Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting breakfast that fills your kitchen with the smell of fall, this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is exactly what you need. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it your go-to morning treat. It’s warm, hearty, and perfectly sweetened with just the right balance of apples and cinnamon — my family goes crazy for it every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these ingredients come together so naturally, giving the baked oatmeal a warm, comforting flavor without needing anything fancy. When shopping, pick fresh apples that are crisp and flavorful—you’ll really notice the difference!

• Old fashioned oats: They hold their texture beautifully during baking and add great chewiness.
• Ground cinnamon: This warm spice is key to that signature apple-cinnamon flavor.
• Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise up a bit for a lighter texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
• Unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Adds mild sweetness plus creaminess; you can swap for any milk you prefer.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Keeps things moist and adds natural apple flavor.
• Pure maple syrup: My sweetener of choice for depth and subtle complexity; honey or brown sugar also work well.
• Melted butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and helps with browning.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
• Pure vanilla extract: Elevates the aroma and taste.
• Diced apples: I go for Honeycrisp because they keep their shape and sweetness.
• Optional toppings: Think whipped cream, yogurt, nut butters, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for a bit of indulgence.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes your own, and this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is a perfect base to play with flavors and add-ins. It’s so versatile, you’ll find it easy to switch things up based on what you have or what you’re craving.

• Swap apples for pears: One fall, I switched diced apples for ripe pears—my family loved the subtle twist!
• Make it vegan: Use a flax egg instead of eggs, and swap butter for coconut oil to keep it plant-based.
• Boost with nuts or seeds: Toss in walnuts or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Switch sweeteners: If you prefer less sugar, halve the maple syrup and stir in mashed banana for natural sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish well with nonstick spray or butter—this helps the oatmeal from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I like using a glass dish for even baking, but metal works just as well.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and toss in the old fashioned oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good stir to combine — this spreads all those lovely spices and leavening evenly.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, mix together the unsweetened vanilla almond milk, applesauce, maple syrup, melted butter or coconut oil, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. I like to whisk this really well so the eggs and syrup fully blend with the rest — no need to worry about lumps.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour your wet mixture into the oat mixture and stir thoroughly. The batter will be thick, but that’s perfect. Next, fold in the diced apples carefully so they’re evenly distributed throughout the mix. That’s what gives each bite those little apple bursts!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Transfer the oatmeal batter to your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven for 30 to 40 minutes. You want the oatmeal to be set and golden brown on top—when you gently press down, it should feel firm, not jiggly. It’s really satisfying to peek in and see those edges crisp up slightly.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Garnishes

I usually like a dollop of thick Greek yogurt or a little whipped cream on top — it adds a cool creaminess that pairs perfectly with warm, spiced oatmeal. For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle a little maple syrup right before serving. And if you’re feeling fancy, a spoonful of almond or peanut butter is heavenly!

Side Dishes

This baked oatmeal stands beautifully on its own, but I love serving it alongside fresh fruit or a bright green smoothie to round out breakfast. A cup of hot coffee or chai tea really complements those cinnamon notes, making breakfast feel like a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch with friends, I’ve baked this in a larger pan and cut it into squares, then served it stacked with layers of sliced apples and a drizzle of yogurt sauce. It looks beautiful on a platter, and everyone gets their own little apple cinnamon squares — always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps really well for up to 4 days. Just slice it into portions before refrigerating—it makes grabbing a quick breakfast or snack super easy.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. Frozen oatmeal squares keep great for up to 2 months. When I’m ready, I just thaw overnight in the fridge or pop them right into a warm oven.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers in the microwave for about 45 seconds to 1 minute, sometimes with a splash of milk or a spoonful of yogurt to keep it moist. Alternatively, warming in a toaster oven or conventional oven helps bring back that lovely baked texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe turns out every single time—warm, comforting, and just bursting with fall flavors. It’s a recipe I’ve come back to again and again, especially when I want something wholesome but fuss-free in the morning. If you’ve been on the hunt for a baked oatmeal that’s easy, delicious, and kid-approved, give this a try. I think you’ll enjoy it as much as we do!

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