Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is the one you’ll want to make over and over. I absolutely love how this turns out — it’s the perfect balance of tender oats, juicy apples, and the comforting spice of cinnamon. Trust me, once you try it, your kitchen will be filled with that irresistible aroma that gets everyone excited for breakfast. Plus, it’s super easy to put together, which is always a win in my book!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a lovely part; the oats add that hearty base, while the apples and cinnamon bring a sweet and spicy twist you’ll adore. Here are some tips on picking and prepping the best ingredients:

• Old fashioned oats: These give great texture and hold up well in the oven without getting mushy.
• Ground cinnamon: Use fresh cinnamon if you can—it makes a noticeable difference in aroma and taste.
• Baking powder: This little helper makes sure your baked oatmeal isn’t too dense.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweetness.
• Unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Adds a subtle nutty flavor; you can swap with any milk you prefer.
• Unsweetened applesauce: This is a secret to keeping the oatmeal moist and adding natural apple flavor.
• Pure maple syrup: For that lovely natural sweetness—honey or brown sugar work too if that’s what you’ve got.
• Melted butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and keeps the oat mixture nicely tender.
• Eggs: They bind everything together perfectly.
• Pure vanilla extract: Just a hint adds warmth and depth.
• Diced apples: I love using Honeycrisp because they stay a little crisp after baking, but any sweet apple will do.

Variations

I love customizing this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe to fit different moods or ingredient availability. Feel free to make it your own—after all, that’s where the fun happens!

• Add Nuts or Seeds: I sometimes toss in walnuts or pecans for crunch, or sprinkle chia seeds for extra nutrition—it’s a simple way to switch things up.
• Make it Vegan: Swap eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use coconut oil instead of butter.
• Switch the Fruit: Pears or berries work wonderfully too, especially in spring or summer when apples aren’t as fresh.
• Extra Spices: A dash of nutmeg or ground ginger adds a cozy twist if you’re feeling adventurous.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a bit of butter. I like using the nonstick spray because it makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the oatmeal from sticking to the edges.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and combine the oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir them together so everything is evenly distributed—this helps make sure every bite is perfectly flavored. I like to sift the baking powder in with the cinnamon to avoid any clumps.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together your milk, applesauce, maple syrup, melted butter (or coconut oil), beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. This part always smells heavenly—especially the vanilla mixed with that maple syrup! Make sure your melted butter has cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs prematurely.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the oats. Stir until everything is well combined and the oats are nicely moistened. Then, fold in the diced apples gently. The apples add lovely texture and fresh bursts of flavor throughout the baked oatmeal.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pour your oat mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the oatmeal looks set around the edges, the center no longer jiggles, and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown. If you’re unsure, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or just slightly moist.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Garnishes

I often top my servings with a swirl of whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess, plus a drizzle of extra maple syrup if my sweet tooth is calling. Sometimes, I sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top or add a handful of dried cranberries for a bit of tartness. Apple slices on the side also make it feel extra festive.

Side Dishes

This baked oatmeal pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea for cozy mornings. For a more substantial breakfast, I like serving it alongside scrambled eggs or turkey sausage to balance the sweetness with some savory protein.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this baked oatmeal in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own perfectly baked portion. I also love layering warm baked oatmeal in a cup with yogurt and fresh fruit to create a beautiful breakfast parfait—your guests will be impressed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever there are leftovers (which honestly don’t last long in my house), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s delicious cold, but I much prefer to reheat it gently to bring back that freshly baked warmth.

Freezing

I sometimes freeze leftovers in individual portions, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe freezes beautifully and thaws quickly overnight in the fridge—perfect for batch cooking.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy and prevent dryness. You can also warm it in a small oven-safe dish at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become such a staple in my home because it’s both comforting and practical. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a lazy weekend brunch, you can count on it to deliver hearty goodness with minimal fuss. I genuinely can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, you’ll see why my family keeps asking for it. So go ahead, grab those apples and cinnamon, and give this recipe a whirl—you won’t be disappointed!

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