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· 4.6 from 30 reviews

If you’re anything like me, mornings can be a bit of a scramble — which is why this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to whip up on weekends or even busy weekdays when you want something cozy and hearty ready to go. Imagine tender apple chunks mingling with warm cinnamon flavor, all held together by wholesome oats baked into a golden, comforting dish. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to customize, making it the perfect breakfast to please the whole family (or just yourself — no judgement here!). Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything to help you nail this wonderful baked oatmeal every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavor: The synergy of cinnamon, apples, and brown sugar creates a warm, inviting taste without being overly sweet.
Simple Prep: Uses pantry staples and comes together in just minutes, yet bakes into something that feels special and wholesome.
Versatility: Easily adapted for dairy-free or gluten-free lifestyles, plus simple to customize with add-ins.
Great Texture: Baked oats are soft but firm enough to slice, with tender apple pieces adding an irresistible bite.

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, healthy baked oatmeal breakfast, easy apple cinnamon brunch, cozy breakfast recipes, wholesome apple baked oats - 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

Every ingredient here plays a key role in bringing this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe to life. I love how rolled oats provide that hearty, chewy texture while cinnamon and apples pack in cozy warmth and natural sweetness. Here’s a little insider info on each ingredient to help you shop smart and get the best results.

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Old Fashioned Oats: These whole oats hold their shape beautifully through baking, creating a great chewy texture unlike quick oats.
White Sugar: Balances the tartness of the apples with a clean, sweet tone.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Baking Powder: Gives just enough lift so your baked oatmeal isn’t flat or dense.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice — warm, fragrant, and cozy, pairing naturally with apples.
Table Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps sweetness in check.
Milk: Moistens the oats and adds creaminess; I usually use whole milk but plant-based milk works great too.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and give the oats structure.
Vanilla Extract: Just a touch adds complexity and rounds out the sweetness.
Salted Butter: Brings richness and buttery depth; melted so it incorporates smoothly.
Apples (peeled and chopped): Fresh, crisp apples bake into tender pockets of juicy sweetness throughout the dish.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I adore this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. You can mix and match spices, swap out fruits, or even turn it into a protein-packed breakfast with some additions. Don’t hesitate to make it yours!

Variation: I sometimes throw in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a nice crunch — it adds so much texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Replacing butter with coconut oil and milk with almond or oat milk works like a charm without compromising taste.
Seasonal Twist: In the fall, I love swapping some of the apples for pears or adding a handful of dried cranberries for festive flair.
Make It Vegan: Use flax eggs in place of regular eggs and plant-based milk, plus coconut oil instead of butter for a fully vegan version I’ve had great success with.

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

Step 1: Prepping the Base

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 8×8-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray. This helps prevent sticking and gives your baked oatmeal a lovely golden crust. While the oven warms up, gather your dry ingredients — oats, white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt — and whisk them together in a medium bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures even distribution so every bite has that perfect blend of flavor.

Step 2: Combining the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined. Here’s a tip: I usually let my melted butter cool for a few minutes before adding it so it doesn’t cook the eggs or create lumps.

Step 3: Bringing It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into your dry oat mixture and whisk thoroughly until fully blended. Then, fold in the cooled melted butter and the chopped apples gently but thoroughly, ensuring those juicy apple pieces are evenly incorporated throughout the batter. This gives you tender pockets of sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples in every slice.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted near the middle comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake or it can dry out — it should be firm but still moist and chewy. When it’s done, let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes; this resting time helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Peeling the Apples: I always peel my apples to get a softer texture throughout — if you love extra chew, keep the peels on for a bit more fiber.
Don’t Skip Cooling: Letting the baked oatmeal rest after baking really makes it slice neatly instead of crumbling apart.
Mix Apples Last: Adding apples after combining the wet and dry ingredients keeps the chunks intact rather than breaking down too much during mixing.
Watch Your Oven: Since every oven runs a little hot or cool, start checking around 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Garnishes

I love to serve this baked oatmeal warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream — both add a lush, indulgent touch that turns breakfast into a mini celebration. Sometimes I sprinkle a few chopped nuts or a dash of extra cinnamon on top for a pretty finish and added crunch. And yes, milk on the side is a must for me, but you do you!

Side Dishes

For a heartier brunch, I like pairing my Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe with crispy bacon or turkey sausage — the salty, savory flavors balance the sweet oatmeal perfectly. Fresh fruit salad or a side of yogurt also work beautifully if you want to keep things light and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a brunch? Try baking this oatmeal in individual ramekins for single servings that look extra special. You can also add a swirl of almond butter or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top before baking for a festive touch. It doubles as a snack or dessert too — serve a warm slice with vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got instant comfort food magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the baked oatmeal cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps really well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making for easy grab-and-go breakfasts. Reheating individual slices in the toaster oven or microwave works great — just be careful not to overheat or it dries out.

Freezing

Freezing baked oatmeal is a total game-changer for busy weeks. After cooling to room temperature, I wrap it tightly in foil (usually double wrap so it doesn’t get freezer burn) and freeze it until solid. Once frozen, I pop it into a labeled freezer bag or container and store it for up to two months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm in the oven.

Reheating

To get that fresh-baked feel, I reheat leftovers in a toaster oven at 325°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, which keeps the outside slightly crisp while warming the inside evenly. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too — just zap in 30-second bursts to avoid overheating.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of old fashioned oats for this recipe?

While steel-cut oats are delicious, they won’t work well in this baked oatmeal recipe because they require a longer cooking time and won’t soften fully by baking alone. Old fashioned rolled oats are best for that tender, chewy texture you want here.
What type of apples work best in Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe?

I prefer using sweet-tart apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala because they hold their shape nicely and offer a bright flavor that balances the cinnamon and sugars beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can be gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free old fashioned oats, since traditional oats can sometimes be contaminated with gluten during processing.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! To make it vegan, swap eggs with flax or chia seed eggs, use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives.
How do I prevent the baked oatmeal from being too dry?

Be careful not to overbake it—start checking around 40 minutes. Also, don’t skimp on the butter or milk; they keep the texture moist and tender. Letting it cool before slicing also helps retain moisture.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate and is one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want a breakfast that’s both comforting and nourishing. I love sharing it with friends and family because it’s so approachable but still feels like a treat. If you try it out, I’d bet you’re going to find it becoming a staple in your kitchen too. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite tweaks — that’s half the fun. Happy baking!