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

Scale

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)

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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.