If you are searching for a cozy, wholesome breakfast that will fill your kitchen with the warm scents of autumn, this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender baked oats infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, studded with tender, sweet apple pieces, and baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting dish that balances natural sweetness and spice while delivering satisfying texture and flavor with every bite. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a hearty breakfast that’s both nourishing and delightfully indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe plays a crucial role in layering flavors, textures, and colors to create a balanced and vibrant dish. These simple staples come together beautifully to offer a comforting yet nutritious start to your day.
- 2 cups rolled oats: The hearty base that gives baked oatmeal its satisfying chew and fiber.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the oats rise slightly for a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic apple pie flavor that ties everything together.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle nutty spice that deepens the aroma and richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 2 cups milk: Creamy moisture to bind the oats; choose dairy or non-dairy to suit your preference.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Natural sweetness that complements the apples without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil): Adds richness and helps create a golden crust.
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten: Binds the ingredients while adding structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the aromas and brings a lovely mellow sweetness.
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: The star of the dish, providing juicy bursts of flavor and natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For crunchy texture and a toasty note.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional for topping): Creates a sweet, caramelized finish on top for extra indulgence.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing an 8×8 inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your baked oatmeal doesn’t stick and browns evenly, setting the stage for a flawless bake.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients ensures each spoonful is perfectly spiced and balanced with the right texture and lift from the baking powder.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, maple syrup, melted butter (or coconut oil), beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Whisking these wet ingredients thoroughly creates a smooth, flavorful liquid that will soak the oats and carry their flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Bring Dry and Wet Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your final oatmeal tender—this ensures a moist yet structured dish.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples and Nuts
Gently fold diced apples and optional nuts into the batter. The apples add juicy bursts of sweetness and a tender texture, while nuts contribute a satisfying crunchy contrast that’s absolutely delightful.
Step 6: Transfer and Top
Pour the oatmeal batter evenly into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. If you like a lightly sweet, caramelized crust, sprinkle the optional brown sugar over the surface now—this little touch creates magic when baked.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes until the oatmeal is fully set and the top turns a light golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, confirming it’s perfectly cooked through—warm, fragrant, and ready to enjoy.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the oatmeal to set further and for easier portioning. This short wait rewards you with perfectly textured squares of comforting apple cinnamon goodness.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this baked oatmeal from great to unforgettable. Try a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of vanilla cream to add creamy tanginess, or sprinkle some chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon for extra aroma and crunch. A drizzle of warm maple syrup or honey is always a welcome finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Keep breakfast balanced and delicious by pairing this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe with fresh fruit like sliced bananas, berries, or oranges. A side of crispy bacon or a soft scrambled egg adds protein and contrast, turning this cozy dish into a complete morning feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch, consider cutting the baked oatmeal into squares and serving them on a platter with assorted toppings on the side—nuts, whipped cream, fruit compote—so guests can customize their bowls. You can also turn leftovers into individual jars layered with yogurt and fruit for a grab-and-go breakfast that feels gourmet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe holds its flavor and texture beautifully, making it perfect for enjoying quick breakfasts throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this comforting dish anytime, slice the baked oatmeal into portions and freeze them individually. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Frozen oatmeal squares keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you need a fast nutritious meal.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or in a warm oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or a pat of butter before reheating restores moisture and brings back that freshly baked taste we all crave.
FAQs
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
While instant oats cook faster, they tend to create a mushier texture in baked oatmeal. Rolled oats provide the perfect balance of chewiness and structure in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional but recommended if you prefer a smoother texture. Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and a bit of color but can slightly change the mouthfeel.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, replace butter with coconut oil, and omit the egg or use a flax egg to keep it vegan-friendly without losing flavor or texture.
How do I make it less sweet?
You can reduce the maple syrup or omit the brown sugar topping for a less sweet version. The natural sweetness of the apples still shines through, so you won’t miss the added sugar.
Can I add other fruits or spices?
Definitely! Pears, berries, or dried fruits all mix wonderfully. You might also enjoy adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger for more spice variation—feel free to personalize this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe!
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is a heartwarming way to start any day, offering an irresistible blend of wholesome oats, tender apples, and cozy spices that feels like a hug in every bite. It’s simple enough to make any morning special and versatile enough to suit your favorite additions or dietary needs. Give it a try, and soon it will be your go-to breakfast that family and friends ask for again and again.
Print
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This wholesome Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast perfect for busy mornings or cozy weekends. Featuring tender oats infused with fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg, sweet diced apples, and a subtle maple syrup touch, it’s baked to golden perfection and topped with optional crunchy nuts and brown sugar. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this baked oatmeal recipe delivers a nutritious and satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, maple syrup, melted butter or coconut oil, lightly beaten egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
- Add Apples and Nuts: Fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts if using, evenly distributing them throughout the mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the top with brown sugar if desired to add a caramelized sweetness during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set, lightly golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the baked oatmeal cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving warm.
Notes
- Use rolled oats for best texture; instant oats will make the dish too mushy.
- Substitute non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave.
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Optional nuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
