There is something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of baked oats filled with tender apples and the cozy aroma of cinnamon. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is an absolute gem for breakfast lovers seeking a wholesome, hearty, and naturally sweet start to their day. Packed with wholesome rolled oats and fresh diced apples, it balances delightful texture and rich flavor perfectly, making it a breakfast dish you’ll want to revisit again and again. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe brings a lovely sense of home on every plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a simple yet flavorful way, each playing an essential role. From the hearty rolled oats to the warm spices and naturally sweet apples, every element contributes to the dish’s inviting texture, sweetness, and color.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Provides a chewy, hearty base that soaks up moisture beautifully while maintaining texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, fragrant spiciness that complements the sweet apples perfectly.
- Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal puff up slightly for a light, tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together, giving the baked oatmeal structure.
- Milk or milk alternative: Adds moisture and creaminess—choose your favorite dairy or plant-based milk.
- Maple syrup or honey: Provides natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aroma that blends beautifully with cinnamon and apples.
- Fresh apples: Peeled, cored, and diced for tender, fruity bursts in every bite.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small chunks. This size ensures they soften perfectly during baking while still providing a lovely texture that complements the creamy oats. Using fresh apples brings a natural sweetness and moisture that is essential for this dish.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This step evenly distributes the spices and leavening agent, which is key to a perfectly balanced flavor and texture throughout the baked oatmeal.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract together until smooth and well combined. This mixture adds moisture, sweetness, and that irresistible vanilla scent that will fill your kitchen as you bake.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry oat mixture, then fold in the chopped apples gently. Mixing just until combined ensures the oats soak up the liquid without becoming mushy, while the apples stay nicely distributed.
Step 5: Transfer and Bake
Grease a baking dish, then pour in the oatmeal batter, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma at this point is downright irresistible!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the baked oatmeal cool slightly before slicing. This resting time helps it set up perfectly so you get neat, satisfying squares that hold their shape whether you’re serving up a quick breakfast or a cozy brunch spread.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Top your baked oatmeal with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of warm milk for creaminess. Sprinkle some chopped nuts or extra cinnamon on top to add crunch and enhance the flavors. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey at serving time can take it from good to irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair this oatmeal with fresh fruit to brighten your plate and add refreshing contrast. Crispy bacon or sausage links offer a savory balance, while a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai rounds out the meal with comforting warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal in individual ramekins or mason jars — perfect for portion control and easy gifting. Layer it with yogurt and granola to create a breakfast parfait with extra texture and flavor that feels special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 4 days, making it a convenient option for busy mornings or quick snacks during the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Slice the baked oatmeal into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen portions can be kept for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, microwave a slice for 30 to 60 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until hot throughout. Add a splash of milk or a spoonful of yogurt to refresh the texture and keep every bite creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or berries make fantastic substitutions that give this baked oatmeal a new seasonal twist while maintaining the moist texture and natural sweetness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats. Oats themselves are naturally gluten-free but can be cross-contaminated, so check your packaging if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the eggs for flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, and use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk. Maple syrup is already vegan, so that part stays the same.
How sweet is the Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe?
The sweetness is subtle and natural, balanced by the maple syrup (or honey) and fresh fruit, making it perfect for those who prefer a lightly sweetened breakfast without overpowering sugar.
Can I add nuts or seeds to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chia seeds can add delightful crunch and an extra boost of nutrition when stirred into the batter before baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a wholesome breakfast that feels like a warm hug, you really have to try this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s simple to make, endlessly satisfying, and packed with flavors that brighten your morning. Trust me, once you make this, it will become one of your favorite staples for busy days or leisurely weekends alike. Enjoy every cozy bite!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a comforting and wholesome breakfast option that combines tender baked oats with warm cinnamon and fresh diced apples. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, this nutritious dish is perfect for starting your day with a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prepping.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk or milk alternative (such as almond, oat, or soy milk)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Produce
- 2 medium fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks to ensure they soften nicely during baking while maintaining some texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk (or milk alternative), maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Bring It All Together: Add the wet ingredients to the dry oat mixture, then fold in the chopped apples gently. Stir just until everything is combined to evenly distribute the apples and wet ingredients.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the oatmeal batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the oatmeal set perfectly for clean slices and a better texture.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant or steel-cut, for the best texture.
- Maple syrup adds a rich flavor, but honey is a great substitute for sweetness.
- Feel free to substitute apples with other fruits like pears or berries based on preference.
- For a dairy-free version, use almond, oat, or soy milk as indicated.
- Leftover baked oatmeal can be refrigerated for up to 5 days and reheated in the microwave.
- Add a handful of nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition if desired.
