Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy breakfast that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with tender, flavorful baked oats, tender chunks of sweet apples, and the comforting aroma of cinnamon, it’s a wholesome dish that transforms your morning routine into something truly special. Whether you’re serving it up for a lazy weekend brunch or an easy weekday breakfast, this baked oatmeal will quickly win over hearts and fill your kitchen with irresistible scents.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient perfectly balances flavor and texture. These essentials come together to create a dish that is both hearty and irresistibly delicious.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The base for a chewy, satisfying texture that holds the bake together beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that classic spiced aroma that complements the apples perfectly.
- Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal puff up just enough, keeping it light instead of dense.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and spices.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the bake.
- Milk or milk alternative: Keeps the oatmeal moist and tender; almond or oat milk add extra nuttiness.
- Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweeteners that bring a subtle, comforting sweetness without overpowering.
- Vanilla extract: A little fragrant boost that rounds out all the other flavors.
- Fresh apples: Peeled, cored, and diced to add juicy bursts of fruity sweetness and a tender bite.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small chunks. This size ensures they cook through evenly during baking, offering a soft texture that contrasts nicely with the hearty oats but still holds a bit of their natural shape.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mixing these first ensures that the cinnamon and baking powder are evenly distributed, so every bite has that perfect hint of spice and lift.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk or your chosen milk alternative, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined — this wet mixture will bring moisture and sweetness to the oat base.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry oat mixture. Fold in the chopped apples gently until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This ensures every spoonful has oats, apple, and spice in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Transfer and Bake
Grease a baking dish and pour in your oat batter, spreading it out evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, signaling that your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is ready to shine.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your baked oatmeal cool slightly before slicing. This step is crucial as it helps the bake set properly, making those perfect squares easier to serve—and even easier to enjoy.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans over the top for a lovely crunch, or add a few fresh apple slices as a pretty and flavorful garnish. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a creamy, sweet contrast that complements the warm spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit salad or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. For a more substantial brunch, consider serving it alongside crispy bacon or a lightly toasted bagel for that perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Creative Ways to Present
For an Instagram-worthy breakfast, serve individual portions in cute ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick and a sprig of fresh mint. Alternatively, turn leftovers into layered parfaits with yogurt and granola for an easy grab-and-go snack or breakfast option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the oatmeal moist and flavorful, so it’s just as delightful reheated for a quick morning meal.
Freezing
This baked oatmeal freezes beautifully. Slice it into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 2 months, making it a fantastic make-ahead breakfast solution for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds or warm it in a low oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or a spoonful of yogurt can revive that creamy texture and enhance its comforting warmth.
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats have a much firmer texture and take longer to cook, so they are not ideal for this baked oatmeal recipe. Rolled oats provide the perfect balance of structure and tenderness for this dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Always check the packaging to ensure your oats are processed in a gluten-free facility.
Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?
Absolutely! Pears or diced peaches work wonderfully if you want a twist on the classic Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if the fruit is particularly juicy or sweet.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
You can make a vegan version by substituting the eggs with flax eggs and using a plant-based milk and maple syrup. The texture might be slightly different but still deliciously satisfying.
Can I add nuts or seeds into the bake?
Yes! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds into the oat mixture before baking adds great texture and an extra boost of nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is more than just breakfast—it’s a warm, inviting start to your day that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Once you try it, it will quickly become a beloved staple, perfect for cozy mornings and sharing with the people you care about. Go ahead and bake yourself some happiness!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and hearty Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal that combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced oats with tender baked apples. Perfect as a wholesome breakfast or snack, this recipe balances natural sweetness with nutritious ingredients for a comforting meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk or milk alternative (such as almond, oat, or soy milk)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 2 medium fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks to ensure they soften nicely during baking while maintaining some texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these together to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Bring It All Together: Add the wet ingredients to the dry oat mixture, then fold in the chopped apples. Stir gently until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the oatmeal batter into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before slicing. This resting time helps it set perfectly for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey or your preferred liquid sweetener.
- Use any milk alternative if you prefer a dairy-free version.
- Adding chopped nuts or raisins can add extra texture and flavor.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be reheated.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with a flax egg or other egg replacer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American