If you crave a comforting breakfast that feels like a warm hug, you’ll love Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal. Combining tender baked oats with the sweet tang of fresh apples and the aromatic warmth of cinnamon, this dish is a wholesome and delicious way to start your day. It’s packed with cozy flavors and nourishing ingredients, making it a perfect treat for chilly mornings or anytime you need a little comfort on your plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Wholesome Comfort: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal delivers the perfect balance of soft baked oats and tender apples, creating a naturally soothing breakfast experience.
Easy to Prep: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe fits effortlessly into busy mornings or weekend brunch plans.
Customizable Flavor: The blend of warm cinnamon and sweet apples is endlessly adaptable to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Nutrition Boost: Packed with fiber from oats and vitamins from apples, it keeps you full and energized throughout the morning.
Inviting Aroma: Nothing wakes you up like the delicious smell of cinnamon and baked apples coming from the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal may look fancy, but it’s built from simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a role in bringing out amazing taste, texture, and that inviting golden color.

Rolled Oats: The base of the dish, providing that hearty, chewy texture you love in baked oatmeal.
Fresh Apples: Choose a crisp variety for the perfect sweet-tart contrast against the warm spices.
Cinnamon: Adds the signature warm spiciness that makes this recipe unforgettable.
Milk or Plant Milk: Keeps everything moist and blends the ingredients together beautifully.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Offers natural sweetness that balances the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Egg: Helps bind the oatmeal, making each slice hold together perfectly.
Baking Powder: Gives the baked oatmeal a light, fluffy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor depth and complements the apple-cinnamon combo.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the natural sweetness and spice.
Optional Nuts or Seeds: For added crunch and nutrition.

Variations for Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

One of the best things about Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is how easy it is to switch things up to match your pantry and preferences. Feel free to experiment with these yummy variations.

Nut Lover’s Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a toasty crunch that complements the oats perfectly.
Vegan Friendly: Use flax eggs and plant-based milk to keep it plant-powered without losing any flavor.
Extra Spice Kick: Mix in nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a multi-layered cinnamon experience.
Fruit Swap: Substitute apples with pears, peaches, or berries depending on the season and what you love the most.
Chocolate Chip Delight: Sprinkle in dark chocolate chips for a sweet surprise inside each bite.

Why Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Tastes Amazing

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven and lightly greasing your baking dish so the oatmeal doesn’t stick and develops a nice golden crust.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to evenly distribute the warm spices and leavening agents.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until fully blended, creating a smooth batter that will soak into the oats.

Step 4: Add Apples and Mix Together

Peel, core, and dice fresh apples into bite-sized pieces. Fold them into the dry ingredients before pouring in the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is nicely combined.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Transfer the oatmeal mixture into your prepared dish. Bake in the oven until the top turns golden brown and the center sets, generally around 30 to 40 minutes depending on your oven.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the baked oatmeal cool slightly before slicing to allow it to firm up. Then, dish it out and enjoy this cozy breakfast treat!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Use Fresh Apples: Crisp apples provide better texture and a brighter flavor than canned or frozen ones.
Don’t Skip the Cinnamon: It’s the star spice that creates the comforting apple cinnamon profile.
Even Slices: Cutting your apples evenly ensures consistent baking and texture.
Let It Rest: Allowing the oatmeal to cool makes for cleaner slices and better presentation.
Experiment with Liquids: Trying different types of milk can subtly change the flavor and creaminess to your liking.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Garnishes

A dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup on top enhances both the look and flavor, while a sprinkle of toasted nuts adds texture and depth.

Side Dishes

Pair with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced and satisfying morning meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve warm oatmeal in individual ramekins or cut into bars for a grab-and-go breakfast that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days without losing freshness.

Freezing

This baked oatmeal freezes beautifully—wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and freeze them for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to keep the texture moist and comforting.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use certified gluten-free oats instead of regular rolled oats to make a delicious gluten-free version of this recipe.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Absolutely. Replace eggs with flax or chia eggs and use plant-based milk to make a vegan-friendly Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal.

Can I add extra protein to this baked oatmeal?

Definitely. Stir in protein powder or top with nut butter for an extra protein boost to keep you full longer.

How do I know when the oatmeal is fully cooked?

The oatmeal should have a golden-brown top and firm center, with no liquid remaining. A toothpick should come out mostly clean when inserted.

Can I prepare the mixture the night before?

Yes! Mix everything the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is one of those irresistible breakfasts that combines nutrition, flavor, and coziness with every bite. It’s easy to make, infinitely adaptable, and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Give this recipe a try and bring a little warmth and joy to your mornings—you deserve it!

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Print Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a comforting and wholesome breakfast dish that combines tender baked oats with fresh apples and warm cinnamon spices. Perfect for chilly mornings, this hearty recipe is easy to prepare, customizable to dietary preferences, and packed with fiber and vitamins to keep you energized throughout the day.

Author: Judy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
2 medium fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups milk or plant-based milk
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped nuts or seeds (e.g., walnuts, pecans)
Additional spices like nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to taste
Dark chocolate chips for added sweetness
Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for vegan option

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing your baking dish to prevent sticking and promote a golden crust.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (or honey) until fully blended, creating a smooth batter that will soak into the oats.
Add Apples and Mix Together: Fold the diced fresh apples into the dry ingredients, then pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is nicely combined. Add optional nuts, seeds, or spices if desired.
Bake Until Golden: Transfer the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before slicing to let it firm up. Serve warm, optionally garnished with a dusting of cinnamon, drizzle of maple syrup, toasted nuts, fresh fruit, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Notes

Use fresh, crisp apples for the best texture and flavor.
Don’t skip the cinnamon—it’s essential for the signature taste.
Cut apples evenly for consistent baking and texture.
Let the oatmeal rest after baking for cleaner slices and better presentation.
Experiment with different types of milk to adjust flavor and creaminess.
Certified gluten-free oats can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk.
You can prepare the mixture the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk to maintain moist texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 250
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: apple cinnamon baked oatmeal, baked oatmeal, healthy breakfast, gluten free oatmeal, comforting breakfast, vegan option, easy breakfast recipe