Nothing beats waking up to the warm, cozy aroma of apple and cinnamon filling your kitchen, which is exactly why I adore this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s a comforting, wholesome breakfast that brings together soft baked oats and tender chunks of fresh apple, all kissed with a hint of sweet spice. Perfectly satisfying and nourishing, this recipe is easy to prepare, making it an ideal way to start your day or to enjoy any time you want a delicious treat that feels like a warm hug. Once you try this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your morning routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create a balance of flavors and textures that make the dish so delightful. From the hearty oats that give it structure to the juicy apples adding natural sweetness and the cinnamon bringing warmth, every element is essential.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These provide the perfect chewy texture and nutty flavor ideal for baking.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds fragrant warmth and classic spice that complements the apples beautifully.
- Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise lightly for a tender bite.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness naturally.
- Large eggs: Bind the mixture together and add a silky richness.
- Milk or milk alternative: Moistens the oats and allows for a creamy texture throughout the bake.
- Maple syrup or honey: Sweetens the dish gently with natural sugars.
- Vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth and aroma to elevate the overall flavor.
- Fresh apples: Peeled, cored, and diced, these bring delightful bursts of juiciness and freshness.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing two medium fresh apples into small chunks. This size allows the apples to soften nicely as they bake while still holding onto some texture for that satisfying bite in every spoonful.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mixing these thoroughly ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed, setting the base for perfect flavor and rise.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 1 1/2 cups of milk (or your preferred milk alternative), 1/4 cup of maple syrup or honey, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This mixture will bring the oats to life with moisture and sweetness.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the wet ingredient mixture to the dry oat mixture, folding in the diced apples gently but thoroughly. This careful mixing preserves the texture of the apples while ensuring the oats are evenly moistened.
Step 5: Transfer and Bake
Pour the combined batter into a greased baking dish, smoothing it out so it’s spread evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes. Look for a golden top and make sure a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean — these are the signs that your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is perfectly done.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before slicing. This resting period helps the oatmeal set beautifully, making your slices neat and ready to enjoy without falling apart.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe even more inviting, top it with a sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of additional maple syrup also adds a creamy or sweet finish that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This hearty oatmeal pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or a warm cup of chai tea. If you’re serving it for brunch, crispy bacon or scrambled eggs add a savory contrast that complements the sweet and spiced notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this baked oatmeal in individual ramekins for a pretty presentation, perfect if you’re entertaining guests. You can also add layers of apples and cinnamon between oatmeal mixtures to create a visually stunning and flavor-rich baked parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack that tastes just as good chilled or reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze this baked oatmeal in individual portions for up to three months. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to preserve freshness and avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat in the microwave for about one to two minutes or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or a pat of butter can bring back the creamy texture as it warms.
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats are much denser and require more liquid and cooking time, so they aren’t ideal for this baked oatmeal recipe. Rolled oats provide the perfect texture and absorb moisture evenly during baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the eggs for a flax or chia egg, and use a plant-based milk along with maple syrup or agave for sweetness to keep it vegan-friendly.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the maple syrup or honey to half the recommended amount and rely on the natural sweetness of the apples. You can always add more sweetness on top if needed.
What substitutes can I use for the fresh apples?
If apples aren’t on hand, try pears or even shredded carrots as a twist on the classic recipe. Both add moisture and gentle sweetness while keeping that comforting texture.
Can I add nuts or seeds directly into the batter?
Yes, adding chopped nuts or seeds like chia or flax is a wonderful way to boost nutrition and texture. Just fold them in with the apples in Step 4 for an extra crunchy surprise.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a warm embrace on a busy morning, you absolutely have to try this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s simple, wholesome, and filled with cozy flavors that make each bite a little moment of joy. Trust me, once you give this recipe a go, it’s going to be your new favorite way to start the day!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast dish featuring rolled oats, fresh apples, and aromatic cinnamon baked to golden perfection. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup or honey, it’s a wholesome, easy-to-make meal that is perfect for family mornings or meal prep.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk or milk alternative (such as almond, oat, or soy milk)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 2 medium fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks to ensure they soften nicely during baking while maintaining some texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these together to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Bring It All Together: Add the wet ingredients to the dry oat mixture, then fold in the chopped apples. Stir gently until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the oatmeal batter into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly before slicing. This resting time helps it set perfectly for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the apples with pears or other firm fruits for a different flavor.
- Using a dairy-free milk alternative makes this recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Sweetness can be adjusted by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey.
- For added texture, consider topping with chopped nuts before baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the microwave.
