Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a warm, cozy breakfast filled with tender apples, hearty rolled oats, and fragrant cinnamon. Baked until lightly golden and sliceable, it has all the comforting flavors of apple pie in a wholesome breakfast that works beautifully for busy mornings, weekend brunches, and meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked oatmeal combines soft, juicy apples with warming cinnamon and just enough maple sweetness. Old-fashioned oats give it a satisfying chewy texture, while eggs and milk create a tender bake that holds together well enough to slice.
It is also wonderfully simple. Everything comes together with basic pantry ingredients, and you can prepare a generous baking dish at once. This easy baked oatmeal with apples is family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and delicious served warm with yogurt, milk, cream, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup.
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 medium firm apples, cored and diced
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Core and dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Peel them first if you prefer a softer texture.
- Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Stir until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture and stir until all the oats are evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the diced apples, distributing them throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Allow the oatmeal to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Tricks
Choose firm apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji because they maintain their texture better during baking. Granny Smith provides a pleasant tart contrast to the maple syrup, while Honeycrisp and Fuji create a naturally sweeter breakfast.
Use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats for the best chewy texture. Steel-cut oats require different amounts of liquid and a longer cooking time, so they should not be substituted directly.
For extra warmth, add a small pinch of nutmeg or allspice. Chopped walnuts or pecans can also add crunch.
To make dairy-free apple cinnamon oatmeal, replace the milk with unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk and use melted coconut oil instead of butter.
For the most attractive slices, give the oatmeal at least 10 minutes to set after removing it from the oven.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 55–60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, halal-friendly; can be made dairy-free
Notes
Maple syrup gives the oatmeal a smooth sweetness that pairs especially well with cinnamon and apples. Brown sugar can be used instead for a slightly deeper caramel-like flavor.
For serving, try warm baked oatmeal with Greek yogurt, fresh apple slices, chopped nuts, milk, or a light drizzle of maple syrup.
Individual portions are also convenient for a make-ahead breakfast. Reheat a slice in the morning for a quick meal without preparing oatmeal from scratch.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 8 servings:
- Calories: 300–330
- Protein: 8–10 g
- Carbohydrates: 48–52 g
- Fat: 10–12 g
Nutrition will vary depending on the milk, sweetener, butter, and toppings used.
FAQ
Can I make Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it ahead, allow it to cool, cover it, and refrigerate. Individual portions can then be reheated for an easy breakfast throughout the week.
What are the best apples for baked oatmeal?
Firm apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji work especially well. They soften while baking without disappearing completely into the oats.
Can I make this apple cinnamon oatmeal dairy-free?
Yes. Use your preferred unsweetened plant-based milk and replace the melted butter with coconut oil or another suitable dairy-free alternative.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats are recommended because they produce a pleasantly chewy baked oatmeal. Quick oats absorb liquid differently and can create a softer, less defined texture.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes. You can slightly reduce the maple syrup or brown sugar, especially when using naturally sweet apples. Keep in mind that changing the sweetener may slightly affect the moisture of the finished oatmeal.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Absolutely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins pair particularly well with this healthy apple cinnamon breakfast. Fold them into the oat mixture before baking.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the baked oatmeal in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
For longer storage, cut the oatmeal into individual portions and freeze them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger portions, cover and warm them in a 325°F (165°C) oven. A splash of milk can help restore moisture.
Similar Recipes
Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 medium firm apples cored and diced
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Core and dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Peel them first if you prefer a softer texture.
- Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Stir until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture and stir until all the oats are evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the diced apples, distributing them throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Allow the oatmeal to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Conclusion
Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal turns simple pantry staples into a comforting breakfast the whole family can enjoy. Tender apples, warming cinnamon, chewy oats, and gentle maple sweetness make every bite satisfying without making the recipe complicated.
Whether you serve it fresh from the oven for brunch or portion it out as a make-ahead breakfast, this cozy apple oatmeal bake is an easy recipe worth keeping in your breakfast rotation.