Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bake is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Packed with the goodness of quinoa, apples, and oats, it’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup (or honey), and infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The addition of crunchy nuts gives it an extra texture boost, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. This recipe is simple to prepare and can be enjoyed by the whole family, whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast or a light, healthy dessert.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked quinoa
4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, maple syrup (or honey), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the quinoa is well-coated with the spices and sweetener.
Add the sliced apples to the quinoa mixture and stir gently to combine.
In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats and chopped nuts.
Add the oat and nut mixture to the quinoa and apple mixture. Stir to evenly distribute everything.
Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the oats are golden brown on top.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy it warm as a breakfast or dessert, and optionally top it with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of extra maple syrup.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields about 6 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Fruit Mix: Try adding other fruits like pears, berries, or raisins to the apple mixture for added variety and flavor.
Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of honey to make this dish completely vegan.
Extra Spice: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for a spicier kick.
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, serve with a non-dairy yogurt (like almond or coconut yogurt) instead of regular yogurt.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This quinoa bake can be frozen for up to 1 month. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

Yes! You can substitute the quinoa with cooked brown rice, millet, or even oats for a different texture and flavor.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is already gluten-free as long as you ensure that the oats you use are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add a sweetener other than maple syrup or honey?

Yes, you can use agave syrup, coconut sugar, or any other liquid sweetener you prefer. Adjust the sweetness to your taste.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, this dish can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble everything and store it in the fridge overnight, then bake it the next morning for a quick breakfast. Alternatively, bake it in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I make this without oats?

Yes! If you prefer, you can omit the oats and increase the quinoa for a more quinoa-centric bake. This will result in a slightly different texture but will still taste great.

How do I know when it’s done?

The bake is done when the apples are tender, and the top is golden and slightly crispy. You can check the apples with a fork to ensure they’ve softened.

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of fresh apples?

Yes, you can substitute fresh apples with unsweetened applesauce for a quicker version of this recipe. Use about 1 1/2 cups of applesauce in place of the apples, and reduce the maple syrup or honey if you want to keep it less sweet.

Can I use frozen apples?

You can use frozen apples, but fresh apples work best for texture. If using frozen apples, thaw and drain them before adding to the dish to avoid excess moisture.

Can I add a crumble topping to this bake?

Yes, you can make a simple crumble topping by mixing 1/4 cup of almond flour, 1/4 cup of oats, 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, and 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil. Sprinkle this on top before baking for an added crunchy texture.

Can I serve this with ice cream?

Yes! This bake pairs wonderfully with vanilla or cinnamon-flavored ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert.

Conclusion

This Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bake is the perfect way to enjoy a cozy, nutritious dish that’s packed with flavor. With the combination of tender apples, quinoa, oats, and warm spices, it’s an ideal choice for a healthy breakfast or dessert. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and can be enjoyed by everyone, including those with gluten-free or vegan diets. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or as a make-ahead meal, this bake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bake is a warm and comforting dish perfect for breakfast or dessert. Packed with quinoa, apples, oats, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this naturally sweetened bake is both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a healthy start to your day or a light dessert, this recipe is gluten-free and can be easily customized for a variety of dietary needs.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked quinoa

4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, maple syrup (or honey), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to coat the quinoa with the spices and sweetener.
Add the sliced apples and stir gently to combine with the quinoa mixture.
In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats and chopped nuts.
Add the oat and nut mixture to the quinoa and apple mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the oats are golden brown on top.
Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy it warm with a dollop of yogurt or drizzle with extra maple syrup.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: This bake can be frozen for up to 1 month. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Sweetener Options: Substitute maple syrup with honey, agave, or coconut sugar.

Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American