Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 19 reviews

If you’re anything like me, breakfast is way more than just a routine—it’s a delightful way to start the day with something comforting and nourishing. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe with you. It’s warm, cozy, packed with tender apple chunks and just the right amount of cinnamon spice to make your mornings feel like a hug. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it your go-to breakfast, especially on chilly days.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Sweetness: Combining white and brown sugar brings depth without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
  • Perfect Texture: Old fashioned oats bake up soft yet still slightly chewy, creating an inviting mouthfeel.
  • Warm Spices: Ground cinnamon infuses the dish with that classic comforting aroma that pairs beautifully with fresh apples.
  • Simple Prep: With straightforward steps, this recipe fits right into busy mornings without making you feel rushed.
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, healthy baked oatmeal with apples and cinnamon, cozy breakfast ideas, easy apple oatmeal recipes, comforting breakfast dishes - A glass baking dish filled with a baked oat and apple square dessert, showing a textured, golden-brown crumbly oat topping with pieces of apple visible inside. One square is placed on a white plate with ridged edges to the right, showing the same oat and apple mix with a slightly rough top. A silver fork rests above the plate on a wooden table. A folded purple and white checkered cloth is placed between the plate and the glass dish. A red apple sits below the cloth near the bottom edge. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe plays a starring role to deliver a wholesome, cozy dish. From the oats providing hearty body to the apples adding juicy sweetness, here’s why everything comes together so harmoniously.

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, healthy baked oatmeal with apples and cinnamon, cozy breakfast ideas, easy apple oatmeal recipes, comforting breakfast dishes - Flat lay of a small mound of old fashioned oats, a small white bowl of white sugar, a small white bowl of packed brown sugar, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of table salt, a small white bowl of milk, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of melted salted butter, fresh peeled apple chunks arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Old Fashioned Oats: These give great texture when baked—sturdy enough to hold shape but soft enough to be comforting.
  • White Sugar: Adds clean sweetness that enhances the natural flavors.
  • Brown Sugar: Offers a molasses-rich depth that complements the apples and cinnamon.
  • Baking Powder: Gives a slight lift, preventing the oatmeal from becoming too dense.
  • Ground Cinnamon: The signature spice—warm, sweet, and perfect with apples.
  • Table Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates the overall flavor.
  • Milk: Creates moisture so the oats bake tenderly; you can swap for plant-based milk if you prefer.
  • Eggs: Bind all the ingredients together for structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
  • Salted Butter: Melted butter enriches flavor and contributes to a luscious texture.
  • Chopped Apples: Fresh and peeled, they become tender pockets of juicy flavor throughout.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is how flexible it is to tweak! If you want a little less sweetness or maybe a richer spice flavor, it’s super easy to adjust it to exactly what you love.

  • Extra Crunch: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking gives a wonderful texture contrast—I tried this last fall and couldn’t get enough of the nutty crunch.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Swap butter for coconut oil and milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that’s just as tasty.
  • Spice it Up: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger if you want that extra warmth in the flavor profile.
  • Fruit Variations: Try swapping apples out for pears or adding frozen berries for seasonal creativity.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease up an 8×8-inch glass baking dish generously. I like using a little butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and help the edges crisp just right.

Step 2: Mix All the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Making sure these are well combined ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then stir in your melted (but cooled) butter—this avoids scrambling the eggs when mixed.

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and gently mix until just combined. Then fold in the peeled, chopped apple chunks so they’re evenly distributed but not mushy.

Step 5: Bake and Wait…(Almost There!)

Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a set center—when you gently press in the middle, it shouldn’t jiggle like liquid, but it will be slightly soft. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing up.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

  • Choose the Right Apples: I prefer tart apples like Granny Smith because they hold shape well and balance the sweetness with a bright flavor.
  • Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined to avoid a dense bake — gently folding the apples last keeps them from getting too mushy.
  • Room Temperature Butter: Always let the melted butter cool before adding; hot butter can cook the eggs prematurely.
  • Test Your Oven’s Accuracy: If your baked oatmeal seems underdone or dry, an oven thermometer helps you bake at the perfect temp.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, healthy baked oatmeal with apples and cinnamon, cozy breakfast ideas, easy apple oatmeal recipes, comforting breakfast dishes - A single square piece of oat crumble dessert sits in the center of a white plate with ridged edges. The dessert has two main layers: the top layer is golden brown with a rough texture made of baked oats mixed with cinnamon, while the bottom layer appears softer and darker, showing a moist filling beneath the oats. The plate is placed on a wooden table, and in the background, there is a glass baking dish with more of the same oat crumble. A dark red and white checkered cloth is also slightly visible behind the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

My favorite way to top this baked oatmeal is a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a splash of cold milk—it beautifully contrasts the warm, tender texture. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few extra cinnamon crystals or chopped nuts to amp up the flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

This baked oatmeal works wonderfully alongside a side of crispy bacon or sausage for those who want something savory. Fresh fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt make light, refreshing accompaniments too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal recipe in individual ramekins to make it extra cozy and personal. Another idea is layering with yogurt and granola in a trifle dish for brunch guests—always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the baked oatmeal cool completely, then cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 5 days, making it an easy grab-and-go breakfast during busy mornings.

Freezing

If I have extra, I freeze single portions by wrapping slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. This recipe freezes well and stays moist after reheating—not all baked oats do, so I was pleasantly surprised!

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the toaster oven because it reheats evenly and keeps the edges a little crisp. The microwave works too if you’re in a rush, but I recommend covering the oatmeal with a damp paper towel to prevent dryness.

FAQs

  1. Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe?

    You can, but quick oats tend to bake into a softer, sometimes mushier texture. Old fashioned oats hold up better during baking for a nice chewy bite. If you’re short on time, quick oats are still doable but expect a different texture.

  2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    The recipe is gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated with gluten, so always check your packaging if you’re sensitive or celiac.

  3. Can I make this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe vegan?

    Yes! Replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute and use your favorite plant-based milk. For the eggs, some people have success with flax eggs, but it may change the texture slightly.

  4. How do I store leftovers to keep them fresh?

    Allow the baked oatmeal to cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 5 days.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become a comforting ritual for me—it’s the kind of breakfast that makes a chilly morning feel warm and special. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, whether as a weekday treat or a cozy weekend brunch. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll fall in love with the way those tender apples and cinnamon flavors come together. You’ve got this!

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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 19 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Tender chunks of apple are baked with hearty rolled oats and warm cinnamon spices to create a comforting and wholesome Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal. This easy-to-make breakfast dish combines sweet apples, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar for a cozy morning treat that can be made ahead and enjoyed warm or cold.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups Old Fashioned Oats
  • ½ cup White Sugar
  • ½ cup Brown Sugar, packed
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Table Salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup Milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • ½ cup Salted Butter, melted and cooled

Fruits

  • 1 ½ – 2 cups peeled and chopped apple chunks

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8×8 inch glass baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly blended.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until the mixture is smooth and combined.
  4. Incorporate Melted Butter: Whisk the melted and cooled salted butter into the oat mixture to add richness and flavor.
  5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the peeled and chopped apple chunks, distributing them evenly through the mixture.
  6. Pour and Bake: Pour the complete oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the center is set and lightly golden on top.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the baked oatmeal cool in the dish for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with additional milk or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Gluten free: Use certified gluten free oats to ensure the recipe is gluten free.
  • Dairy free: Substitute salted butter with butter-flavored coconut oil or regular coconut oil and use coconut milk or another plant-based milk alternative.
  • Freezing: After cooling to room temperature, cover the baked oatmeal tightly with two layers of foil and freeze until solid. Transfer to a deep freezer for long-term storage up to 2 months.
  • Doubling: To make a larger batch, double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan.
  • Storage: Cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven, oven, air fryer, or microwave. Consume within 5 days for best quality.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

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