There’s something incredibly comforting about waking up to a warm, fragrant breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl. That’s exactly what this Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal recipe delivers—a perfect balance of sweet, spiced apples nestled in tender oats, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re craving a cozy start on a crisp morning or looking to swap out your usual cereal for something more wholesome, this dish is a game-changer. With minimal prep and ingredients you likely already have, it’s a versatile breakfast that satisfies both your taste buds and your busy schedule. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become your go-to morning treat!
Why love this Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Recipe?
Warm Comfort: This recipe wraps you in cozy cinnamon and sweet apple flavors with every bite. Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make mornings stress-free. Wholesome Goodness: Packed with oats and fruit, it fuels your day with fiber and nutrients. Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake in advance for a grab-and-go breakfast. Family Favorite: Delightfully tasty and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Base
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – Use these for the perfect chewy texture and hearty fiber.
- Milk (dairy or plant-based) – Adds creaminess and helps the oats soften as they bake.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together for that firm yet tender bake.
- Maple Syrup or Honey – Sweetens naturally while complementing the cinnamon flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon – The star spice that infuses warmth and depth throughout the dish.
- Baking Powder – Helps the oatmeal rise slightly for a light, fluffy finish.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
For the Apple Mixture
- Fresh Apples, peeled and chopped – Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji for a nice tartness and texture contrast.
- Lemon Juice – Prevents the apples from browning and adds a hint of brightness.
- Brown Sugar – Sprinkled on apples to bring out their natural caramelized goodness while baking.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds subtle richness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and apples.
Optional Toppings
- Chopped Nuts (walnuts or pecans) – Add crunch and a toasty flavor twist.
- Greek Yogurt or Cream – Dollop on top for extra creaminess when serving.
- Extra Cinnamon or Nutmeg – Sprinkle on before baking for a fragrant spice boost.
This Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Recipe makes use of simple pantry staples transformed with fresh apples and warm spices, perfect for cozy mornings or anytime you crave a comforting, wholesome breakfast.
How to Make Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure a golden, crispy crust.
For the Apple Mixture:
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Combine Apples: In a medium bowl, toss crisp chopped apples with fresh lemon juice, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until every piece is lightly coated in sweet, fragrant mixture, bursting with flavor.
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Macerate Fruit: Let the apples sit for 5 minutes as they macerate gently, releasing bright juices and intensifying sweetness for a rich, caramelized bite.
For the Oatmeal Base:
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Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together old-fashioned oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until spices are evenly blended for flavorful, aromatic oats.
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Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together milk, egg, and maple syrup until the mixture is velvety smooth and slightly frothy, ensuring a creamy, tender bake.
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Assemble Bake: Spoon half the oatmeal batter into the greased dish, evenly layer the apple mixture on top, then gently spread the remaining batter to fully enclose the apples.
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Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes at 375°F until the top turns golden brown and the oatmeal is fully set, bubbling gently around the edges.
Optional: Sprinkle chopped pecans for extra crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal?
There’s nothing quite like pairing a warm, spiced breakfast with delightful sides that enhance your morning experience.
- Creamy Greek Yogurt: A dollop of tangy yogurt adds velvety richness, perfectly complementing the sweet oatmeal.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, refreshing fruits like berries or citrus provide a vibrant contrast and a burst of freshness.
- Toasty Nuts: Sprinkled walnuts or pecans elevate texture, adding a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the oats.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle enhances sweetness and brings indulgence, making every bite feel special.
- Chai-Spiced Tea: The aromatic spices of chai echo the warmth of cinnamon, creating a cozy beverage pairing to sip alongside.
- Honey-Cinnamon Baked Apples: Match the flavors perfectly with baked apples seasoned with honey and cinnamon to double the apple goodness!
- Cinnamon Roll Muffins: For a sweet touch, these muffins mirror the flavors and create a delightful brunch spread everyone will love.
- Hot Chocolate: Rich, warm chocolate is a comforting drink option, making it perfect for those cozy mornings at home.
- Chia Seed Pudding: Creamy, nutty, and sweet, this pudding offers a healthy side filled with nutrients while harmonizing flavors.
