Freshly baked Apple and Butternut Squash Oatmeal Bake in a white ceramic dish, with soft golden-brown edges and a moist, comforting interior, served on a cozy autumn-themed table with fall leaves and linen.

🍂 Cozy Autumn Apple & Butternut Squash Oatmeal Bake

A family-friendly bake for babies, toddlers, and grown-ups alike

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, wholesome meal shared with your little one. This Apple & Butternut Squash Oatmeal Bake is the kind of cozy dish that feels like a hug in a bowl — sweetened naturally with fruit, soft in texture, and full of fall flavor. Best of all, it’s baby-friendly (from around 8 months and up), yet totally satisfying for the grown-ups at the table too.

Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a no-fuss dinner, this bake can be prepped ahead and enjoyed all week. Let’s dive in!

🍁 Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • 1 cup butternut squash puree (homemade or store-bought)

  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (or 1 grated apple for more texture)

  • 1 cup milk of choice (breastmilk, formula, cow’s milk, oat milk, etc.)

  • 1 egg

  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional — omit for under 1 year if avoiding added flavors)

  • 2 tbsp finely chopped raisins or dates (optional — only for 12+ months)

  • 1 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter (optional for richness)

🥣 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish.

  2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, squash puree, applesauce, milk, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.

  3. If using, fold in chopped raisins or dates and the coconut oil or butter.

  4. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and smooth out the top with a spoon.

  5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.

  6. Let it cool slightly before slicing. For babies, make sure it’s cool to the touch and soft enough to mash or chew.

🍼 For Babies

  • This bake is super soft, so you can mash it with a fork or cut it into bite-sized chunks.

  • Make sure the texture is suitable for your baby’s chewing ability.

  • If your baby is new to solids, skip the dried fruit and nutmeg.

🍽️ For Parents

  • Add a drizzle of maple syrup, a scoop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds.

  • It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea on a chilly morning.

🔁 Tips & Easy Swaps

  • No butternut squash? Use canned pumpkin or sweet potato puree instead.

  • Egg allergy? Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 mins).

  • Dairy-free? Use oat, almond, or coconut milk — whatever suits your family.

  • Want more texture? Use grated apple instead of applesauce and toss in a handful of chopped pecans (for adults only).

  • Make ahead: Bake once, and store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze in portions.

💛 Why Parents Love It

This recipe is one of those rare finds: easy to make, packed with nutrition, and delicious for both babies and adults. The oats provide fiber, the squash adds vitamins A and C, and the natural sweetness from apples makes it feel like a treat — without any added sugar.

Whether you’re introducing solids, chasing a toddler, or just trying to get through the morning with something warm and nourishing, this bake is here for you.

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