Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal – Cozy, Make-Ahead Breakfast
Warm, tender, and just sweet enough, Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is the kind of breakfast that makes mornings easier. It tastes like a soft apple cake but fuels you like a bowl of oats. You can throw it together in one bowl, bake it once, and enjoy it all week.
It’s simple, cozy, and endlessly flexible. Whether you’re feeding a family or stocking your fridge for busy days, this recipe fits right in.
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal - Cozy, Make-Ahead Breakfast
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat and prep. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment for easy removal.
- Combine dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups rolled oats, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add a pinch of nutmeg if you like.
- Whisk the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 ¾ cups milk, 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ½ cup unsweetened applesauce.If using melted butter or coconut oil instead of applesauce, let it cool slightly before whisking in.
- Fold in apples and extras. Core and dice 2 medium apples into small cubes (about 2 cups). Stir them into the wet mixture along with ⅓ cup chopped nuts and ⅓ cup raisins if using.
- Combine wet and dry. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly moistened. The batter will be loose—that’s good.
- Pour and smooth. Spread the mixture into the prepared dish.Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top, or add a few thin apple slices for a pretty finish.
- Bake. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. A toothpick should come out mostly clean.
- Rest and serve. Let it cool for 10 minutes to set. Slice and serve warm as-is, or top with yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a splash of warm milk.
What Makes This Special
This baked oatmeal is all about comfort with practical perks. The apples bake down into soft, juicy bites, while cinnamon and vanilla fill the kitchen with that classic fall aroma.
The texture lands somewhere between oatmeal and a soft bar—easy to slice, easy to reheat. – Meal prep friendly: Bake once, enjoy 5–6 servings throughout the week. – Balanced and satisfying: Whole grains, fruit, protein, and healthy fats keep you full. – Customizable: Swap the milk, sweetener, or mix-ins to fit your tastes or pantry. – Less mess: One bowl, one baking dish, minimal cleanup.
Shopping List
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick or steel-cut)
- Baking powder
- Ground cinnamon (plus a pinch of nutmeg, optional)
- Salt
- Milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
- Eggs (or a flax egg substitute)
- Applesauce (unsweetened) or melted coconut oil/butter for richness
- Maple syrup or honey
- Pure vanilla extract
- Apples (crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji)
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
- Raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
How to Make It
- Preheat and prep. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment for easy removal.
- Combine dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups rolled oats, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add a pinch of nutmeg if you like.
- Whisk the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 ¾ cups milk, 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ½ cup unsweetened applesauce.
If using melted butter or coconut oil instead of applesauce, let it cool slightly before whisking in.
- Fold in apples and extras. Core and dice 2 medium apples into small cubes (about 2 cups). Stir them into the wet mixture along with ⅓ cup chopped nuts and ⅓ cup raisins if using.
- Combine wet and dry. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly moistened. The batter will be loose—that’s good.
- Pour and smooth. Spread the mixture into the prepared dish.
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top, or add a few thin apple slices for a pretty finish.
- Bake. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. A toothpick should come out mostly clean.
- Rest and serve. Let it cool for 10 minutes to set. Slice and serve warm as-is, or top with yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a splash of warm milk.
How to Store
– Refrigerate: Cool completely, then cover or portion into containers.
Store up to 5 days in the fridge. – Freeze: Wrap individual squares and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave from frozen in 30-second bursts. – Reheat: Microwave a slice for 45–60 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes. Add a splash of milk if you like it softer.
Health Benefits
– Whole grains for steady energy: Rolled oats are rich in soluble fiber, especially beta-glucan, which supports heart health and helps keep you full. – Natural sweetness: Apples and maple syrup add gentle sweetness without relying on refined sugar. – Protein and fats: Eggs, milk, and nuts offer staying power, which helps prevent mid-morning crashes. – Nutrients from apples: Apples bring fiber, vitamin C, and polyphenols that support overall wellness.
What Not to Do
– Don’t use instant oats or steel-cut oats without adjusting the recipe.
Instant turns mushy; steel-cut won’t soften enough. – Don’t skip the salt. A small pinch makes the cinnamon and apple flavor pop. – Don’t overbake. Dry, crumbly oatmeal is a sign it went too long.
Remove when the center is just set. – Don’t add too much liquid. If you add extra fruit or mix-ins, keep the milk amount the same or the bake may be soggy. – Don’t cut it immediately. Give it at least 10 minutes to set so slices hold together.
Recipe Variations
– Apple Pie Vibes: Add ¼ teaspoon each of ground ginger and allspice, plus a handful of chopped pecans. – High-Protein: Stir in ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt or 1–2 scoops unflavored whey/plant protein.
If using protein powder, add a few extra tablespoons of milk. – Dairy-Free: Use almond, oat, or soy milk. Swap butter for coconut oil, or stick with applesauce. – No-Refined-Sugar: Use only applesauce and chopped dates for sweetness. Increase cinnamon for warmth. – Crumble Topping: Mix 2 tablespoons oats, 1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and a pinch of cinnamon.
Sprinkle on before baking for a lightly crisp top. – Kids’ Favorite: Add mini chocolate chips (¼ cup) and reduce the maple syrup to ¼ cup to balance sweetness. – Extra Fruity: Fold in blueberries or diced pears along with the apples for a juicy twist.
FAQ
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes. Replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes). The texture will be slightly softer but still holds well.
What kind of apples work best?
Crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala work well.
They hold their shape without going mushy and add great flavor.
Can I assemble it the night before?
You can mix everything except the baking powder, then stir it in right before baking. If you mix it all ahead, the oats absorb more liquid and the texture becomes denser—still good, just different.
How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons and rely on the apples for sweetness. You can also use unsweetened applesauce and add more cinnamon or vanilla for flavor.
Is this gluten-free?
It can be.
Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and make sure all other ingredients, like baking powder, are labeled gluten-free.
How do I prevent soggy baked oatmeal?
Measure the liquid accurately, use rolled oats, and avoid very juicy apple varieties cut too large. Bake until the center is set and let it rest before slicing.
Can I bake this in muffin cups?
Absolutely. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin and fill nearly to the top.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–26 minutes, until set and lightly golden.
In Conclusion
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is the kind of recipe that makes busy mornings feel calm and cozy. It’s easy to prep, easy to reheat, and flexible enough to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Make a pan on Sunday, and you’ll have a warm, nourishing breakfast ready to go all week.
Simple, wholesome, and reliably delicious—just the way breakfast should be.
