Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal features tender apples, warm cinnamon, and sweet maple syrup for a wholesome breakfast that's sure to become a new favorite!
Y'all already know that I'm a baked oatmeal aficionado, so it should come as no surprise that I've concocted a new seasonal rendition for you.
Three cheers for Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal! It's loaded with chewy oats, studded with chunks of apples and crunchy pecans, spiced with cinnamon, and sweetened with maple syrup...and it's the perfect way to warm up on a chilly (or not chilly) morning!
But juuuust in case you're new to the whole baked oatmeal phenomenon...
How to Make Baked Oatmeal
I'm happy to report that baked oatmeal is extremely quick and simple to make.
- First, stir together the ingredients -- typically rolled oats, some sort of milk, a couple of eggs, a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, fruit and nuts (if desired), and flavorings or spices. I also like adding some melted coconut oil to give an extra boost of nutrition to my baked oatmeal.
- After your ingredients are well-combined, simply spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Pop it in the oven until the oatmeal is set and golden on top.
- Then slice and serve warm! I typically like to top mine with drizzle of milk and a sprinkle of toasted nuts.
Reasons to Love Baked Oatmeal
- It’s quick and easy to make.
- It's an ideal make-ahead breakfast. Not only is it tasty fresh from the oven, but it's also delicious the next day (or the day after that, if it lasts that long), because it reheats beautifully with a splash of milk.
- It's tasty and easy to customize. All three of my kids love it, and y'all, that's saying a lot.
- It’s wholesome, filling, and full of healthy ingredients...AKA, the perfect breakfast for staying satisfied until lunchtime!
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is filling, wholesome, and lightly sweetened. I think it's delightful as is, but feel free to serve it with an additional drizzle of maple syrup, should you feel so inclined. Just don't tell my kids I said that. Oh, what does it matter? They'll be too busy fighting over the last piece to hear you anyway.
So whatever the temps in your neck of the woods, this recipe is a perfect breakfast any time of year! It's yummy and nourishing, it's easy to make and quick to reheat. In fact, it's pretty much the oatmeal incarnation of a crisp fall day...and for those of us currently subjected to sweltering heat, that's about as good as we're going to get until mid-November. 😉
Helpful Tips, Tricks, & Equipment
- I used a Braeburn apple because that's what I had on hand. You can leave on the skin (I do) or peel the apple, if you prefer. Also, I used whole milk and unsweetened applesauce. But feel free to swap out your favorite type of milk and/or sweetened applesauce, if you wish.
- You may also substitute a different type of neutral oil (or melted butter) for the coconut oil. Honey may be substituted for the maple syrup. Pecans (or another type of nut) may be swapped in for the walnuts.
- I prefer using rolled oats in my baked oatmeal for the best texture. Quick oats will work as well if that's all you have on hand, but use slightly less since they're packed more tightly when measured out.
- The reason the milk and eggs should be at room temperature is because if they are cold, they will cause the coconut oil to resolidify. To quickly warm everything up, I usually just put the whole eggs in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes and zap the milk in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Reheat oatmeal by placing an individual serving on a plate, drizzling with a little milk of your choice, and then heating in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
MORE Tasty Flavors/Variations!
- Banana Bread
- Piña Colada
- Coconut Almond
- Strawberry (Baked Oatmeal Cups)
- Pumpkin
- Carrot Cake
- Gingerbread
- Peach
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup diced apples, about 1 medium apple
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup milk OR almond milk, at room temperature
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
Instructions
- Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Lightly grease (or spray with nonstick cooking spray) an 8- by 8-inch glass baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine oats, walnuts, cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt. Mix in diced apples, applesauce, milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, and almond extract. Stir in coconut oil until all ingredients are well combined.
- Spread mixture into prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes or until set and light golden brown on top. Allow to cool in the baking dish for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with optional garnishes, such as warm milk drizzled over the top and additional chopped walnuts.
Post originally published on September 3, 2015 and updated on December 29, 2018.
Amanda
I have made this twice now and it is so yummy! The tips on warming up the ingredients was very helpful too.
Christina
We loved it!
