Name: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups Old Fashioned Oats; ½ cup White Sugar; ½ cup Brown Sugar, packed; 2 tsp. Baking Powder; 2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon; 1 tsp. Table Salt; 1 cup Milk; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 2 tsp. Vanilla Extract; ½ cup Salted Butter, melted and cooled; 1 ½ – 2 cups peeled and chopped apple chunks

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 4 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, hearty breakfast that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’ve got to try this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s not only delicious but also super practical — you can whip it up ahead of time, and it fills your kitchen with the most comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. Trust me, once you make this, your weekday mornings will never be the same!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance: The oats absorb just the right amount of moisture so the texture stays tender but not mushy.
Warm Flavors: Cinnamon and apples are a classic pairing that fills the house with inviting scents.
Versatility: You can easily tweak sweetness, swap in your favorite milk, or add nuts and spices to make it your own.
No Fuss Prep: Minimal mixing with ingredients you probably already have, and baking does most of the work.

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, healthy baked oatmeal, cozy breakfast recipes, easy baked oatmeal with apples, cinnamon oatmeal breakfast - A glass baking dish filled with a baked oat and apple square dessert, showing a textured, golden-brown crumbly oat topping with pieces of apple visible inside. One square is placed on a white plate with ridged edges to the right, showing the same oat and apple mix with a slightly rough top. A silver fork rests above the plate on a wooden table. A folded purple and white checkered cloth is placed between the plate and the glass dish. A red apple sits below the cloth near the bottom edge. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together like old friends. Each adds a unique element — oats provide hearty bulk, apples bring natural sweetness and moisture, and cinnamon gives that warm, comforting spark. Here’s a quick rundown with a few shopping tips so you nail this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe the first time.

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, healthy baked oatmeal, cozy breakfast recipes, easy baked oatmeal with apples, cinnamon oatmeal breakfast - Flat lay of a small mound of old fashioned oats, a small white bowl of white sugar, a small white bowl of packed brown sugar, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of table salt, a small white bowl of milk, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of melted salted butter, fresh peeled apple chunks arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, placed 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

Old Fashioned Oats: Rolled oats hold their texture beautifully while baking, giving you that satisfying chew.
White Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the natural flavor of the apples.
Brown Sugar: Packed with molasses, it brings a deeper, caramel-like richness that perfectly complements cinnamon.
Baking Powder: Gives a gentle rise to keep the oatmeal light, not dense.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice! Freshly ground cinnamon is best for the brightest flavor.
Table Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Milk: I usually use dairy milk, but any plant-based milk works great if dairy-free.
Eggs: They act as a binder and add a slight fluffiness to the texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth that rounds out the cinnamon and apple.
Salted Butter: I like the richness and slight saltiness, but you can substitute coconut oil for a dairy-free twist.
Apples: Peeled and chopped — I prefer crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a bit of tart contrast.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is like a blank canvas—it’s really fun to make it your own. Personally, I love to sneak in toasted walnuts or pecans for some crunch, or swap in pears when apples aren’t in season. Don’t hesitate to make this fit your cravings!

Nutty Goodness: Adding chopped nuts before baking gives a wonderful texture contrast; I often sprinkle walnuts on top for an extra toasty layer.
Fruit Swap: Tried this with diced pears once and loved the slightly softer, juicy bites it adds.
Dairy-Free Version: I use coconut oil and almond milk when I want a plant-based option, and it turns out just as tasty.
Extra Spice: Sometimes I mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for a little extra warm spice kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. I like to lightly grease my 8×8 glass baking dish with butter or a neutral oil to make sure those edges don’t stick—nothing worse than a beautiful bake stuck to the sides!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and combine your oats, white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good mix so everything’s evenly distributed—that way, each bite will have a bit of that warm cinnamon sweetness and a nice lift from the baking powder.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl (or the same one to save dishes), whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and a little frothy. This step helps everything blend nicely when you add it to your dry mix.

Step 4: Stir in Butter and Apples

Slowly whisk the melted butter into your wet ingredients. Then, fold in the peeled and chopped apples gently. I like to chop mine in roughly 1/2-inch pieces so they don’t get lost in the oats but still soften deliciously in the oven.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and fold them together until everything is evenly moistened. Transfer the oatmeal batter to your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 40-45 minutes — you’ll know it’s ready when the center looks set and a toothpick comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing so it firms up nicely.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Choose Crisp Apples: I always reach for Honeycrisp or Granny Smith—they hold up well when baked and balance the sweetness.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just enough to combine to avoid a dense texture; overmixing can make the bake tough.
Let It Rest: Cooling your baked oatmeal a little before slicing helps it set for clean cuts and better texture.
Add Toppings Late: I like to add nuts or seeds after baking so they stay crunchy and add extra texture.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, healthy baked oatmeal, cozy breakfast recipes, easy baked oatmeal with apples, cinnamon oatmeal breakfast - A single square piece of oat crumble dessert sits in the center of a white plate with ridged edges. The dessert has two main layers: the top layer is golden brown with a rough texture made of baked oats mixed with cinnamon, while the bottom layer appears softer and darker, showing a moist filling beneath the oats. The plate is placed on a wooden table, and in the background, there is a glass baking dish with more of the same oat crumble. A dark red and white checkered cloth is also slightly visible behind the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I enjoy topping my slice of baked oatmeal with a generous spoonful of whipped cream, or if I want something lighter, just a drizzle of warm maple syrup. Sometimes fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans make it feel just a bit more special—a simple touch that impresses every time.

Side Dishes

This baked oatmeal is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I like pairing it with fresh fruit salad, crispy breakfast sausage, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a protein boost. It’s flexible enough to fit into any breakfast or brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I bake this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal in individual ramekins. It creates lovely single servings with crispy edges that everyone loves. You can also top each ramekin with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent brunch twist—yes, it’s that versatile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, I let the oatmeal cool completely, then cover the dish tightly and pop it in the fridge. It stays good for about 5 days. Leftovers reheat wonderfully, making for quick weekday breakfasts or snacks.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I cool the oatmeal completely, cover it with a double layer of foil, and freeze. When it’s solid, I transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It keeps well up to two months, which is a real lifesaver on busy mornings.

Reheating

To reheat, I often use a toaster oven or air fryer to keep the edges crisp, warming it gently until hot throughout. Microwave works fine too—just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make the Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats to avoid any cross-contamination. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this recipe is easy to adapt.
What’s the best type of apple for this recipe?

I recommend firmer apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji because they hold their shape and texture well when baked. Softer apples can get mushy but can still work if you like a smoother texture.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?

You sure can! Mix all the ingredients, cover the dish, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it into the preheated oven—baking time might be a few minutes longer because everything is chilled.
Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?

Yes! Swap the butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, and use plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. The texture and flavor remain fantastic.

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many times this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has saved my mornings. It’s forgiving, easy, and feels just a bit special—a perfect comfort food that doubles as a wholesome breakfast or snack. I hope this recipe brings you the same cozy joy it brings me every time I bake it. Don’t be shy about making it yours and sharing it with people you love!