Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal – Cozy, Make-Ahead Breakfast

This Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal brings all the warm, familiar flavors of apple pie to a simple breakfast. It’s hearty, lightly sweet, and easy to prep on a busy morning. You can bake it once and enjoy slices all week, or serve it warm to a crowd.

The texture lands between oatmeal and a soft, tender cake, which makes it feel special without being fussy. Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a spoon of yogurt, and you’re set.

What Makes This Special

• Apple pie vibes, breakfast nutrition: Warm cinnamon, soft apples, and toasty oats make it satisfying and nostalgic.
• Meal-prep friendly: Bake once, reheat for days. It freezes well, too.
• Flexible: Works with dairy or non-dairy milk, different sweeteners, and your favorite add-ins.
• No stovetop required: Mix, pour, bake.

  It’s straightforward and low mess.

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or unsweetened almond/oat milk)
• 2 medium apples, peeled if you like, cored, and diced small
• 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan: 2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp water)
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil (plus more for greasing)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp fine salt
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the pan: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, salt, and nuts if using.
3. Whisk the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs (or flax eggs), maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add apples: Fold the diced apples and any dried fruit into the wet mixture.
5. Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until everything is evenly coated. The mixture will look loose; that’s right.
6. Transfer to the pan: Spread the mixture into the prepared dish.

   Smooth the top.

7. Bake: Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. A toothpick should come out mostly clean.
8. Cool slightly: Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up.
9. Serve: Enjoy warm.

   Top with a little yogurt, extra maple syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Keeping It Fresh

• Fridge: Store cooled slices in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual squares and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Microwave a slice for 45–60 seconds, or warm in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Balanced and filling: Oats bring fiber, apples add natural sweetness, and eggs provide protein.
• Lowers morning stress: Cook once, eat multiple times. Great for kids and busy schedules.
• Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and seasonal fruit.
• Customizable: Easy to make gluten-free or dairy-free without losing flavor.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Too dry: This usually means overbaking.

  Pull it when the center is just set.

• Gummy texture: Can happen if using quick oats or steel-cut oats. Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats.
• Soggy apples: Dice apples small and keep the peel thin or remove it for a more uniform texture.
• Uneven sweetness: If your apples are very tart, taste the batter and add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup.

Alternatives

• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
• Vegan: Use flax eggs and plant milk; swap maple syrup for honey if needed.
• No refined fat: Replace butter with unsweetened applesauce; add a pinch more salt for balance.
• Extra protein: Stir in 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or a scoop (about 20 g) of unflavored or vanilla protein powder and reduce milk slightly.
• Flavor twists: Add a pinch of cardamom, swap apples for pears, or sprinkle the top with a cinnamon-sugar mix before baking.

FAQ

Can I use quick oats?

Quick oats will make the bake softer and slightly mushy. For best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats.

Which apples work best?

Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith hold their shape and balance sweetness.

Use what you have, but avoid very mealy apples.

Can I assemble it the night before?

Yes. Mix everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time.

How do I make it less sweet?

Reduce maple syrup to 1/4 cup and add a splash more milk.

Rely on ripe apples and a topping of yogurt for balance.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake 5–10 minutes longer, checking for a set center.

What if I don’t have eggs?

Use flax eggs or 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce. The texture will be a bit softer but still sliceable.

In Conclusion

Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is cozy, reliable, and easy to make your own.

It turns simple ingredients into a hearty breakfast that keeps well all week. Keep a pan in the fridge, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy a warm, stress-free start to the day.