Name: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups old fashioned oats; 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 3/4 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of your choice); 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (can use brown sugar or honey); 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil (slightly cooled); 2 large eggs (beaten); 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup diced apples (Honeycrisp recommended); Whipped cream; Yogurt; Nut butter; Drizzle of maple syrup or honey; Sprinkle of brown sugar; Dash of cinnamon; Splash of milk; Apple slices; Dried cranberries

If you’re looking to cozy up your breakfast game, this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is absolutely the way to do it. I love how it fills the kitchen with that warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples—the perfect start to any day. And trust me, whether you’re making it for a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend brunch, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and easy to whip up. Stick around, because I’ll share all my tips and tricks so you can nail it every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Flavors: The blend of apple and cinnamon makes every bite taste like fall in a bowl, warm and comforting.
Easy Prep: It takes just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time to get it in the oven.
Perfect Make-Ahead: This baked oatmeal keeps well for leftovers, which makes busy mornings way easier.
Family Approved: My family always asks for this one again—it’s wholesome and delicious, without any fuss.

The image shows several ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface with a soft, light pink cloth draped around them. In the center, there is a white bowl filled with light tan rolled oats. To the right, a white bowl contains small cubes of red and yellow apple pieces. Below it, a small white pitcher holds a thick yellow liquid with some bubbles on top. Above the oats bowl, there is a small rustic brown bowl with white salt and another small bowl with dark liquid, likely vanilla extract. On the left side, a clear glass pitcher is filled with white milk, next to it is a white bowl with a transparent liquid, possibly water, and a small white bowl with a dark brown thick syrup. Below those, there is a small dark bowl of light brown powder, likely cinnamon, and another small bowl containing pale powder, probably baking soda. The arrangement is clean and well spaced on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here all work in harmony for that perfect, tender baked oatmeal texture and that classic apple-cinnamon flavor. A quick note: using old fashioned oats (not instant) is key for the right bake and lovely chewiness.

Old fashioned oats: Provides hearty texture and holds up well to baking without getting mushy.
Ground cinnamon: This warm spice ties the apples and oats together beautifully—don’t skimp on it!
Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise gently for a fluffy, tender result.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly, balancing the sweetness.
Unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Adds creaminess without overpowering the apple flavor; you can use any milk you prefer.
Unsweetened applesauce: Keeps it moist and naturally sweet, plus extra apple goodness.
Pure maple syrup: Adds just the right touch of sweetness with depth—honey or brown sugar works too if you want.
Melted butter or coconut oil: This fat enriches the oatmeal and helps it bake up golden.
Eggs: Act as a binder and add a bit of richness to the texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Amplifies all the flavors and adds warmth.
Diced apples: I love Honeycrisp for this—firm and crisp apples give the best bite after baking.
Optional toppings: Whipped cream, yogurt, nut butter, or even dried cranberries can add fun texture and flavor twists.

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.

Variations

I often like to switch things up depending on the season or pantry stash. You can totally make this recipe your own—which is part of what makes it so great!

Add nuts or seeds: Toasted walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apple cinnamon perfectly. My family goes crazy for the crunch contrast!
Dairy-free version: Use coconut oil instead of butter and your choice of plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy). It’s just as delicious and friendly for sensitive tummies.
Swap sweeteners: Maple syrup is my favorite, but I’ve used honey or brown sugar with equally satisfying results—just adjust to your sweetness preference.
Seasonal fruit: Try swapping apples with pears or adding fresh or frozen berries for a different fruity touch.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Get your oven and pan ready

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little butter. I like to use a baking dish with higher sides because the batter puffs up nicely while baking and you want to keep it contained. Set this aside while you mix.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the old fashioned oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Doing this first helps spread the flavors evenly throughout the oatmeal, so you won’t get pockets of one spice.

Step 3: Combine the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the almond milk, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, melted butter or coconut oil, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. I discovered this trick: whisk the eggs first, then add the melted fat—this helps everything blend smoothly without scrambling the eggs.

Step 4: Bring it all together and add apples

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry oat mixture and give it a good stir until the oats are well coated. Then fold in the diced apples gently. This ensures they’re evenly distributed and keep their shape while baking.

Step 5: Bake and know when it’s done

Pour the batter into your prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the oatmeal is set in the middle and the edges turn a lovely golden brown. You’ll see the cinnamon and apples make a cozy crust on top—that’s when you know it’s perfect! If you poke the center, it should feel firm, not jiggly.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Use firm apples: I’ve learned that Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold up best – avoid super soft apples which get mushy while baking.
Don’t skip the cinnamon: It’s the star of the show in this recipe, elevating the oats and apples to comfort food greatness.
Rest before serving: Let baked oatmeal cool for 10 minutes so it firms up and slices more cleanly.
Customize sweetness last: Taste before serving and add a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar if you want it sweeter.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

The image shows a single square piece of apple oatmeal cake on a round white plate with a black rim. The cake has two clear layers: the bottom layer is light beige and soft, while the top layer is chunky with visible oats and small pieces of cooked apple mixed in, sprinkled with cinnamon. A generous dollop of white whipped cream is on top of the cake, lightly dusted with cinnamon. Next to the cake on the plate are two thin apple slices with red skin and pale yellow flesh. A silver fork rests on the plate with a forkful of cake, showing the crumbly texture. In the background, there is a blurred whole red apple, a white bowl with more yellow apple slices, and another plate holding a similar piece of cake. The surface is a white marbled texture with scattered oats and cereal crumbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping mine with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spoonful of nut butter for extra creaminess and protein. A quick sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of dried cranberries adds a lovely tart contrast that makes every bite interesting. Plus, if you want a little indulgence, a soft swirl of whipped cream never hurts!

Side Dishes

This bakes perfectly on its own, but if I’m serving brunch, I love pairing it with scrambled eggs or a crisp side of bacon for a satisfying balance of sweet and savory. Fresh fruit or a small green salad are also lovely companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual portions in muffin tins and top each with a thin apple slice and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking. It makes a charming presentation and is perfect for grab-and-go mornings. You could also jazz it up by layering some granola on top after baking for extra crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually lasts about 4 days. I love having ready-to-go breakfasts that can be reheated quickly—a total lifesaver on rushed mornings.

Freezing

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe freezes beautifully. I slice it before freezing so I can pull out just a serving or two. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer bag, and it keeps well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your slice in the microwave for about 30–60 seconds or until warmed through. I sometimes add a splash of milk and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. It tastes almost as fresh as the day it came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of old fashioned oats?

Steel-cut oats have a much firmer texture and take longer to cook, so they aren’t ideal for this recipe. Old fashioned oats absorb the moisture and bake to a perfect tender, yet slightly chewy consistency that steel-cut oats can’t achieve in this context.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg, let sit), use coconut oil instead of butter, and ensure your milk is plant-based. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I prepare this the night before and bake it in the morning?

Absolutely! You can mix everything together before bed, cover the dish, and place it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake—it may need a couple extra minutes since it’s cold going in.
What apples work best in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe?

Firm and slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are my go-to choices. They hold their shape through baking and add a nice balance of sweetness and tang.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has truly earned a permanent spot in my breakfast rotation. It’s cozy yet wholesome, and the flavors just hit that perfect nostalgic vibe every time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for yourself, I promise this recipe will make mornings a little brighter and a lot tastier. Give it a try—I’m already imagining you enjoying that first warm bite!