Sometimes the best recipes happen when you least expect it. Take for example, this delicious baked quinoa oatmeal apple pie! Sweet apples, hearty oats, and protein-packed quinoa make for a healthy breakfast or mid-morning snack for the kids.

This isn’t your average baked oatmeal, in fact, in naming this recipe I contemplated whether it was more of an “oatmeal” or a “pie.” It has a crumbly, buttery texture (just like apple pie) but it also creamy and hearty (just like oatmeal). The name I believe, suits the recipe perfectly!

My inspiration for this recipe came about after overcooking a batch of quinoa the other day. As per usual, I make a large batch of quinoa on the weekend so I can prepare some of my favourite quinoa dishes during the week, such as Quinoa Tabbouleh and Caramelized Onion Lentil and Raisin Quinoa.

With two kids vying for my attention it wasn’t a surprise that I ended up with a mushy pot of overcooked quinoa! Lesson learned: set the timer! As you might know, quinoa doesn’t come cheap, so the last thing I wanted to do was throw it out. Instead, I was inspired to make this baked quinoa oatmeal apple pie!

Ingredients
(Yields 16 2×2 pieces)
1 packed cup cooked quinoa
1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts (or nut of choice)
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. ground flax seed (optional)
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 cups almond milk (formula or milk of choice)
*If you prefer a creamier consistency add an extra 1/4-1/2 cup of milk
1 organic egg, whisked
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup coconut oil (or butter or applesauce)
1/3 cup raw honey (or other sweetener)
1 apple of choice, finely diced
1 apple of choice, sliced thinly

Heat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, gently mix all the dry ingredients. Once combined, add the wet ingredients, including the diced apple and mix with a large wooden spoon until well combined.

I had my sous-chef do all the hard work!

Pour mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish layered with parchment paper.

If desired, add sliced apple, layering over the top of the mixture.

Baked for 25-30 minutes until the crispy and golden brown.
*TIP: To check for doneness, place a fork in the middle of the pan. If it comes out clean, it is cooked.

Remove from the oven immediately while the oatmeal is still somewhat spongy.

Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat or with a tall glass of milk (or espresso for the adults!).