Creating the Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake involves simple steps. Follow these directions to prepare your dish:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and eggs until well blended.
4. Mix in Fruit and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples, nuts, and raisins or cranberries (if using) into the dry mixture.
5. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool: Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

These steps will guide you through creating a breakfast bake that is not only tasty but easy to make!