Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Warm, nourishing, and brimming with the comforting flavors of fall, Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a breakfast that feels like a hug from the inside out. This wholesome, cozy dish combines hearty oats, sweet apples, and the gentle spice of cinnamon for a make-ahead breakfast that’s as satisfying on a hectic weekday as it is on a lazy weekend brunch. Whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven or reheating it for a quick, nutritious start to your day, this recipe might just become your new favorite morning ritual.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how straightforward these ingredients are—each one plays a starring role in building the flavor, texture, and golden color of Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal. Let’s get ready to assemble a nourishing dish you’ll return to again and again!
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The backbone of this recipe, lending hearty texture and creaminess to every bite.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that signature cozy aroma and depth of flavor—don’t skimp!
- Baking powder: This helps the oatmeal bake up light and just a little fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch amps up all the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to complement the apples and cinnamon.
- Milk (dairy or plant-based): Moistens the oats and helps everything come together—feel free to use your favorite.
- Unsweetened applesauce: This not only sweetens naturally but keeps the oatmeal moist and tender.
- Maple syrup or honey: Adds gentle sweetness and a lovely flavor that makes the oatmeal taste extra special.
- Large egg: Binds the bake for that perfect sliceable texture.
- Melted butter or coconut oil: Adds richness, flavor, and just the right amount of decadence.
- Vanilla extract: Gives a touch of sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Diced apples (peeled or unpeeled): Use crisp, sweet apples for lovely bursts of juicy flavor and a pop of color.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For crunch and a little nutty earthiness—totally up to you!
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal bakes evenly right from the start. Grease an 8×8-inch or similar-sized baking dish with butter, coconut oil, or nonstick spray—this prevents any potential sticking and makes for easy serving later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Stir thoroughly so that the spices are evenly distributed—this way, every bite is bursting with warm flavor and the oats bake uniformly.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
Grab another bowl and whisk together the milk, applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), egg, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract until well blended. This mixture will infuse your oatmeal with natural sweetness, a hint of richness, and help create a creamy texture throughout.
Step 4: Combine and Fold in Apples (and Nuts)
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the oat mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated, making sure there are no dry pockets left. Gently fold in the diced apples—and walnuts or pecans if you’re using them—for a lovely combination of tender fruit and a crunch in every bite.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pop it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden color and the center feels set when lightly pressed. Once baked, let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes—this helps the oats firm up, making it easier to cut and serve the Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
Transform your oatmeal from everyday to irresistible with a few simple garnishes! A drizzle of warm maple syrup, a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, or a handful of chopped toasted nuts elevates every bite. Fresh apple slices look beautiful on top and add extra crunch and sweetness, making each serving even more inviting.
Side Dishes
While Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is hearty enough on its own, it pairs beautifully with a bowl of fresh seasonal fruit or a bright citrus salad to cut through the richness. Add scrambled eggs or a side of breakfast sausage for a protein-packed morning, or simply enjoy your oatmeal with a hot mug of coffee or chai for a fuss-free, comforting start to your day.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, slice the baked oatmeal into neat squares and serve on a platter with bowls of toppings so guests can customize their own. Or, portion the mixture into individual ramekins before baking for perfectly personal servings. For on-the-go breakfasts, wrap squares of cooled oatmeal for a wholesome treat you can eat with your hands anywhere.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best perks of Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is how well it stores. Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious and moist for up to 5 days, making breakfast a breeze all week.
Freezing
This oatmeal freeze beautifully! Simply cut cooled portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the fridge for a grab-and-go breakfast that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, just pop a portion in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until warmed through, or heat it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Add a splash of milk before reheating if you prefer a softer, creamier consistency—it’s just as comforting as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or soy) and use coconut oil instead of butter. The texture stays luscious, and the flavor is every bit as dreamy.
What are the best apples to use in this recipe?
Crisp, slightly sweet varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work wonderfully—these hold their shape while baking and deliver a delicious burst of flavor in every bite of the Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal. If you love a little tartness, Granny Smith is a fantastic option, too.
Can I leave out the egg for a vegan version?
Yes, you can! Substitute the egg with a flaxseed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and allowed to sit for a few minutes). Your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal will still hold together beautifully.
How can I make this recipe even healthier?
Try reducing the sweetener slightly or add extra diced apples for natural sweetness. Use unsweetened plant-based milk and toss in chia or flax seeds for extra fiber and nutrition.
Can I assemble this the night before?
Definitely! Prepare the oatmeal mixture and pour it into your greased baking dish, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it into the oven and bake as directed for a truly effortless breakfast.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a breakfast that’s simple, comforting, and gently spiced, you just can’t go wrong with Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal. It’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to your table, and I hope it becomes just as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine. Give it a try and let those cozy aromas welcome you to the day!
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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delicious Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, this dish is a comforting and nutritious way to start your day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, applesauce, maple syrup, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stir until combined, then fold in diced apples and nuts if using.
- Bake: Spread the mixture in the baking dish and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This baked oatmeal can be made ahead and reheated for quick breakfasts.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and coconut oil.
- Enhance the dish with a drizzle of almond butter or a splash of warm milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
