have a gorgeous holiday season and I look forward to seeing what other delicious goodies you tempt us with! xxx
sophia says
OMG. That's the PERFECT after-Christmas brunch, right there. It sounds terrific!
Please be back soon! I'll miss ya!
Nutmeg Nanny says
These look awesome!!! I was just telling my friend how you make the BEST oat recipes. She book marked all of them :) I can't wait to try this! Have a Merry Christmas and can't wait to see your new post when you come back :)
Peanut Butter Bliss says
oh man, now that is what I call a great christmas dessert :)
Natasha - 5 Star Foodie says
A delicious breakfast idea! Have a wonderful break and happy holidays!
grace says
you've left us with one whammy of a recipe here--it sounds absolutely amazing. happy holidays, faith!
Krista says
Another wonderful dish! I love your posts.
Enjoy your break and we'll catch up next week... ;)
Beth @ 990 Square says
This looks great! I love all of the key ingredients on their own, so I think this would be a fantastic combination!
Have a safe and happy holiday!
girlichef says
What a gorgeous treat!! I hope you have a fabulous Christmas :)
nora@ffr says
long time eh? was on my vacation! :) faith this is fantastic!!! soo healthy and delish!! perfect for the X'mas holidays :) merry Christmas to you! :)
Karyn Bernrard (French Charming) says
Hi Sweet Friend!
This sounds and looks amazing! I shouldn't visit with you first thing in the morning...I'm hungry now!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, I hope its full of love and joy!
Hugs,
Karyn
Muneeba says
A very merry Christmas to you too! And I gotta say, these oats have been taken to a whole new level of delish because you baked them & bruleed them. Sweet!