If you’re looking for a wholesome, cozy breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe is absolutely going to be your new favorite. I absolutely love how it combines the comforting aromas of cinnamon and fresh apples with the hearty texture of oats — plus, it’s so easy to prep ahead and pop in the oven when you wake up. Whether you’re making it for your family or just treating yourself, this baked oatmeal hits all the right notes for a nourishing start to your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before for a fuss-free morning.
- Naturally Sweetened and Hearty: Uses applesauce and maple syrup for a balanced sweetness and texture.
- Loaded with Warm Flavors: Cinnamon and apples pair perfectly to create that classic fall vibe.
- Family-Approved: My family goes crazy for this, and I bet yours will too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe lies in simple, familiar ingredients that come together beautifully. Make sure to grab fresh apples and good-quality cinnamon for the best flavor impact.
- Old fashioned oats: They hold their texture well during baking and give a nice hearty bite.
- Cinnamon: Use fresh ground if possible — it really elevates the warmth and aroma.
- Baking powder: Helps the oats set perfectly light and fluffy.
- Salt: Just a little to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
- Milk: Any type works here; I often use almond milk for a dairy-free twist.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Adds natural moisture and sweetness, plus a lovely apple flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the oats and give structure to the baked oatmeal.
- Maple syrup: I prefer maple syrup to brown sugar for a deeper taste and natural sweetness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Just a splash makes a big difference in flavor complexity.
- Chopped apple: Adds fresh texture and bursts of juicy apple throughout.
- Chopped pecans: For crunch and a nutty contrast that my family adores.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Feel free to swap in nuts or fruits based on what you have in your kitchen or dietary needs.
- Nut-Free Version: I once made this without pecans for my niece, and it was just as delicious—try sunflower seeds for crunch instead.
- Extra Protein: Adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder or some Greek yogurt on the side makes this breakfast ultra-filling.
- Seasonal Fruit Swaps: Pears or berries are fantastic alternatives to apples if you want a twist.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk for a great vegan option.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Start by combining your oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures they’re evenly distributed — trust me, you don’t want uneven bursts of cinnamon! In another bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and the eggs are well incorporated. Then slowly stir the wet into the dry, folding in the chopped apples and pecans at the end. This technique helps keep the apples from getting too mashed.
Step 2: Transfer and Chill
Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish—I’ve found that using a little butter or non-stick spray works perfectly. Spread the oatmeal mixture evenly in the dish, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Here’s where the magic happens: letting it chill overnight allows the oats to absorb all that cinnamon-apple goodness and makes baking a breeze in the morning.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, take the dish out of the fridge and preheat your oven to 350°F. Pop the oatmeal in and bake for about 35-40 minutes until it’s set and the top gets a lovely golden color. A great tip? Let it rest for 5-10 minutes on a cooling rack before slicing. This makes serving cleaner and lets the flavors settle in nicely.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Chill Time is Key: I found that chilling overnight really improves the texture and flavor.
- Choose the Right Apples: I prefer tart apples like Granny Smith for balance, but sweeter apples also work.
- Don’t Skip Resting Before Serving: It makes the baked oatmeal easier to cut and enhances the flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste: You can reduce maple syrup if you prefer a less sweet breakfast.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping a warm slice with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of extra maple syrup. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or even a pinch of cinnamon on top finishes it off beautifully—and adds that extra bit of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This baked oatmeal pairs wonderfully with crisp bacon or turkey sausage if you want something savory on the side. Fresh fruit or a simple green smoothie also make great companions to keep breakfast balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special brunch, I like to bake the oatmeal in individual ramekins—everyone feels like they’ve got their own personal treat. You can also dollop cinnamon-spiced whipped cream for an indulgent touch. Try adding a decorative apple slice or a pecan on top as a pretty garnish when serving guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This baked oatmeal keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I slice leftovers into portions and store them in an airtight container—makes busy mornings so much easier!
Freezing
I’ve had great success freezing individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap then sealed in freezer bags. This way you have ready-to-go breakfasts anytime, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Pop a slice in the microwave for about 60 seconds, or reheat in a warm oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or a spoonful of yogurt before reheating helps keep it moist and tasty.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?
You can use quick oats but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Old fashioned oats give that perfect hearty bite I love in baked oatmeal.
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Is it necessary to chill the baked oatmeal overnight?
Chilling overnight isn’t strictly necessary, but it really helps the oats absorb moisture evenly and improves the final texture, making the bake perfectly moist yet set.
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Can I substitute the applesauce with mashed bananas?
Absolutely! Mashed bananas add their own sweetness and moisture. It changes the flavor a bit but still delicious.
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How do I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flax meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use non-dairy milk. Maple syrup keeps it naturally sweet without honey or refined sugar.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe holds a special place in my heart (and my mornings) because it’s such an easy way to make breakfast feel special without extra stress. I discovered this trick when I wanted something comforting that my whole family would actually eat—and it’s been a hit ever since. I can’t recommend you give it a try enough, especially if you love cinnamon-spiced apple flavors and a warm, cozy start to the day. You’ll find it’s not just a recipe; it’s a little ritual that turns ordinary mornings into something to look forward to. Happy baking!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 345 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast perfect for the fall and winter months. This make-ahead recipe blends hearty oats with sweet apples, warming cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup, then bakes to a golden, satisfying finish. It’s wholesome, delicious, and great for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (OR brown sugar)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 cups chopped apple
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. Next, add the milk, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly to break up the eggs and combine all wet and dry ingredients. Finally, gently fold in the chopped apples and pecans to evenly incorporate them into the mixture.
- Add to a casserole dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the oat mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure consistent thickness for baking.
- Chill the dish: Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or a clean towel and refrigerate overnight. This step allows the oats and flavors to meld, resulting in a better texture when baked.
- Bake the dish: The next morning, remove the dish from the fridge while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the oatmeal until it is set and the top turns a lovely golden brown, approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Once baked, place the casserole dish on a cooling rack and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is an easy and delicious make-ahead breakfast for the fall and winter months.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based milk.
- You can swap pecans for walnuts or almonds depending on your preference.
- This oatmeal reheats well and makes for great leftovers.
- If you prefer it sweeter, increase the maple syrup or brown sugar slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 107 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 44 mg
