If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, look no further than this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal. Bursting with sweet apples, warm spices, and a hint of maple, each bite will make you want to slow down and savor your day. This recipe brings together wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors in one easy-to-make dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or fueling your week with nutritious breakfasts on the go. Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal really is fall comfort in a pan, but I love it all year round!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about making Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is how simple yet purposeful each ingredient becomes. Every item plays a special role in building flavor, texture, or that irresistibly golden top you’ll want to dig your spoon into first.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Provide a hearty, chewy base that holds up well during baking for the best texture.
- Baking powder: Gives the oatmeal a gentle lift, ensuring it’s never dense or heavy.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers the warm, spicy aroma and flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet apples.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a subtle background warmth that elevates the cinnamon.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens all the flavors in every bite.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Binds everything together, adding moisture and creaminess—use your favorite kind!
- Maple syrup or honey: Sweetens the oatmeal naturally and infuses an earthy note (maple and apples are a match made in heaven).
- Large egg: Holds the oatmeal together, creating satisfying slices that don’t fall apart.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps you get those gorgeous golden edges.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a mellow sweetness and a homey aroma.
- Medium apples, diced: Provide pops of juicy, fresh sweetness in every bite—no need to peel if you love extra color and fiber.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add crunch and a toasty, nutty layer to complement the apples—totally optional, but highly recommended!
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Prep Your Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish with a touch of butter or nonstick spray. This step sets you up for easy cleanup and ensures your oatmeal will lift out effortlessly with a beautiful, golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give everything a good stir so the spices and baking powder are evenly distributed, which means every bite of your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal will be flavorful and fluffy.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk of your choice, maple syrup (or honey), egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the egg is fully incorporated—this helps create a wonderfully cohesive batter and encourages that signature custardy texture.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Pour the wet ingredients into your bowl with the dry oat mixture. Stir until everything is just combined, then gently fold in your diced apples and nuts (if using). Folding instead of stirring will help keep the apples intact and evenly distributed, so every serving is packed with juicy apple pieces and crunchy nuts.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. When it’s ready, the Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal should be set in the center, lightly golden, and smelling absolutely delicious. Let it cool for about five minutes before serving so it sets up nicely and doesn’t steam away all the flavor.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
For toppings, you can’t go wrong with a generous drizzle of extra maple syrup, a dollop of creamy yogurt, or a splash of cold milk poured right over the top. A sprinkle of additional cinnamon or some sliced fresh apples adds a little wow-factor, both in taste and presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal with crispy breakfast sausage or a side of scrambled eggs for a hearty, balanced morning meal. If you’re craving something lighter, fresh fruit salad or a smoothie turns this breakfast into a complete, nourishing start to your day.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, try baking your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized presentation. Or, cut into neat squares and layer into jars with Greek yogurt and extra apples for an Instagram-worthy, make-ahead breakfast parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It stays moist and flavorful, making weekday breakfasts deliciously easy to grab and go.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully for meal prep! Cool completely, then slice and wrap squares individually, or place the entire dish (well-wrapped) in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm straight from the freezer as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave single portions for about a minute with a splash of milk to restore that just-baked creaminess, or warm the whole baking dish (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven until heated through. Either way, your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal will taste freshly baked every time.
FAQs
Can I prepare Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal the night before?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything up to the point of baking the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply pop it into the oven while you make your coffee, making breakfast almost effortless.
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
I love using crisp, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji, as they hold their shape and balance the sweetness perfectly in the Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It certainly can be! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats, and you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing breakfast everyone can enjoy.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk) and use a plant-based butter or coconut oil. The flavor of Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is just as comforting and lovely.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is fantastic warm or cold. Enjoy it straight from the fridge, reheat with a splash of milk, or even cube and crisp it up in a skillet for a fun twist on breakfast “croutons.”
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a breakfast that brings together warmth, comfort, and pure deliciousness, Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is truly a dish to add to your regular rotation. It’s simple to prep, full of nourishing ingredients, and never fails to impress. Give it a try soon—I think you’ll fall in love bite after cozy, spiced bite!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (if using certified gluten-free oats)
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that is perfect for meal prep. It’s easy to make, full of warm flavors, and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Fold in diced apples and nuts if desired.
- Bake: Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread evenly, and bake for 35–40 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the baked oatmeal cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with extra maple syrup, yogurt, or milk.
- This baked oatmeal can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
