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 (preferably Honeycrisp); 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 searching for a cozy, wholesome breakfast that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, I’ve got you covered with this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that’s both comforting and nourishing, perfect for chilly mornings or when you want something that holds you over until lunch. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why my family goes crazy for this baked oatmeal — it’s hearty, naturally sweet, and packed with cinnamon-spiced apple flavor that just can’t be beat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Minimal prep and one pan means less mess and more time enjoying your breakfast.
Deliciously Comforting: The warm cinnamon and fresh apples make every bite taste like fall mornings.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add toppings based on what you have and like.
Family Favorite: My loved ones ask for this over and over — a sure sign it’s a classic in my kitchen.

The image shows a flat white bowl filled with light beige rolled oats at the center right. To the right of the oats is another white bowl filled with small, cubed pieces of red and yellow apple. At the bottom right is a white cup holding a foamy yellow mixture. Surrounding these bowls are small containers holding different ingredients: a clear glass jug with white milk at the top center, a white bowl with clear liquid on the top left, a white bowl with a thick dark syrup below it, and three small brown wooden bowls holding salt, cinnamon powder, and a light powder below the oats. A soft peach-colored cloth is spread across the white marbled surface under and around the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe comes together to create a balanced, flavorful dish that’s both filling and heartwarming. I find using old fashioned oats gives a nice chewy texture, while the combination of apples and cinnamon fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Old fashioned oats: These hold up well during baking, leaving a perfect chewy bite — avoid instant oats for this recipe.
Ground cinnamon: Fresh ground is best if you can, but store-bought works great too for that classic warm spice.
Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal puff up slightly and keeps it from turning too dense.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
Unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Use any milk you prefer, but the vanilla adds a subtle extra touch of flavor.
Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and a mild sweetness without extra sugar; homemade or store-bought works fine.
Pure maple syrup: I love the depth maple syrup adds, but you can also swap in brown sugar or honey depending on your pantry.
Melted butter or coconut oil: Butter gives richness, while coconut oil offers a subtle tropical note—both delicious.
Large eggs: The binding agents to give structure and that satisfying sliceable texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Just a couple teaspoons deepen the overall flavor and round everything out.
Diced apples: I love Honeycrisp for their crispness and natural sweetness; Gala or Fuji apples also work beautifully.
Optional toppings: Whipped cream, yogurt, nut butter, maple syrup drizzle, a dash of cinnamon, or dried cranberries add fun variety.

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 absolutely love how versatile this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe can be. Over time, I’ve experimented with different add-ins and swaps, and I encourage you to make it your own, too! This is a recipe that truly welcomes personalization.

Add nuts or seeds: Toasted walnuts or pecans add crunch, and chia seeds can boost nutrition while thickening the texture.
Change up the fruit: Swap apples for pears, or mix in some frozen berries for a fresh twist — my kids loved it with blueberries!
Make it vegan: Use flax eggs instead of eggs and coconut oil in place of butter, and you’re all set.
Boost the spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves along with cinnamon for a warmer, spicier flavor profile.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a little butter. This simple prep step helps ensure the oatmeal won’t stick and makes serving a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. I like to whisk these a bit so the spices and baking powder get evenly distributed — it really helps with flavor consistency.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, mix the almond milk, unsweetened applesauce, pure maple syrup, melted butter or coconut oil (make sure it’s cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs), beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely combined.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir it all together until the oats are fully coated. Then gently fold in the diced apples. Make sure the apples are evenly spread out to get bites filled with sweet fruit.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Transfer the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the oatmeal feels set in the center when you give it a gentle poke. It might look a little soft but will firm up as it cools.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Use Fresh Apples: I discovered that fresh, crisp apples like Honeycrisp keep the texture perfect — avoid mealy or overripe apples.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on it after 30 minutes; overbaking can make it dry, but a slightly underdone center is okay as it sets while cooling.
Cooling Time Matters: Letting it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.
Mix Thoroughly: Stirring the wet and dry well means no pockets of dry oats or clumpy cinnamon, which elevates every bite.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a slice of apple oat dessert on a round white plate with a dark rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The dessert slice has two distinct layers: a dense, textured bottom layer filled with chunks of apple and oats in golden brown tones, and a topping of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon, giving it a soft white and light brown look. Next to the dessert are two fresh apple slices with shiny red and yellow skin. A fork holds a bite of the dessert with whipped cream. In the background, there is a whole red apple and another slice of the dessert on a white plate with a dark rim, blurred out. Scattered bits of oats and cinnamon sticks add rustic charm to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my baked oatmeal with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or a smear of almond butter for richness and extra protein. A little drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkling of cinnamon on top adds that sweet finishing touch and makes it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pairing this baked oatmeal with a side of scrambled eggs or a simple spinach salad makes for a well-rounded breakfast that will keep you energized all morning — my family enjoys it just with fresh fruit on the side, too.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun trick I’ve tried is baking this oatmeal in individual ramekins for a cute brunch presentation, perfect for impressing guests. You can also layer it in a glass dish with yogurt and granola to create a visually stunning breakfast parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked oatmeal keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually cut it into portions so it’s ready to grab-and-go for busy mornings.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in freezer bags. When you want a quick breakfast, just thaw overnight in the fridge or pop it straight into the toaster oven.

Reheating

Reheat your slices gently in the microwave for about 45 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F until heated through. Adding a splash of milk when reheating keeps it moist and delicious.

FAQs

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

Steel-cut oats aren’t recommended for this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe because they require a much longer cooking time and won’t soften enough in the baking period. Stick to old fashioned oats for the perfect texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just ensure you use certified gluten-free oats to avoid any cross-contamination. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe and tasty option.
How do I make this recipe sweeter without adding refined sugar?

You can increase the maple syrup slightly or add natural sweet toppings like fresh apple slices, a drizzle of honey, or dried cranberries to boost sweetness while keeping it wholesome.
Can I prepare the baking dish the night before?

Yes! Mixing the ingredients and refrigerating the dish overnight works great. Just take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before baking and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become such a beloved staple in my morning routine — it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket first thing in the day. I love sharing it with friends because it’s easy to make, filling, and customizable enough to suit everyone’s tastes. Give it a try; I promise you’ll enjoy the warm cinnamon aroma and tender apples as much as we do. Once you do, this baked oatmeal might just become your new favorite breakfast too!