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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal baked until golden brown with tender diced apples, rolled oats, and maple syrup in a white ceramic baking dish.
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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is warm, cozy, and packed with tender apples, hearty rolled oats, maple syrup, and cinnamon. It bakes up creamy in the center with lightly golden edges, making it the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. Enjoy it warm with maple syrup, yogurt, or a splash of milk.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword apple baked oatmeal, apple breakfast casserole, apple cinnamon baked oatmeal, apple oatmeal bake, baked apple oatmeal, baked oatmeal, baked oats, cinnamon baked oatmeal, cinnamon oatmeal, cozy breakfast recipe, easy oatmeal breakfast, fall breakfast, family breakfast, healthy baked oatmeal, make ahead breakfast, maple baked oatmeal, meal prep breakfast, oatmeal casserole, rolled oats recipe, wholesome breakfast
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Rest Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 285kcal
Cost $10 for entire recipe

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and measuring spoons
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Vegetable peeler
  • cooling rack (optional)
  • Toothpick (to check for doneness)

Ingredients

Baked Oatmeal

  • 2½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of ground cloves optional
  • ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 medium apples 12–14 ounces total, peeled and diced (about 2½ cups)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Optional Cinnamon Oat Topping

  • 2 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
  • Toss the diced apples with the lemon juice and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
  • Fold half of the diced apples into the oatmeal mixture.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
  • Scatter the remaining apples evenly over the top.
  • If making the topping, stir together the rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle over the oatmeal.
  • Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist oat flakes attached.
  • Let the baked oatmeal rest for 15 minutes before serving.
  • Serve warm with maple syrup, vanilla yogurt, chopped toasted pecans, or a splash of milk if desired.

Notes

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is an easy breakfast recipe that's perfect for meal prep, holiday mornings, or cozy weekends at home. These helpful tips will ensure your baked oatmeal turns out moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured every time.

Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice for this recipe because they create a soft, hearty texture while still holding their shape. Avoid instant oats, which become mushy, and steel-cut oats, which require much more liquid and a significantly longer baking time.

Choose the Right Apples

Firm apples work best since they stay tender without falling apart. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Braeburn apples all provide a delicious balance of sweetness and tartness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and maple syrup.

Dice the Apples Evenly

Cut the apples into small, evenly sized pieces (about ¼ inch) so they cook at the same rate. Smaller pieces also distribute throughout the oatmeal more evenly, giving you apple in every bite.

Don't Skip the Resting Time

Allow the baked oatmeal to rest for about 15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This gives the oats time to absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in a creamy, sliceable texture that's easy to serve.

Customize the Flavor

This baked apple oatmeal recipe is easy to customize. Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for crunch, add raisins or dried cranberries for natural sweetness, or sprinkle the top with a cinnamon oat topping for a bakery-style finish.

Serve It Your Way

Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a spoonful of vanilla Greek yogurt, a splash of cold milk, or a handful of toasted nuts. Fresh berries or banana slices also make delicious toppings for an even heartier breakfast.

Great for Meal Prep

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal stores exceptionally well, making it a fantastic make-ahead breakfast. Bake it once, refrigerate individual portions, and simply reheat with a splash of milk for a quick, satisfying breakfast throughout the week.