If you’re looking for a cozy, wholesome breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, then you’re in for a treat with this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s simple, comforting, and filled with those classic flavors of cinnamon and fresh apples that just sing fall vibes all year round. I absolutely love how this turns out—soft, slightly crisped on top, and just sweet enough without being overpowering. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a lazy weekend brunch, this recipe will quickly become your go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Healthy: Uses wholesome ingredients like oats, apples, and walnuts for a balanced breakfast that energizes you.
- Perfectly Flavored: The blend of cinnamon and fresh apples gives this oatmeal a warm, comforting taste that never gets old.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep this in advance and easily reheat for busy mornings.
- Flexible and Customizable: Easy to personalize with your favorite nuts, toppings, or dairy-free swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe come together perfectly to create that classic baked oatmeal texture—soft, slightly chewy, and studded with juicy apple pieces. Using old-fashioned oats gives it a hearty bite, while the maple syrup and applesauce bring natural sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon’s warmth.
- Old fashioned oats: These hold their shape nicely when baked, giving the right chewy texture — avoid quick oats for this one.
- Cinnamon: Freshly ground if you can—it really brightens up the apple flavor and adds that cozy aroma.
- Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise slightly for a fluffy texture rather than dense.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
- Milk: Any kind works – dairy, almond, oat, you name it. I like using whole milk for richness.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness without making it soggy.
- Maple syrup: The perfect natural sweetener—it complements the cinnamon and apples beautifully.
- Eggs: Bind everything together for that set baked texture.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for richness and a slight buttery flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle boost that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Apples: Diced fresh apples give it that juicy, fruity burst in every bite.
- Walnuts: Adds a lovely crunch and a nutty contrast—feel free to swap for pecans or almonds.
Variations
I love making this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe my own by switching up nuts, fruits, or sweeteners depending on the season and what I have in the pantry. You’ll find it easy to personalize, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
- Nut-Free Version: I’ve swapped walnuts for sunflower seeds or left nuts out completely to accommodate allergies, and it still bakes up wonderfully.
- Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger is something I do when I want to make it extra cozy for fall mornings.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use a flax egg or chia egg instead of regular eggs, and swap butter for coconut oil — it works beautifully for a dairy-free twist.
- Fruity Tweaks: Blueberries or pears are delightful substitutes when apples are out of season.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray. I find using butter gives a lovely depth of flavor and helps the edges crisp up just right, but cooking spray works well too if you want to keep it lighter.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients Together
In a large bowl, stir together the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Then add the milk, applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. I like to whisk the wet ingredients first before combining with the dry to make mixing smoother and avoid clumps. Stir everything until it’s nice and even.
Step 3: Fold in Apples and Walnuts
Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts. These add freshness and crunch, giving the oatmeal great texture and flavor. I usually peel the apples if the skin feels tough, but keeping it on is perfectly fine and adds nutrients.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, keeping an eye out for the edges to turn golden and the center to feel set when you gently shake the pan. The smell at this stage is just irresistible!
Step 5: Cool and Serve with Toppings
Let your baked oatmeal cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This rest time helps it firm up so it holds its shape nicely. I slice mine into six larger rectangles or nine smaller squares depending on hunger levels. Top with whipped cream or Greek yogurt, extra sliced apples, a drizzle of nut butter, or a splash of maple syrup—whatever you love!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Applesauce: It keeps the oatmeal moist and tender without adding extra sugar—this is a trick I picked up after a few too-dry bakes!
- Use Freshly Ground Cinnamon: It makes a noticeable flavor difference, giving a brighter, more fragrant taste compared to pre-ground powder sitting in the pantry for months.
- Let it Cool Before Slicing: This helps it firm up perfectly so your slices hold shape instead of falling apart.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake until set but still slightly soft inside to keep a cozy, oatmeal-like texture—it continues to cook a little after coming out of the oven.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for topping this baked oatmeal with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or a swirl of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Fresh sliced apples on top add a nice fresh crunch, and sometimes I drizzle almond or peanut butter for that satisfying nutty richness—totally my favorite combo.
Side Dishes
To round out breakfast, I often pair this with fresh fruit like berries or a side of crispy bacon for savory contrast. It also works wonderfully alongside a hot cup of your favorite coffee or tea, making mornings feel special without extra fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, I love serving the baked oatmeal in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon and walnuts on top. It looks rustic and inviting and always draws compliments. Adding a small ramekin of maple syrup or nut butter on the side lets guests customize their own bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I let the baked oatmeal cool completely before covering it tightly or transferring to an airtight container and placing it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to a week, making it perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks all week long.
Freezing
Freezing is a game changer with this recipe. I usually cut it into portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. That way, I can just grab a piece, thaw overnight, and reheat without any waste. It holds up perfectly in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm and slightly crisped on top again. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—heat in 30-second bursts to keep from drying it out.
FAQs
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Can I use steel-cut oats instead of old fashioned oats?
Steel-cut oats are much harder and take longer to cook, so they aren’t the best choice for baking in this recipe. Old fashioned oats absorb liquid well and have the perfect texture when baked, so I recommend sticking with those for the best results.
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Can I make this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, replace the eggs with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flax/chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water equals one egg) and swap the butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. Use plant-based milk, and you’re set for a delicious vegan version.
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How sweet is this baked oatmeal? Do I need to add more sugar?
This recipe has a moderate sweetness thanks to the maple syrup and naturally sweet applesauce, which balances out the cinnamon and oats nicely. If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to add a drizzle more maple syrup on top when serving or mix in a little extra maple syrup into the batter.
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Can I prepare this recipe the night before and bake it in the morning?
Yes! You can mix all the ingredients the night before and keep the batter covered in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before transferring to the baking dish and bake fresh in the morning. It’s a lovely way to save time and wake up to a warm breakfast aroma.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so comforting and versatile. I love how it fills the house with the scent of cinnamon and baked apples, making mornings feel a bit more special. Plus, it’s straightforward enough to whip up even on busy days, yet delicious and hearty enough to satisfy any appetite. If you give it a try, I promise it’ll become part of your cozy breakfast rotation too. Happy baking!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6-9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a comforting and wholesome breakfast dish that combines hearty old fashioned oats with warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a nutritious and delicious way to start your day, topped with your choice of whipped cream, Greek yogurt, nut butter, or maple syrup.
Ingredients
Oatmeal
- Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
- 2 ¼ cups old fashioned oats
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apples, diced
- ⅓ cup walnuts, chopped
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
- Apples, sliced
- Nut butter
- Maple syrup or honey
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan (2-quart size) using butter or cooking spray to ensure the oatmeal doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Then add the milk, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined and form a uniform batter.
- Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold the diced apples and chopped walnuts into the oat mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without overmixing.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set, slightly risen, and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Slice it into 6 large rectangles or 9 smaller squares. Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or Greek yogurt, sliced apples, nut butter, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool completely, then cover it or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Do not add toppings before storing.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second increments until hot.
- Freezing: To freeze, cool baked oatmeal completely. Wrap the whole pan tightly with plastic cling wrap and aluminum foil or slice into individual portions, wrap each in plastic, and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
