Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats

Name: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice); 2 apples, diced; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; Pinch of salt; Chopped walnuts or pecans; Sliced bananas; Additional drizzle of maple syrup

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Inspiration

I love starting my mornings with a warm, comforting bowl of Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats. This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of apples and the warm spice of cinnamon, creating a delightful breakfast that gets me excited for the day ahead. Preparing this dish is incredibly simple, and the aroma wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone drool. Plus, it’s a perfect make-ahead option that allows for busy mornings. Join me in experiencing a cozy start to the day with this nourishing baked oats dish!

Created by

Honoria Blake

Last updated on 2026-02-07T19:49:36.022Z

When I first made Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats, I was amazed at how easily it transformed a basic bowl of oats into something magical. After experimenting with different spices and toppings, I discovered that the key is to let the oats soak up the flavors of the apples and cinnamon. Using fresh, diced apples not only adds moisture but also gives a delightful texture. I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.

One important tip I learned is to let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes it easier to cut into squares. I often top mine with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of nuts for an extra boost of flavor and crunch!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and wholesome ingredients to kickstart your day
Warm, comforting flavors that evoke a homely kitchen feel
Easily customizable with your favorite nuts or dried fruits
Perfect for meal prep, making busy mornings a breeze

The Magic of Baking Oats

Baking oats transforms the texture and flavor of this hearty breakfast. As the mixture cooks, the oats absorb the almond milk, creating a creamy consistency while the apples soften, becoming tender and juicy. You'll notice that the top develops a slightly crispy layer, offering a delightful contrast to the soft, chewy base beneath. This recipe allows you to enjoy the comforting, cozy quality of baked oats rather than the typical bowl of porridge.

In this recipe, the cinnamon and nutmeg play vital roles, infusing the oats with warmth and depth. For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting your spices lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the mixture. This brings out their natural oils and enhances their aroma, captivating your senses before you even take a bite. The combination of sweet apples and aromatic spices truly elevates this dish, making it a standout breakfast option.

Meal Prep and Storage

One of the biggest perks of this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats recipe is its meal prep potential. After baking, you can portion it into individual squares and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a week. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. You’ll still get that warm, comforting experience every morning, minus the hassle of cooking from scratch.

If you're aiming for batch cooking, consider doubling the recipe and using a larger baking dish. An additional 10 to 15 minutes of baking time may be needed to ensure that the dish is set in the center. For longer storage, baked oats can be frozen for up to three months. Just cut into squares, wrap them well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to your microwave time.

Customizing Your Baked Oats

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste or dietary needs. For a nut-free option, simply replace the almond milk with oat milk or any non-nut milk. You can also switch up the sweetener; coconut sugar or agave syrup can be used instead of maple syrup for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the syrup amount slightly, but be cautious not to overpower the apple flavor.

Toppings can also enhance your baked oats experience. I love adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and healthy fats. Fresh fruit such as sliced bananas or berries can brighten the dish with their color and sweetness. For a rich finish, consider drizzling a little more maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt on top, providing creamy contrast to the baked texture. Feel free to experiment and find the combinations that you love best!

Ingredients

For the Baked Oats

2 cups rolled oats
2 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice)
2 apples, diced
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings

Chopped walnuts or pecans
Sliced bananas
Additional drizzle of maple syrup

Directions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond milk, diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Stir everything until well combined.

Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and set.

Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares. Serve warm, topped with your choice of toppings.

Pro Tips

Experiment with different fruits like pears or berries for a variety of flavors. You can also use overnight oats as a base and simply bake them for a quicker option.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your baked oats turn out too dry, it likely means that extra cooking time was not needed or that there wasn't enough liquid in the mix. To remedy this in future batches, ensure that you measure your almond milk accurately and consider adding a splash more if your oats seem particularly thick before baking. On the other hand, if the center remains gooey after the baking time has elapsed, cover your dish loosely with foil and return it to the oven for another 5 minutes or so.

Another common issue is uneven baking. If you notice that one side of your oats seems undercooked, try rotating the baking dish halfway through the cooking time. Every oven behaves differently, so it can help to monitor the edges closely. They should be firm and slightly golden while the center might retain a more custardy texture, which is perfectly fine.

Serving Suggestions

To create a balanced meal, consider serving your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats alongside a protein source. A scoop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of chia seeds can provide a satisfying boost. Additionally, pairing with a side of fresh fruit complements the dish wonderfully while adding a refreshing touch. A slice of orange or some berries can brighten your plate and provide a lovely contrast to the warm, spiced oats.

For a delightful brunch spread, serve the baked oats with a pot of freshly brewed coffee or a spiced chai tea. This aromatic duo pairs wonderfully with the cozy flavors of the oats. You could also set up a toppings bar for guests, allowing everyone to personalize their square with nuts, seeds, or dollops of nut butter, creating an interactive breakfast experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prep this dish the night before?

Absolutely! Prepare all the ingredients and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just pour them into the baking dish and bake.

→ Is it possible to make this vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan if you use maple syrup and almond milk.

→ Can leftovers be stored?

Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ How can I make this higher in protein?

Try adding protein powder to the mixture or serving with Greek yogurt on top.