Name: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups old fashioned oats; 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 3/4 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of your choice); 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (can use brown sugar or honey); 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil, slightly cooled; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup diced apples (Honeycrisp recommended); Whipped cream; Yogurt; Nut butter; Drizzle of maple syrup or honey; Sprinkle of brown sugar; Dash of cinnamon; Splash of milk; Apple slices; Dried cranberries

If you’re craving a cozy, wholesome breakfast that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to absolutely love this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s one of those comforting dishes that’s simple to make but tastes like you’ve been baking all morning. I discovered this recipe on a chilly Saturday, and since then, it’s become a go-to in my house because of its perfect balance of sweet apples and fragrant cinnamon. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my best tips so yours turns out just as amazing!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The apples and cinnamon create a cozy, classic combo that tastes homemade and inviting.
Easy and Foolproof: No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy a hearty breakfast that’s ready in under an hour.
Flexible Ingredients: You can swap in your favorite milk or sweetener and still get fantastic results.
Great for Meal Prep: This baked oatmeal keeps well and reheats beautifully for busy mornings.

The image shows a white square baking dish filled with a baked oatmeal dish, cut into six pieces. The top layer is golden brown with visible oats and small apple chunks scattered throughout. On each cut piece, there are thin slices of red and yellow apples arranged in a fan shape, adding a fresh look to the warm baked texture. Around the baking dish, there are whole and sliced apples, a knife, a glass of dark liquid, cinnamon sticks on white plates, all placed on a soft peach-colored cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The heart of this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. I recommend using old-fashioned oats because they hold their texture well in baking, and choosing crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp adds that perfect balance of tart and sweet. Here’s a quick rundown with all the little nuances I’ve learned along the way.

Old fashioned oats: They give a nice chewy texture; avoid instant oats as they can get mushy.
Ground cinnamon: Freshly ground if you can—it makes a big difference in aroma and depth of flavor.
Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise a bit and stay fluffy rather than dense.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness perfectly.
Unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Adds subtle sweetness and creaminess; you can use dairy or any plant milk you prefer.
Unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a natural sweetener and helps keep it moist.
Pure maple syrup: I love the rich flavor it lends, but brown sugar or honey work just as well.
Melted butter or coconut oil: For richness and a golden crust—try not to skip this!
Large eggs: They bind everything together and give a tender crumb.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
Diced apples: Fresh and crisp, diced small so they soften just right during baking.
Optional toppings: Think whipped cream, yogurt, nut butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe my own depending on the season or mood. Don’t hesitate to tweak it a bit to match your taste or dietary needs—you’ll find it’s very forgiving and versatile.

Vegan Version: Swap eggs for flax eggs (mix 2 tbsp flaxseed meal with 6 tbsp water) and use coconut oil instead of butter. It works surprisingly well!
Fruit Swaps: Try pears or fresh berries instead of apples for a twist; I’ve done mixed berries in summer, and it’s delightful.
Crunch Factor: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans either mixed in or sprinkled on top for texture.
Sweetener Choices: Maple syrup’s my go-to, but you can cut back or substitute with honey or brown sugar based on what you have.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease with butter. This little prep ensures your baked oatmeal will slide out easily when it’s done and helps create that perfect crust on the edges.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the old fashioned oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir them well so the cinnamon and baking powder distribute evenly. This base is what gives you that comforting, spiced flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, applesauce, maple syrup, melted butter (or coconut oil), beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This blend adds moisture and sweetness while keeping the oatmeal tender after baking.

Step 4: Bring It All Together and Add Apples

Pour your wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry oats. Stir everything thoroughly until the oats are fully coated. Then fold in the diced apples—this is what makes the oatmeal shine with fresh bursts of sweetness. Avoid overmixing here to keep a nice texture.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Transfer the combined oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll want to bake until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set in the center—like a firm but tender crumble. Pro tip: check around 30 minutes by giving the dish a slight shake; if it jiggles too much, bake a bit longer.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Use Fresh Apples: I’ve found that fresher apples like Honeycrisp hold their shape and add the best texture after baking.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir just until incorporated to keep the oats from getting too gummy.
Let It Cool Slightly: Baked oatmeal sets better if you let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing—this is key for neat servings.
Adjust Sweetness Last: Taste the batter before baking; if you prefer sweeter oatmeal, add a touch more maple syrup or brown sugar.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

A single serving of apple crumble sits on a white plate with a dark rim, showing three layers: the bottom layer is soft and golden-brown baked apple pieces, the middle is a thick, crumbly oat and cinnamon mixture in a light tan color, topped with a generous dollop of white whipped cream sprinkled lightly with cinnamon powder. Next to the crumble are two fresh apple slices with red and yellow skin and pale yellow flesh. The white marbled surface features scattered oats and cinnamon sticks, while a blurred red and yellow apple and a dish of butter chunks are visible in the background. A fork holds a bite of the crumble with a woman's hand about to pick it up photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spoonful of almond butter to add creaminess and a little protein punch. A light drizzle of maple syrup over the top or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon makes it feel indulgent but still wholesome. Fresh apple slices or dried cranberries add a nice pop of color and extra fruitiness, too.

Side Dishes

My family often pairs this with a side of scrambled eggs or a hot cup of coffee or chai tea—a perfect, balanced breakfast. For a brunch spread, fresh fruit salad or roasted nuts fit beautifully alongside it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served the baked oatmeal in individual ramekins, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cinnamon stick garnish. It transforms this simple breakfast into a delightful treat that impresses guests while still feeling comforting and familiar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically keep leftover baked oatmeal covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. I’ve found that storing it in an airtight container prevents it from drying out, so it stays moist and flavorful each morning I reheat a slice.

Freezing

If I want to prep in bulk, I slice the baked oatmeal and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When frozen, it keeps well for up to 2 months—a lifesaver for busy weeks.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I usually microwave a slice for about 45 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave power, or pop it in a toaster oven to crisp up the edges beautifully. Adding a little splash of milk before heating keeps it nice and moist.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of old fashioned oats?

Steel-cut oats are a bit too coarse and take longer to cook, so they aren’t the best choice for this baked oatmeal recipe. Old fashioned oats have the right texture and bake through nicely, resulting in that perfect moist-yet-chewy texture.
Is this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats as regular oats might be cross-contaminated with gluten-containing grains.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a crowd?

Yes, absolutely! You can double the recipe and bake in a larger pan, or prepare individual portions in ramekins. This makes serving easy and ensures everyone gets their own perfect portion.
What’s the best way to sweeten if I don’t want to use maple syrup?

Brown sugar or honey are excellent alternatives. Just adjust the amount to taste since each sweetener has a different level of sweetness and moisture.
Can I add nuts or seeds to the recipe?

Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds gives extra crunch and nutrition. Mix them into the batter or sprinkle on top before baking for a delicious twist.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe holds a special place in my morning routine—it’s that perfect blend of comforting and nourishing. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want something quick and satisfying to kick off your day, this baked oatmeal won’t disappoint. I encourage you to try it and see how the simple magic of apples and cinnamon can transform your breakfast into a moment of joy. Trust me, it’s a fan-freaking-tastic way to start any morning!