Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal – Warm, Cozy & Perfect for Breakfast
1. Introduction
If fall could be served in a bowl, it would taste like Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal. This hearty, slightly sweet breakfast combines the natural sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the heartiness of oats in one comforting dish. It’s perfect for meal prep, kid-friendly, and endlessly customizable—whether you enjoy it plain, topped with yogurt, or with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Not only is this recipe healthy and filling, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. You simply mix the ingredients, pour them into a baking dish, and let the oven do all the work. The result? A sliceable, cake-like oatmeal bake that stores beautifully for the week ahead.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – The base of the dish; they hold their texture after baking.
- Apples – Fresh, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji add juicy flavor.
- Cinnamon – Brings warm, cozy spice.
- Maple Syrup or Honey – Naturally sweetens the oatmeal.
- Milk – Any dairy or plant-based milk works.
- Eggs – Bind the mixture and add protein.
- Baking Powder – Helps keep the oatmeal light and not too dense.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor.
- Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- Optional Toppings – Chopped nuts, raisins, or a dollop of yogurt.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Apple Mixture – Peel (optional) and chop apples into small cubes. Toss with a bit of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Combine – Pour wet ingredients into dry, add chopped apples, and stir until well combined.
- Bake – Pour mixture into baking dish. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until set and golden brown.
- Cool & Serve – Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or cold with toppings of your choice.
4. Tips and Variations
- Make It Vegan – Use flax eggs and plant-based milk.
- Boost Protein – Stir in a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt.
- Extra Crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Berry Twist – Swap apples for blueberries or a mix of berries.
- Dessert-Style – Drizzle with caramel sauce for a sweet treat.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
- Serve cold as a quick grab-and-go breakfast.
- Pair with coffee or chai latte for a cozy morning.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer – Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating – Warm in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
7. Recipe Notes
- Best made with crisp, firm apples so they don’t turn mushy.
- You can prep everything the night before and bake in the morning.
- Sweetness can be adjusted by increasing or reducing maple syrup.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Calcium | 120mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 medium apples, diced
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, sweetener, and vanilla.
- Stir wet into dry, fold in apples.
- Pour into baking dish and bake 35–40 minutes.
- Cool slightly, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Works great for meal prep.
- Add nuts or raisins for extra flavor.
🏷️ Diet Tags: Meal Prep, Gluten-Free (with GF oats), Healthy Breakfast
🌿 Health Benefits: High fiber from oats, antioxidants from apples, and steady energy release.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this without eggs? Yes, replace with flax eggs for a vegan version.
Q: Can I use quick oats? You can, but the texture will be softer and less chewy.
10. Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is more than just breakfast—it’s a warm hug in a baking dish. It’s simple, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable, making it a staple for busy mornings or cozy weekend brunches. Bake it once, and you might just find yourself making it every week.