Introduction
Imagine waking up to the scent of warm cinnamon, apples, and oats baking in the oven—a little hint of autumn right in your kitchen. This Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is one of those recipes that feels like pure comfort in a bowl. It’s family-approved, breakfast-for-every-meal-worthy, and perfect for lazy weekend brunches or make-ahead weekday goodness.
If you’re looking for a cozy, flavor-packed, and nutritious way to start your day, this baked oatmeal is calling your name!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Quick: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this an ideal breakfast even on a busy morning.
- Meal Prep Star: Make a batch at the beginning of the week, and you have breakfast ready to go for the next few days!
- Customizable: Love nuts or dried fruit? Add them in! Have a dairy or gluten-free diet? I’ve got substitutions for you down below.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: This oatmeal is wholesome but still tastes like an indulgent treat, thanks to the combination of baked apples, cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Rolled Oats (2 cups): These give the baked oatmeal its texture. You can also opt for quick oats, but they’ll give a slightly softer consistency.
- Milk (2 cups): Regular dairy milk or any non-dairy alternative like almond, oat, or soy will work great here.
- Chopped Apples (2 cups): I like a mix of sweet and tart apples for balance—Granny Smith is always a winner!
- Cinnamon (1 ½ tsp): The heart of this recipe, the cinnamon adds warmth and richness.
- Maple Syrup (¼ cup): For natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the apples and cinnamon. Honey works too!
- Egg (1 large): Helps bind everything together—skip or use a flax egg for a vegan version (see tips below).
- Baking Powder (1 tsp): This adds a nice, slightly fluffy texture to the oatmeal as it bakes.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds depth and enhances all those warm, cozy flavors.
- Salt (¼ tsp): A little pinch balances out all the sweetness beautifully.
Pro Tips:
If you’re out of maple syrup, try brown sugar or coconut sugar for a similar depth of sweetness. And don’t be afraid to mix in nuts or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to add an extra layer of texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish with your favorite neutral oil or a bit of butter.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good stir to make sure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the mixture. These little pops of sweetness will be distributed throughout your oatmeal bake.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top out with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the oats are set.
- Serve: Let the baked oatmeal cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a splash of milk on top, if you like it a bit creamier.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Use Leftovers: This oatmeal reheats beautifully! Just warm individual servings in the microwave for 30 seconds with a little splash of milk.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can also freeze individual portions. Simply let them cool completely, wrap in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag. Reheat them in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
- Don’t Over Mix: When stirring everything together, try not to overdo it. Just mix until everything’s combined to avoid overly dense oatmeal.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add-Ins: Throw in some pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries for extra crunch and flavor.
- Vegan Swap: Skip the egg and replace it with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water). Let the flax mixture sit for 5 minutes before adding.
- Pair It Up: For a complete breakfast, serve with a side of yogurt and a drizzle of almond butter, or enjoy with a steamy cup of your favorite tea or coffee.
FAQs
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the whole thing again at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Can I make this sugar-free?
You can! Replace the maple syrup with a sugar-free sweetener like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener, adjusting the amount to your taste.
Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal
Warm, cozy, and the perfect make-ahead breakfast—this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is easy to whip up, deliciously filling, and sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 cups chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in chopped apples.
- Pour mixture into baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm. Enjoy!
Conclusion
There’s nothing like a warm, hearty baked oatmeal to start your day on the right note, and this Cinnamon Apple combo is a total winner. Be sure to leave a comment below if you try it, or tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid with your squeal-worthy results. I can’t wait to see what you whip up in your kitchen!
