Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
There’s something truly magical about a breakfast that fills your kitchen with warm spices and coziness, and Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal does just that. This wholesome dish combines hearty oats, sweet apples, and a perfect hit of cinnamon for a morning treat that tastes like autumn comfort in every bite. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also filling, nourishing, and absolutely irresistible—ideal for a lazy weekend or meal prepping your weekday breakfasts. Trust me, once you smell this bake in the oven, you’ll want to make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal a staple in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal lies in its simple, everyday ingredients—each one plays a key role in building flavor and creating just the right texture. These basics come together to make a surprisingly special dish you’ll crave again and again.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Offer a hearty, chewy base that stands up well to baking and soaks up all the lovely flavors.
- Baking powder: Gives the oatmeal a light lift so it isn’t dense or soggy.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the oatmeal with irresistible warm spice that’s essential to this classic combination.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds extra depth and a subtle sweetness to the overall spice profile.
- Salt: Sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Keeps the bake moist and creamy, plus lets you customize for any dietary preference.
- Maple syrup or honey: Naturally sweetens the oatmeal and wonderfully complements the apples and cinnamon.
- Eggs: Bind everything together for a sliceable, cohesive texture.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a gentle aroma that brings out the best in all the ingredients.
- Melted butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and helps create a delectable, golden top.
- Apples (peeled, cored, and diced): Bring freshness, flavor, and juicy pops in every bite.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Deliver extra crunch and a nutty contrast to the tender oatmeal.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which gives the dish the perfect baking temperature for a golden, set top. Take out your 9×9-inch baking dish and give it a light greasing—either with butter, coconut oil, or a nonstick spray. This not only prevents sticking but makes serving up neat, delicious squares a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir them together, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed and each oat is dusted with flavor. This step creates the base that will absorb all the liquid goodness later on.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together your milk of choice, maple syrup or honey for natural sweetness, eggs for structure, vanilla extract for warmth, and the melted butter or coconut oil for that irresistible richness. Whisk until everything is thoroughly combined—the aroma itself is wonderfully inviting!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry oat mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to stir gently until you see no dry patches left. The oats should begin to soak up the flavors, and the whole bowl will look creamy and well blended.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Next, fold in the diced apples (go for a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) and your choice of chopped walnuts or pecans if using. The apples bring juicy sweetness and the nuts add a sweet crunch, taking your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal over the top.
Step 6: Get Ready to Bake!
Pour your oat and apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. If you’d like a little extra sweetness and shine, sprinkle a bit of brown sugar over the top before popping it into the oven.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is gloriously golden and the center feels set when gently pressed. Let the oatmeal rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking—this helps it firm up for perfect slices and gives you a moment to savor the dreamy apple cinnamon aroma wafting through your home.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
Dress up each warm square with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for a bit more flair. Chopped nuts, a handful of fresh apple slices, or even a dusting of powdered sugar all work beautifully as finishing touches.
Side Dishes
Pair your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal with creamy scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a heartier breakfast spread. A fresh fruit salad or a cup of hot coffee rounds out the meal, making your morning feel like a special brunch event.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your oatmeal squares into decadent breakfast parfaits—layer them with yogurt and berries in a glass, or crumble and warm them over vanilla ice cream for a cozy fall dessert. You can even cut them into bars and wrap them up for an on-the-go treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh, moist, and delicious for up to 5 days. It’s just as good reheated as when it was freshly baked, making for an easy breakfast throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual portions of baked oatmeal by wrapping them tightly or storing them in a freezer-safe container. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge or pop a square straight into the microwave for a quick warm-up whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, just warm a portion in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through, or bake covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep the oatmeal moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
You can use quick oats in a pinch, but the texture will be softer and less hearty. Old-fashioned rolled oats really give this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal its signature chew and structure.
What’s the best kind of apple for this recipe?
Firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal, holding their shape during baking and giving you lovely pops of tart-sweet flavor in every bite.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats to keep the Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal naturally gluten-free for any sensitive eaters.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Simply use your favorite non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and opt for coconut oil or plant-based butter instead of dairy butter. The results are just as delicious!
Can I make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything the night before, keep it in the fridge, then bake fresh in the morning for an easy, warm start to your day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s equal parts nourishing, satisfying, and soul-warming, you can’t go wrong with Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal. Whether for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to return to again and again. Go ahead—give it a try and invite that cozy homemade magic into your kitchen!
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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a comforting and nutritious breakfast option that’s perfect for fall mornings. Packed with the flavors of apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this dish is easy to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
Additional:
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup or honey, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter or coconut oil.
- Combine mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Fold in the diced apples and nuts, if using.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use any type of apple, but firmer varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best.
- For added sweetness, sprinkle brown sugar on top before baking.
- This oatmeal reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
