Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon

Introduction

Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon is a warm, hearty, and deliciously comforting breakfast that tastes like dessert but fuels you for the day ahead. Soft baked oats infused with warm cinnamon, sweet-tart apples, and a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup make each bite taste like apple pie fresh from the oven. This dish is perfect for crisp mornings, weekend brunches, or make-ahead breakfasts for busy days — nutritious, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s wholesome comfort food at its best. The tender baked oats have a custard-like texture while the apples add natural sweetness and moisture. It’s one of those recipes that make you look forward to mornings — the smell of cinnamon and baked apples alone is worth making it. Plus, it’s meal-prep friendly, reheats perfectly, and can easily be customized with your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it strikes the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent. It’s naturally sweetened, packed with fiber and protein, and keeps you full for hours. Unlike stovetop oatmeal, baked oatmeal has a wonderful texture — crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and loaded with juicy apple pieces. It’s a one-bowl, no-fuss recipe that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly morning.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories (per serving): ~260 kcal
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Breakfast / Brunch

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-Ins:

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

For Serving:

• Extra maple syrup, honey, or yogurt
• A pat of warm butter (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven and prepare the baking dish.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Whisk wet ingredients separately and combine.
4. Fold in apples and any optional add-ins.
5. Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
6. Bake until golden and set.
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch (or similar size) baking dish with butter or oil.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until combined. Fold in diced apples, nuts, and dried fruit (if using).

Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a spoon of yogurt, or a pat of butter.

How to Serve

Serve warm as-is for a cozy breakfast or drizzle with maple syrup or honey for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. For a special brunch, top it with caramelized apples or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use rolled oats, not quick oats, for the best texture.
• If you prefer a softer oatmeal, add an extra ¼ cup milk.
• Add chopped nuts for crunch and texture.
• For extra sweetness, toss the apple cubes in a bit of brown sugar before mixing in.
• You can prep it overnight and bake in the morning — simply refrigerate the unbaked mixture overnight.

Variations

1. Apple Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal: Add ¼ cup raisins or golden raisins for natural sweetness.
2. Caramel Apple Version: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over baked oatmeal for a dessert-like treat.
3. Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and coconut oil.
4. Berry Oatmeal Bake: Swap apples for blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches.
5. Nutty Apple Crunch: Sprinkle crushed pecans or almonds on top before baking.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
• Freezer: Cut cooled oatmeal into squares, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave or oven.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×9-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

FAQ

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the mixture the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it in the morning.

Q: Can I use instant oats?
A: It’s not recommended. Instant oats will make the texture mushy instead of baked and structured.

Q: What type of apples work best?
A: Use firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith.

Q: Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
A: Yes! Substitute maple syrup with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

Q: How do I know when it’s done baking?
A: The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set (no longer liquid).

Conclusion

Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon is a wholesome, cozy, and flavorful breakfast that celebrates the essence of fall. Its combination of tender oats, juicy apples, and aromatic spices makes every bite comforting and satisfying. Simple to prepare, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a dish that feels like a warm embrace to start your day right. Whether served for a family breakfast, weekend brunch, or meal-prepped for busy mornings — this baked oatmeal is pure autumn bliss in every spoonful.