Expert Tips for Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Recipe
- Choose the Right Apples: Use crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji to balance sweetness and keep texture firm after baking.
- Don’t Skip Maceration: Letting apples sit with lemon juice and sugar enhances natural sweetness and prevents browning, boosting flavor depth.
- Grease the Baking Dish Well: Prevent sticking and achieve a crispy crust by properly buttering or spraying your baking dish before adding the batter.
- Even Layering Matters: Spread the oatmeal batter evenly before and after the apple layer to bake uniformly and lock in moistness around the fruit.
- Check Doneness Carefully: Bake until golden brown and set, but avoid overbaking to keep the oatmeal tender, not dry or hard.
- Customize with Toppings: Add nuts or a dollop of Greek yogurt after baking for texture contrast and extra creaminess in this cozy Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal recipe.
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal portions are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the apple mixture (chopped apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and vanilla extract) up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Additionally, you can combine the dry ingredients (oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt) a few days ahead for easy assembly. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting dish, simply whisk together the wet ingredients and layer the oatmeal with the prepped apple mixture, then bake as instructed. This way, you’ll have a warm, delicious breakfast ready with minimal effort for those busy mornings!
How to Store and Freeze Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal
Fridge: Enjoy leftovers for up to 5 days in an airtight container; simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick, cozy breakfast!
Freezer: Freeze this Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal for up to 3 months. Cut into squares, wrap tightly in foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for easy thawing.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm individual squares in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance and store covered in the fridge. Bake fresh when ready for a warm, comforting meal!
Variations & Substitutions for Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Recipe
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own with these delightful swaps and additions!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute old-fashioned oats with certified gluten-free oats to enjoy a wholesome, tummy-friendly breakfast.
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Sweetener Swap: Use coconut sugar or agave nectar instead of maple syrup for a different sweet profile that’s just as delicious.
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Nut-Free: Replace chopped nuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely for a safe, allergy-friendly option that still provides delightful texture.
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Add Fruit: Toss in dried cranberries or raisins along with the fresh apples for a chewy, sweet surprise that enhances the flavor.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon for an extra kick of warmth that tickles your taste buds.
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Creamy Twist: Stir in a spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter into the oatmeal base for a creamy, nutty richness in every bite.
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Vegan Option: Use flax eggs and plant-based milk instead of dairy and egg to whip up a delicious vegan twist on this beloved recipe.
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Oven-Free: Prepare in the microwave using a microwave-safe dish for a quick and easy breakfast so you can enjoy this delectable goodness any day!
Whichever variation you choose, this cozy dish promises to nourish your soul and ignite your morning!
Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Recipe FAQs
What type of apples work best for Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal?
Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji are ideal. They hold their shape well when baked and add a balanced tartness that complements the cinnamon and sweetness beautifully.
How long can I store leftover Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal in the fridge?
You can safely store leftovers for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Just reheat portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, and you’ll have a quick, cozy breakfast ready to go.
Can I freeze this oatmeal? If so, how?
Absolutely! Cut the baked oatmeal into squares and wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions inside a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
My baked oatmeal turned out dry – what went wrong?
Dryness often means it was baked too long or at too high a temperature. To avoid this, bake at 375°F (190°C) for the recommended 30–35 minutes, and keep an eye on the edges and top. Also, use the exact milk-to-oats ratio to maintain moisture and tenderness.
Is this recipe suitable for pets or people with food allergies?
This recipe contains common allergens like eggs, dairy (if using cow’s milk), and nuts if added. It’s not recommended for pets due to spices and sweeteners. For allergy-friendly options, use plant-based milk, skip the egg or substitute with flax egg, and omit nuts or use safe alternatives.
Best Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Recipe for Cozy Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Combine Apples: In a medium bowl, toss chopped apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Macerate Fruit: Let the apples sit for 5 minutes to release juices.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together old-fashioned oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Assemble Bake: Spoon half the oatmeal batter into the greased dish, layer apple mixture, then spread remaining batter.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and set.
