Name: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled old-fashioned oats; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 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; 1 cup diced apple (divided); ½ cup raisins

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.

A square piece of baked oatmeal sits on a white plate with scalloped edges, showing a textured mix of oats, small apple chunks, and raisins in warm brown and beige tones. The top layer is decorated with three thin apple slices with red edges and pale yellow centers, arranged in a slight fan shape. The oatmeal piece is glossy with syrup pooled around its base on the plate. A silver fork rests on the plate beside the oatmeal. In the background, there is a white marbled surface with a white speckled ceramic pitcher and a glass of milk. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

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.

The image shows a close-up of a white baking dish filled with a baked apple and oat casserole cut into six square pieces. The top layer is golden brown and uneven, with visible chunks of cooked apples scattered throughout. The texture looks moist and crumbly with oats and raisins integrated into the mix. To the right side inside the dish, a silver serving spatula with decorative cut-outs lies flat, slightly under one piece. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Flat lay of a small mound of rolled old-fashioned oats, a neat pile of ground cinnamon powder, a small heap of baking powder, a pinch of coarse sea salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy unsweetened vanilla almond milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth unsweetened applesauce, a small white ceramic bowl of golden maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl containing light brown ground flaxseed, a small white ceramic bowl with solid white coconut oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear vanilla extract, a white ceramic bowl with bright diced red and green apple pieces, and a small white ceramic bowl with plump dark raisins 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

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.

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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

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

apple cinnamon baked oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

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.

Is this recipe vegan?

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.

Can I freeze leftovers?

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.

What is the best way to reheat baked oatmeal?

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.