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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

ByCaroline
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 59 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming breakfast that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to love this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that smells amazing while baking and tastes even better—perfect for chilly mornings or weekend brunch with friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to breakfast for all seasons!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: The combination of brown and white sugar paired with cinnamon creates a warm sweetness that’s not overpowering.
  • Perfect Texture: Old-fashioned oats bake into a tender but hearty base that holds the apple chunks beautifully.
  • Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything on hand, making this a no-fuss, comforting breakfast anytime.
  • Versatility: Easily customizable for dietary needs or different flavor twists without compromising taste or texture.
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, healthy baked oatmeal, cozy breakfast recipes, apple oatmeal breakfast, easy breakfast with oats - 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

The beauty of this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is how well the ingredients play off each other—oats for heartiness, apples for that natural juicy sweetness, and cinnamon to tie it all together with a spicy warmth. Picking good-quality ingredients really helps, so make sure your apples are crisp and your oats are old-fashioned for the best texture.

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, healthy baked oatmeal, cozy breakfast recipes, apple oatmeal breakfast, easy breakfast with oats - 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 hold up well during baking and create that perfect chewy yet soft texture you want in baked oatmeal.
  • White Sugar: Adds clean sweetness without competing with the brown sugar’s molasses notes.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a richer, deeper sweetness that blends beautifully with cinnamon.
  • Baking Powder: Gives just enough lift so the oatmeal isn’t dense or heavy.
  • Ground Cinnamon: The star spice, bringing warmth and flavor that feels fall-worthy all year round.
  • Table Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • Milk: Keeps the oatmeal moist and tender; whole milk works best but feel free to swap in your favorite plant-based option.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to bind everything together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweet aroma that complements cinnamon and apple perfectly.
  • Salted Butter: For richness and a lovely buttery flavor; melting it makes mixing easier.
  • Apples: Fresh, peeled, and chopped—the fresh apple pieces soften up while baking but still give you a nice texture contrast.
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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.

Make It Your Way

I like to play around with this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe depending on what I have in the pantry or the mood I’m in. It’s such a flexible recipe—you can easily add nuts, swap fruits, or make it more decadent with toppings.

  • Apple Varieties: I’ve experimented with granny smith for tartness and honeycrisp for sweetness; either way, fresh apples work beautifully.
  • Nut Add-ins: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and some protein if you want extra texture.
  • Dairy-Free Version: When I’m avoiding dairy, I swap butter for coconut oil and milk for almond or oat milk without losing any of the cozy flavors.
  • Sweetness Adjustments: Depending on your apple choice, you can reduce or bump up the sugar slightly to complement the fruit’s natural sweetness.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to grease an 8×8 glass baking dish thoroughly — butter or non-stick spray works fine — to make sure the oatmeal doesn’t stick. While the oven warms, you can gather and prep your ingredients so everything goes smoothly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine your oats, white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give them a good mix so the baking powder and cinnamon are evenly distributed—this helps everything bake evenly and taste balanced.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Once smooth, whisk in the melted butter—but make sure it’s cooled to avoid cooking the eggs or scrambling the mixture.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir until everything is fully combined. Finally, fold in your peeled, chopped apples gently so they’re evenly distributed without breaking them up too much.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish and smooth it out. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are golden. You’ll want to watch for a nice firm but tender texture—avoid overbaking, which dries it out.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time helps it set further and makes slicing easier. I love serving it warm with a splash of milk or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Use Firm Apples: Choosing crisp apples prevents your baked oatmeal from becoming mushy while still allowing soft bites inside.
  • Don’t Skip the Cooling: Letting it rest helps the oatmeal set and makes slicing clean and easy—patience pays off!
  • Even Apple Distribution: Fold apples gently so you get a lovely spread of apple chunks in every bite.
  • Watch Your Oven Time: Start checking around 40 minutes to avoid drying out the edges—oven temps vary, so keep an eye.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, healthy baked oatmeal, cozy breakfast recipes, apple oatmeal breakfast, easy breakfast with oats - 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

I’m a huge fan of topping my slices with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for crunch. Sometimes, a spoonful of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream just takes it over the top. Fresh apple slices or a dusting of cinnamon on top also add lovely finishing touches.

Side Dishes

To make it a more substantial meal, I often serve this baked oatmeal alongside crispy bacon or turkey sausage for savory contrast. A cup of strong coffee or chai latte pairs perfectly with its warm flavors, making breakfast feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, I like to cut the oatmeal into mini squares, place them on pretty plates with dollops of whipped cream and fresh apple slices, and even add a sprig of fresh mint for color. Serving warm in individual ramekins with a cinnamon stick alongside is also a charming way to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools completely, I cover the baked oatmeal tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 5 days, which is perfect for quick breakfasts throughout the week without extra work.

Freezing

Freezing works well too! I let it cool uncovered to room temperature, wrap it tightly with two layers of foil, and freeze. After the oatmeal is solid, I move it to a freezer-safe container—this way, it stays fresh for up to two months.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop individual servings into the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or warm them in a toaster oven until heated through. This keeps the edges crisp and the inside soft, almost like freshly baked.

FAQs

  1. 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 baked oatmeal recipe. Old-fashioned oats absorb liquids better and create a softer, chewier texture once baked.

  2. Is this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe gluten-free?

    It can be! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats since regular oats are sometimes processed with gluten-containing grains. All other ingredients typically don’t contain gluten.

  3. How do I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

    Swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, and use plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk. For eggs, flax eggs or chia eggs can be used, but expect a slightly different texture.

  4. Can I add other fruits or nuts?

    Absolutely! Blueberries, pears, or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans really complement the flavors. Just fold them in along with or instead of the apples for variety.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s simple yet so comforting. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself but also nourishing your body. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself on a peaceful morning, I promise you’ll enjoy every bite. Give it a whirl, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your all-time favorites — I sure know it’s mine!

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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 59 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • 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

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a comforting and wholesome breakfast featuring tender chunks of apple baked with hearty rolled oats, warm cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness. It’s easy to prepare and perfect served warm with milk or whipped cream.

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

Fruit

  • 2 cups peeled and chopped apple chunks

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8×8-inch glass baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the oats, white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all dry components.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture becomes well combined.
  4. Incorporate Butter: Whisk the melted and cooled salted butter into the oat mixture to add richness and moisture.
  5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the peeled and chopped apple chunks ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  6. Transfer and Bake: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the center is set and edges are golden.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with additional milk or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

  • For a gluten free version, use certified gluten free oats to avoid cross-contamination.
  • To make this recipe dairy free, substitute the butter with butter flavored coconut oil or coconut oil, and use coconut milk or another plant-based milk instead of regular milk.
  • You can freeze leftovers by letting the oatmeal cool to room temperature uncovered, then covering tightly with foil and freezing until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months.
  • If doubling the recipe, use a 9×13 inch baking pan and double all ingredient quantities accordingly.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge after cooling completely, cover tightly, and consume within 5 days. Reheat individual portions in a toaster oven, oven, air fryer, or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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