Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is the breakfast that will make you actually look forward to getting out of bed. Imagine warm, cozy oats baked with sweet apples, fragrant cinnamon, and just the right touch of maple syrup. This dish is wholesome, filling, and perfectly spiced, making it a true crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding your family on a busy morning or hosting a leisurely brunch. With every bite, you get a lovely balance of textures and flavors, and it’s so easy to make ahead for stress-free mornings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, but each one is key to the dish’s irresistible flavor and texture. Gather your apples and oats—everything else comes together in minutes, and every ingredient has a role in making this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal shine.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These create the heartiness and structure for the baked oatmeal, holding up beautifully during baking.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the oats and apples with deep, warming flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a touch adds a subtle, nutty warmth that enhances the cinnamon.
- Baking powder: Gives the oatmeal a gentle lift so it’s not too dense when baked.
- Salt: Balances all the sweet and spiced flavors, bringing everything together.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds creaminess and helps meld the oats and spices.
- Maple syrup or honey: Naturally sweetens the oatmeal and adds depth—pick your favorite!
- Large egg: Binds the mixture, giving it just the right texture once baked.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a sweet aroma that ties all the flavors together.
- Melted butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and helps the oatmeal stay moist.
- Diced apples: Choose your favorite variety; they become tender and juicy, bursting with flavor in every bite.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a delicious crunch and a hint of nutty flavor—totally up to you!
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan with a bit of butter or oil. This prevents sticking and makes serving the finished Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices, ensuring every bite is packed with warm, cozy flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup (or honey), egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter or coconut oil. This mixture will add sweetness, moisture, and richness to your oatmeal.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is just combined. Then fold in the diced apples and nuts if you’re using them. The apples will dot the oatmeal with juicy bursts of flavor, while the nuts add a satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The aroma of Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal will fill your kitchen—pure comfort!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your baked oatmeal cool for 5–10 minutes. This short rest helps it firm up, making it easy to slice and serve. Now you’re ready to enjoy the ultimate cozy breakfast treat.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
Bring your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal to the next level with delicious toppings. Try a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of creamy yogurt, or a handful of extra toasted nuts for crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top always looks inviting and adds even more flavor.
Side Dishes
This oatmeal pairs beautifully with a bowl of fresh fruit, a smoothie, or even scrambled eggs for extra protein. If you’re hosting brunch, a platter of crisp bacon or breakfast sausage balances the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the baked oatmeal into squares and serve them in muffin liners for a grab-and-go feel. You can also layer warm oatmeal in a jar with yogurt and fruit for a parfait-style breakfast, or serve it warm in bowls with a splash of milk for a comforting, spoonable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal cool completely, then cover the dish tightly or transfer squares to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days; the flavors only get better as they mingle!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers or wrap squares in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep well for up to three months. This makes it easy to grab a quick, wholesome breakfast anytime the craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual servings for about a minute, or warm a larger portion in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk before reheating if you like your oatmeal extra moist, and top with your favorite garnishes.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Quick oats will work in a pinch, but the texture will be softer and less hearty. For the best Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, I recommend sticking with old-fashioned rolled oats for that classic chewy bite.
What kind of apples are best for baked oatmeal?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up well during baking and add a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavor. Feel free to use your personal favorite as well!
Is Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure you’re using certified gluten-free oats, as regular oats may be cross-contaminated. All the other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), use non-dairy milk, and opt for coconut oil instead of butter. Sweeten with maple syrup and you have a vegan-friendly Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal.
Can I add other mix-ins like raisins or berries?
Absolutely! Raisins, dried cranberries, or fresh berries are all delicious additions. Stir them in with the apples for even more flavor and texture in every bite of your baked oatmeal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a breakfast that feels both special and nourishing, Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is it. It’s the kind of recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, loved by kids and adults alike. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bring a little extra warmth and comfort to your mornings!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast that’s perfect for fall mornings. Packed with wholesome oats, sweet apples, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be made ahead for a quick, nutritious start to your day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (peeled if desired)
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup or honey, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter or coconut oil until smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is thoroughly mixed and the oats are well coated.
- Add apples and nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts or pecans if using, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Transfer and bake: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and serve: Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Serve as is or with a splash of milk, yogurt, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- This baked oatmeal can be prepared ahead of time and reheated throughout the week for a quick breakfast option.
- Serve warm with milk, yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance flavor and creaminess.
- For variation, substitute apples with pears or add raisins for a different fruity twist.
- Peeling the apples is optional depending on your texture preference.
- Nuts are optional; feel free to omit or substitute with your favorite seeds or nuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 1/6 of the dish)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
