There’s nothing quite like the warm aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filling your kitchen first thing in the morning. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become my go-to for cozy weekends or whenever I want a heartwarming breakfast that’s easy to prep and absolutely satisfying.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in breakfast form. I love how it balances natural sweetness with wholesome oats and the comforting spice of cinnamon.
- Wholesome and Nourishing: Packed with fiber-rich oats, fresh apples, and flaxseed, it keeps you full and energized for hours.
- Simple to Make: You whip it up in one bowl, pour it into a baking dish, and let the oven do the rest—the perfect hands-off breakfast.
- Flexible Ingredients: Easily adaptable with ingredients you probably already have at home, plus options for dietary preferences.
- Deliciously Cozy Flavor: The mix of apple and cinnamon feels like fall any time of year, making mornings feel extra special.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe plays its part to create that perfect, comforting balance. Whether it’s the oats soaking up the almond milk or the apples adding juicy bursts of sweetness, everything works together to make each bite just right.
- Rolled old-fashioned oats: These hold their texture well during baking, giving a chewy, hearty base that’s just right—not mushy or dry.
- Cinnamon: This warming spice is key for that classic apple + cinnamon combo we all adore.
- Baking powder: Helps the baked oatmeal rise slightly for a tender but firm texture.
- Sea salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
- Non-dairy milk (unsweetened vanilla almond milk): Adds creaminess and subtle vanilla notes without adding extra sugar.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness while keeping the oats tender.
- Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that pairs beautifully with apples and cinnamon for that cozy flavor profile.
- Ground flaxseed: Adds a boost of omega-3s and acts as a binder, helping everything stick together.
- Coconut oil: Infuses a slight tropical richness and keeps the texture moist and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and rounds out the sweetness.
- Diced apple: Fresh apples create fresh bursts of tangy-sweet contrast and texture.
- Raisins: Provide pockets of chewy sweetness that complement the apples beautifully.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily swap or add ingredients depending on what you like or have on hand. I often play around with different mix-ins to keep it interesting.
- Variation: I once swapped raisins for chopped toasted walnuts, and it added a lovely crunch that balanced the soft apples perfectly. It’s a fun twist if you're looking for texture contrast.
- Dairy-Free Swap: Using coconut milk instead of almond milk gives a richer, creamier texture that’s perfect for indulgent mornings.
- Vegan Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder for a heartier breakfast that holds you over longer.
- Extra Spice: Adding a dash of nutmeg or ginger really amps up the cozy vibes—perfect for chilly mornings.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F. Grab an 8x8 baking dish and give it a light spray with non-stick spray or grease it with a bit of coconut oil. This little prep ensures your baked oatmeal doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and sea salt. Then pour in your almond milk, applesauce, maple syrup, flaxseed, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. I find using a silicone spatula really helps mix everything evenly without breaking up the oats too much.
Step 3: Fold in Apples and Raisins
Next, gently fold in ¾ cup of the diced apples and all the raisins. Save that last ¼ cup of apples to sprinkle on top for a pretty, fresh finish before baking.
Step 4: Bake until Golden and Set
Pour your mixture into the prepared baking dish, then scatter the remaining apples evenly over the top. Pop it in the oven, and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the center feels set and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—it’ll firm up nicely as it rests.
Top Tip
From personal experience, the secret to perfectly baked oatmeal is balancing moisture so it’s neither dry nor soggy. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
- Use Rolled Oats: Steel-cut or quick oats change the texture and cook time—stick with rolled oats for best results in this recipe.
- Don’t Skip the Applesauce: It adds moisture and subtle sweetness, so your oatmeal stays tender without extra sugar.
- Cool Before Serving: Letting it sit a bit after baking helps it set perfectly and makes it easier to slice.
- Check Oven Temperature: If your oven runs hot, the top can brown too fast—cover loosely with foil halfway through baking if needed.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a drizzle of warm almond butter or a splash of extra almond milk right before digging in. Sometimes, a little swirl of maple syrup on top just takes it over the edge into pure comfort food territory.
Side Dishes
Pairing with fresh fruit or a side of scrambled eggs balances the cozy sweetness with protein and brightness. On lazy mornings, some crispy bacon or sausage makes a nice contrast too.
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve served this baked oatmeal straight from the dish for casual breakfasts, but for special occasions, I like scooping portions into ramekins and topping with whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It instantly feels festive and special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for busy mornings when you want something quick but homemade.
Freezing
Freezing works great too! I portion the baked oatmeal into individual servings wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, I either pop a portion in the microwave for about a minute or warm it in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) for 5–10 minutes. This helps maintain the texture and freshness without drying it out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Quick oats tend to become mushy and will absorb liquid much faster, altering the texture and baking time of the Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe. For best results, stick to rolled old-fashioned oats as recommended.
Yes! Using non-dairy milk and flaxseed as a binder keeps this recipe vegan. You can also substitute flaxseed with chia seeds or even an egg if not vegan.
Absolutely! This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal freezes well. Just portion it out into airtight containers or wrap individual slices tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 minute or in a toaster oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. For the whole dish, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes to maintain moisture and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is a steadfast favorite for good reason—it’s simple, wholesome, and bursts with comforting flavor every time. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do, sharing it with family or savoring it quietly on a lazy morning. Give it a try and see how it can transform your breakfast into something truly special.
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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a warm, hearty breakfast featuring rolled oats combined with cinnamon, diced apples, and raisins, sweetened naturally with maple syrup and applesauce. Baked to perfection with a crunchy top and soft center, it's a comforting and wholesome dish perfect for a cozy morning. It's vegan, gluten-free friendly, and easily adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups non-dairy milk (unsweetened vanilla almond milk recommended)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup diced apple (divided)
- ½ cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and sea salt. Add the non-dairy milk, applesauce, maple syrup, ground flaxseed, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
- Fold in Fruit: Gently fold in the raisins and ¾ cup of the diced apples into the oatmeal mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Transfer and Top: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining ¼ cup of diced apples for a decorative and flavorful finish.
- Bake: Bake the oatmeal for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, drizzle with almond butter, extra almond milk, or maple syrup for added flavor.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat whole portions covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. Reheat individual servings in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 1 minute.
Notes
- Use rolled oats for the best texture; quick oats or steel-cut oats will alter cooking time and liquid ratios.
- Any non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk can be used based on preference.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or agave syrup, which will slightly affect the flavor.
- Ground flaxseed can be replaced with chia seeds or one egg if not vegan.
- Coconut oil may be substituted with avocado oil or melted unsalted butter for a non-vegan option; baked oatmeal can also be made without oil.
- Raisins can be swapped for other dried fruits like cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- Add extra warmth by including spices such as nutmeg, ginger, allspice, or apple pie spice if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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