Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a wholesome, comforting dish filled with the warm flavors of cinnamon and the natural sweetness of apples. Made with old-fashioned oats and lightly sweetened with maple syrup or honey, this baked oatmeal is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a healthy dessert option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked oatmeal is cozy, satisfying, and easy to prepare. It’s naturally sweetened, loaded with fiber, and adaptable for dairy-free and gluten-free diets. The tender baked apples combined with cinnamon create a classic flavor pairing, while the oats offer a hearty base. Great for meal prep, it can be made ahead and reheated throughout the week, making mornings more manageable and delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- old-fashioned oats
- milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- unsweetened applesauce
- maple syrup or honey
- large egg
- vanilla extract
- ground cinnamon
- baking powder
- salt
- diced apples (any variety)
- chopped nuts (optional)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce, maple syrup or honey, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until everything is evenly combined.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and optional chopped nuts.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with extra cinnamon, maple syrup, or a dollop of yogurt if desired.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Variations
- Berry Apple Oatmeal: Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries to the mixture for added color and tartness.
- Coconut Twist: Stir in shredded coconut and use coconut milk for a tropical flair.
- Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) and use plant-based milk.
- Extra Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder or mix in Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients.
- Apple Crumble Style: Top with a mixture of oats, brown sugar, and butter before baking for a crunchy topping.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. This dish can also be frozen—slice into portions, wrap tightly, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer. Old-fashioned oats provide the best structure for baked oatmeal.
What type of apple is best?
Any variety works well, but firmer apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji hold their shape best during baking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I make it without eggs?
Yes, substitute with a flax egg or leave it out entirely; the applesauce helps bind the mixture.
How do I prevent the oatmeal from being too wet?
Ensure the mixture is baked until golden and set in the center. You can also reduce the milk slightly for a firmer texture.
Can I prepare it the night before?
Yes, mix the ingredients, pour into the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
Can I add raisins or dried fruit?
Absolutely. Add about 1/4 cup of raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for extra sweetness and texture.
Is it sweet enough without syrup?
The applesauce and apples add natural sweetness, but you can increase or decrease the sweetener to suit your taste.
What can I serve it with?
Serve with Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, nut butter, or fresh fruit on top.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. You may need to increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes.
Conclusion
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a wholesome, comforting dish that makes a nourishing breakfast or guilt-free dessert. With its warm spices, tender apples, and hearty oats, it’s perfect for crisp mornings or cozy evenings. Easy to customize and great for meal prep, this recipe is a seasonal staple that brings comfort and nutrition together in every bite.
Print
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast / Snack / Healthy Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a wholesome, hearty, and naturally sweet breakfast or dessert option that brings the comforting flavors of fall to your table. Made with oats, fresh apples, warm spices, and a hint of maple syrup, it’s perfect for meal prep, cozy mornings, or a healthy treat any time of day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (any variety)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- and vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well mixed.
- Fold in Fruit & Nuts: Gently fold in diced apples and chopped nuts if using.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, extra cinnamon, or a dollop of yogurt.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days—just reheat before serving.
- For a sweeter version, add raisins or extra maple syrup.
- Great for breakfast meal prep—cut into bars for grab-and-go mornings!
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