Inside: Make this baked oatmeal casserole ahead of time. Use any fruit you have on hand…especially perfect for that last apple no one will eat!
I love a good baked oatmeal casserole. It’s delicious, frugal, and a great way to use up those leftover pieces of fruit that no one seems to want to eat (for whatever reason).
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Baked Oatmeal Casserole: Upcycle Leftover Fruit!
Whenever I notice that we have fruit that is being neglected (that poor pear was just the wrong shape, I guess), I know that it’s time to whip up a batch of Scrappy Baked Oatmeal Casserole.
I like to make this oatmeal the day before…which means that everyone comes home from school or work to a yummy smelling house! It smells like cookies baking, and tastes delicious.
I know. Pretty mean of me to make them wait until the next morning to enjoy it.
You can do so many things with this recipe. Just use whatever you have on hand to make this an ultra frugal menu item!
Add In Ideas
This recipe is so versatile, you really can’t go wrong. Here are some things you can add:
- the last apple/pear/banana that no one wants
- berries (any combination!)
- fruit from the freezer
- raisins or other dried fruit
- nuts
- extra spices (cloves, nutmeg, allspice)
- chocolate or butterscotch chips
Just use whatever you have. If you have a random pile of fruit to use, just make sure the flavors compliment each other. Apples go well with pears, peaches and berries, etc.
It’s a great way to clean out the fridge, and it feels like I got something for free!
Oh, and that’s also what makes it “scrappy”. Get it??
- ½ c brown sugar
- ½ t salt
- 1 t baking powder
- 1 t cinnamon
- 1 t vanilla
- 1 c milk
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- ¼ c applesauce
- ⅓ c softened butter
- 3½ c quick cooking oats
- leftover fruit(s) including diced apples, pears, peaches, bananas, etc.
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Mix together the brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Add vanilla and milk. Mix in eggs and applesauce. Cut butter into the mixture. Mix in your oats. Dice up and add any fruit of your choice in the amount you prefer (I use about ¼ cup).
- Pour into greased 9"x13" casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes or until nicely browned.
What is your favorite way to use up fruit that has seen better days?
My family is clawing out of debt, one un-bought fast food bag at a time. When I'm not sharing frugal tips, you’ll find me indulging a sweet tooth, juggling our 5 kids’ activities, or playing Rescue Bots (though the preschooler always insists I'm doing it wrong). Hope you'll join the fun and chaos at Medium Sized Family! 
I love this! And I love the name! Believe it or not, I have never made baked oatmeal before, I’m going to have to try this though, you’ve made it so easy!
It’s really surprising how easy it is to make! And the kids love it.
I haven’t made baked oatmeal before. So you make this the night before and heat it up in the mornings?
Yep, I find that the easiest way to do it if you don’t have the extra time to bake it in the mornings. Some of my kids don’t even heat it up, they just eat it like cereal.
I’ve never made my own oatmeal but this looks really good. Thanks so much for sharing at Share The Wealth Sunday!
xoxo
Lisa
This is thrifty! Thanks for sharing it at Harvest Lane Cottage.
Thanks for hosting. 🙂