Easy Apple Casserole

$- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended) - 1 cup rolled oats - 1 cup packed brown sugar - ½ cup walnuts or pecans (optional) - ½ cup unsalted butter - 1 cup whole milk - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg The ingredients here make your apple casserole simple and tasty. You want to start with fresh apples. Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and crisp. Either choice works well. Next, rolled oats add texture and heartiness. Brown sugar brings a lovely sweetness. If you like nuts, add walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist. You can skip them if you prefer a smoother dish. For the baking essentials, use unsalted butter to control the salt level. Whole milk adds creaminess, while pure vanilla extract gives a warm flavor. Finally, cinnamon and nutmeg spice up your dish. They create a cozy aroma and taste. Together, these ingredients create a delightful apple casserole that anyone can enjoy. For the full recipe, check out the details below. - First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. - Next, peel, core, and slice the apples. I like using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice tart flavor. - In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and nuts if you choose. - Mix it well, so the apples are coated nicely. - In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, stirring gently. - Transfer everything to the greased baking dish and spread it evenly. - Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Look for soft apples and a golden top. - Once done, take it out and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. For the full recipe, check out the details above and enjoy this delicious dish! Choose tart apples for the best flavor. Tart apples balance the sweetness of the dish. I like using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Both add a nice zing to the casserole. Their firm texture holds up well during baking, making them ideal for this recipe. To know when your casserole is done, check the apples. They should be soft but not mushy. A golden brown top is a sign of perfection. For a crispy top layer, sprinkle a few extra oats before baking. You can also broil the casserole for a minute at the end. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning. You can add more depth to your casserole with spices. A pinch of ginger or allspice can elevate the taste. For extra crunch, consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans. If you want a sweet finish, top it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. You can also drizzle caramel sauce on top for a treat. For more tips, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} To make this easy apple casserole gluten-free, swap rolled oats with gluten-free oats. This simple change lets everyone enjoy the dish without worry. Just make sure the oats are certified gluten-free. You’ll still get that great texture and flavor. For a vegan version, you can replace butter and milk with plant-based options. Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter. Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk work great in place of whole milk. This way, you can keep the dish creamy and delicious without any animal products. You can add other fruits to the casserole for extra flavor. Pears, peaches, or berries can pair well with apples. Just chop them up and mix them in with the apples. This adds a fun twist and diverse tastes to your dish. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand! For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions! To store leftover casserole, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. I recommend using glass containers. They seal well and are easy to clean. You can also use plastic containers with tight lids. Make sure to eat it within three to five days for the best taste. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. This keeps it safe from freezer burn. After wrapping, put the pieces in a freezer bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warm. This keeps the flavor and texture nice. In the fridge, the casserole lasts about three to five days. In the freezer, it can last for two to three months. After that, the taste may fade. Enjoy your delicious casserole while it’s fresh! Yes, you can use different apple types. Granny Smith apples bring a nice tartness. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and crisp. Other options include Fuji or Braeburn. Each variety adds its own flavor, so choose what you like best. Mixing apples can also create a more complex taste. Don't be afraid to experiment! You can tell the casserole is done by checking the apples. They should feel soft when pierced with a fork. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp. A good rule is to bake for 40-45 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Your kitchen will smell amazing when it's ready! You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just follow the steps up to mixing the ingredients. Cover the dish and store it in the fridge. When you're ready, bake it for 40-45 minutes. If you want to reheat leftovers, do so at 350°F until warm. Enjoy the ease of making this ahead! For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. This article covered a simple apple casserole recipe. We discussed the main ingredients, baking steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to choose the best apples and achieve the right texture. I also shared variations and storage tips to keep it fresh. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Enjoy trying this recipe with your favorite apples! Happy baking!$

Indulge in the warmth of a delicious Cinnamon-Apple Delight Casserole that’s perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines tart apples, rolled oats, and aromatic spices to create a comforting treat. Ready in just an hour, it’s a great centerpiece for your dessert table. Whether enjoyed warm or with a scoop of ice cream, this casserole is sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this tasty delight to your kitchen!

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Ingredients

4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended for tartness)

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ cup walnuts or pecans, finely chopped (optional for added crunch)

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and chopped nuts (if using). Mix thoroughly, ensuring the apple slices are well coated with the dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Gradually pour the wet mixture over the apple and oat mixture. Gently stir everything together until just combined, making sure not to break up the apple slices too much.

Carefully transfer the entire mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the top is a beautiful golden brown. You might notice a delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to set. This dish can be enjoyed warm on its own or topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8

- Serving Suggestions: For an elegant presentation, serve individual portions in dessert bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Enjoy your delightful creation!