Name: Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490004H46M53S
Total time: PT-490004H46M53S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing); 2 ¼ cups old fashioned oats; 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups milk; ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; ¼ cup maple syrup; 2 large eggs; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup apples, diced; ⅓ cup walnuts, chopped; Whipped cream or Greek yogurt; Apples, sliced; Nut butter; Maple syrup or honey

If you’re looking for a cozy breakfast that’s both comforting and nutritious, you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning but is incredibly simple to whip up. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick and wholesome start to your day, this baked oatmeal hits the spot every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Prep: You mix everything in one bowl, so no fuss and hardly any cleanup.
Comforting Flavor: The warm cinnamon and fresh diced apples give it that perfect cozy vibe.
Versatile Meal: It works just as well for breakfast, brunch, or even a healthy dessert.
Family Favorite: My kids go crazy for it, especially topped with a little Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

A single square slice of a baked oatmeal dish with visible oats and a slightly rough texture sits on a white plate. The slice has two layers: the bottom thick layer is a grainy, light brown oatmeal mix, and the top thin layer is glossy with a few soft, round apple slices visible, showing a slightly caramelized surface. Above the slice, a wooden honey dipper releases a thin stream of golden honey that drips down onto the oatmeal. The plate rests on a wooden board with some scattered oats around, and the background features a soft, white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal, healthy breakfast baked oats, cozy apple cinnamon casserole, nutritious oatmeal dish, easy apple baked oatmeal

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe come alive, you’ll want fresh, wholesome ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Most of these are pantry staples, and a couple fresh touches make all the difference.

Flat lay of a small pile of old fashioned oats, a few whole cinnamon sticks beside a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of baking powder, a pinch of salt crystals on white ceramic, a small white bowl filled with fresh milk, a small white bowl of smooth unsweetened applesauce, a small white bowl of amber maple syrup, two large whole brown eggs, a small white bowl with melted butter, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of diced fresh red apples, a small white bowl of roughly chopped walnuts placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal, healthy breakfast baked oats, cozy apple cinnamon casserole, nutritious oatmeal dish, easy apple baked oatmeal

Old fashioned oats: They hold their texture beautifully in baked oatmeal and give just the right chewiness.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a touch of sweetness without extra sugar.
Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal puff up slightly – don’t skip it!
Salt: Just a pinch to balance flavors.
Milk: Use whatever you prefer—dairy or plant-based works great here.
Unsweetened applesauce: A natural sweetener that keeps things moist without added sugar.
Maple syrup: Real maple syrup gives this oatmeal a gentle blend of sweet and deep flavor.
Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
Unsalted butter: Melted for that lovely buttery undertone.
Vanilla: Elevates the sweetness and complements the apples and cinnamon really well.
Apples: Diced fresh – I like a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice tang and bite.
Walnuts: Chopped for a bit of crunch and nutty flavor; feel free to swap for pecans or leave out if you prefer.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe to keep it fresh and suit whatever mood I’m in. Feel free to customize it your way—it’s forgiving and welcoming to experimentation.

Swap the nuts: Sometimes I go for pecans instead of walnuts for a slightly sweeter crunch.
Make it vegan: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) and your favorite plant-based butter and milk.
Seasonal fruit additions: Pears work fantastic in the fall, and berries add a pop of color in spring or summer.
Add spices: A pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger can give a cozy, aromatic twist if you’re feeling adventurous.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray or butter—it really helps to prevent sticking and makes serving a breeze later. I’ve found that using butter adds a lovely hint of richness around the edges as the oatmeal bakes.

Step 2: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your old fashioned oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Then pour in the milk, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir everything well until the mixture looks evenly combined. This is where the magic starts—you’ll notice the batter gets nice and thick, thanks to the oats soaking up the liquids.

Step 3: Fold in Fresh Apples and Nuts

Gently fold the diced apples and chopped walnuts into the batter. The fresh apples add a lovely tartness and texture, while the walnuts bring a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft oatmeal.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the oatmeal is set and the top starts to turn a gorgeous golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the edges pull away slightly from the pan, and it feels firm to the touch. I love that the aroma fills the whole kitchen at this point—it’s pure comfort.

Step 5: Let It Cool and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, allow the cinnamon apple baked oatmeal to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This rest time helps it firm up even more so you get nice clean cuts. Slice into 6 rectangles or 9 squares depending on your serving size. I usually top mine with a scoop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup, but whipped cream or a spoon of nut butter tastes incredible too.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Use Fresh Apples: I always use crisp apples to keep a nice texture contrast after baking—they don’t turn to mush as easily as softer varieties.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye near the end of the bake time; overbaked oatmeal can dry out. The edges should be golden and the center set but still moist.
Customize Sweetness: Depending on your apples and personal taste, you might want to adjust the maple syrup—start with less, then drizzle more on top if needed.
Grease the Pan Well: I once skipped this step, and it was such a pain to remove the oatmeal. Don’t make my mistake—grease well for easy serving.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe

The image shows three white plates each holding a square oatmeal bar topped with a layer of white cream, thinly sliced red apples arranged in a fan shape, and a drizzle of caramel or syrup over the apples and cream. The oatmeal bars have a rough, crumbly texture with visible oats. A gold fork rests on the plate in the center. Around the plates are small white bowls, one containing cinnamon powder and another with caramel sauce, and a bowl with walnut pieces on a white cloth napkin. The background has a white marbled texture with scattered oats and handwritten notes visible beneath the plates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal, healthy breakfast baked oats, cozy apple cinnamon casserole, nutritious oatmeal dish, easy apple baked oatmeal

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt for tang, a sprinkling of extra cinnamon, and some sliced apples for fresh crunch. Sometimes I add a drizzle of nut butter like almond or peanut for a savory-sweet twist, or just a little extra maple syrup if I’m feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

For a fuller breakfast, I often serve this baked oatmeal alongside crispy bacon or turkey sausage. A side of fresh fruit or a green smoothie also pairs wonderfully if you want something lighter but still satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Once for a brunch party, I baked this oatmeal in a muffin tray instead of a big pan—perfect individual portions that looked adorable and made serving effortless. You could also layer it with yogurt and granola in a glass for a cozy parfait look if you want to dress it up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the oatmeal cools completely, I cover it tightly with foil or transfer pieces to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to one week, making it my favorite grab-and-go breakfast during busy mornings.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cinnamon apple baked oatmeal both whole in the pan (wrapped well) and sliced into individual portions. It freezes wonderfully for up to three months, so you can whip it out on a lazy Sunday and have quick breakfasts ready whenever you want. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I prefer reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes—it revives that fresh-baked texture and flavor best. If you’re pressed for time, the microwave works too; heat in 30-second bursts until warm throughout, but the texture might be a little softer.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats in this recipe?

While quick oats can be used in a pinch, old fashioned oats are best for baked oatmeal since they hold their texture better and prevent the dish from becoming too mushy. If you switch to quick oats, the texture might be softer and less hearty.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a simple swap.
How do I know when the baked oatmeal is done?

The oatmeal is ready when the top is golden brown and the edges have pulled slightly away from the pan. The center should be firm to the touch but still moist—not wet or jiggly. You can use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out mostly clean or with just a few crumbs.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to this recipe?

Definitely! You can swap the apples for pears, berries, or even diced peaches depending on the season. Nuts like pecans or almonds work just as well as walnuts, or omit nuts for a nut-free version. Just keep the total fruit and nut quantity similar so the texture stays balanced.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m confident it can become one in yours, too. It’s that perfect blend of cozy flavors, easy prep, and versatility that makes breakfast feel special without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, trust me when I say you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat all year long.