Lea
I made this for the first time this morning. Doubled it since I have 3 teens & wanted some leftovers. It came out a little dry & not as sweet as they would like. However, the tip of adding almond milk or yogurt helped & they added some more maple syrup for extra sweetness. This is a healthy and different spin of a breakfast casserole and regular oatmeal! Thank you!
David
I have tried many versions of this type of this recepie. This was by far the driest.
Suzanne
This looks so good! What a perfect breakfast meal prep for the whole family!
Becky
I made this for breakfast this morning and it was a hit! I didn't have walnut hand so I used chopped pecans and they worked perfectly fine. I love baked oatmeal as a great breakfast alternative for my kiddos and how easy it is to throw together and toss in the oven! I can't wait to try some of your other variations. :o)
Samantha at Five Heart Home
So happy to hear that it was a hit, Becky! And yes, it's fun to experiment with other flavors once you know you enjoy baked oatmeal. 🙂
Adrienne
This is my go-to recipe (minus the nuts)! I use cortland apples in season and usually decrease the real maple syrup to 1-2 TB. Then, folks can use syrup at the table if they want it sweeter. Compared to other recipes, I think it's the coconut oil that gives this a great texture. I use this same recipe to make blueberry baked oatmeal, and decrease the cinnamon to 1 tsp, add some fresh grated nutmeg, and skip the ginger. Instead of chopped apples, I add the fresh blueberries. I also decrease the maple syrup and let folks choose. I like a maple syrup drizzle at the table, so I find I like doing the decrease in the recipe itself.
Samantha at Five Heart Home
I'm glad you enjoy this recipe so much, Adrienne, and thanks for sharing your adaptations. 🙂
Erika
Any suggestions if you don't have applesauce? I've got a ton of apples to use and want to make this tomorrow fof breakfast.
Audra
Hello Erika,
Make applesauce from scratch. Peel, core and cut some apples. Little water and maybe sugar thats up to you. Cover and let it cook until apples are soft and mash. Let it cold before using.. Old school applesauce. Im doing this tomorrow. Im just like you plenty of apples and no applesauce.
Goldie
This was a very nice breakfast for all the members of our family. Thanks!
Suzanne Holt
I love this. So easy and yummy for get togethers!
Jessica Formicola
I made this for breakfast this morning and I already can't wait to make it again! Thanks for sharing!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Jessica!
Claire
This was AMAZING!!!!
All my kids enjoyed it, hubby enjoyed it and it was even a hit with my inlaws.
A breakfast that pleased the whole family, well I don't need to tell you, that is gold dust!
Thank you for such a great recipe (and so easy!)
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Yay, Claire...so happy to hear it! 🙂
G fox
Thanks for a great Versatel recipe. I have food allergies so had to leave out the eggs and dairy.
The applesauce was my eggs, did an ok job of binding. Used my vegan “butter”. Reduced the cinnamon, my Costco cimmamon seems very strong and it was perfect. I didn’t add the liquid, didn’t need it. Have made it several times. And enjoying it on vacation! I made it this morning with 10 dates instead of the sugar. Is very sweet. Could have used only 7. Being allergic to milk, wheat and eggs this will definitely be in my rotation of breakfast and snack foods. Thanks for sharing.
Mom of 2
Thanks so much for a delicious and easy recipe!!! We made it without walnuts and almond extract (tree nut allergy) and it still tasted great! Also used melted unsalted butter rather than coconut oil. This has become a weekly favorite!
Amber
This looks yummy! I don't think I have enough rolled oats on hand. Would quick oats work?
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Yes! 🙂
KindaLikes2Cook
Will Old Fashioned Oats work? I really prefer the chew you get from the old fashioned Oats VS the Quick Oats.
Thank you, from a newbie!!!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Yes! Old-fashioned rolled oats are what I use. I prefer their chewiness as well in baked oatmeal. 🙂 Hope you enjoy!
Nick
Looking forward to trying this! Quick question though, I am seriously allergic to nuts. Can I omit the walnuts or will it mess up the recipe?
Thanks!
Samantha at Five Heart Home
Hi Nick! Yes, you may leave out the nuts and the baked oatmeal should turn out just fine. 🙂