Name: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled old-fashioned oats; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 2 cups non-dairy milk (unsweetened vanilla almond milk recommended); ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; ¼ cup maple syrup; 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed; 1 tablespoon coconut oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup diced apple, divided; ½ cup raisins

There’s something about the warm, cozy aroma filling the kitchen when you bake this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe that makes every morning feel like a special occasion. It’s hearty, naturally sweet, and packed with comforting fall flavors that stick with you all day long.

A square piece of baked oatmeal sits on a white scalloped plate with syrup pooled around its base. The oatmeal bar shows a dense texture with visible oats and small apple chunks inside, all in golden-brown shades. On top, three thin slices of red-skinned apple are laid in a small stack at an angle. Next to the plate is a silver fork and in the background, a white pitcher and a glass bottle with milk sit on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s one of those breakfasts that feels indulgent without any guilt. Plus, it’s easy to prepare yet tastes like you spent hours on it—perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.

Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry and fridge.
One-bowl magic: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your breakfast.
Customizable flavors: You can swap fruits, nuts, or spices easily to make it your own.
Perfect texture: Baked oatmeal that’s soft, slightly chewy, and packed with apples and cinnamon.

The image shows a white baking dish filled with a baked apple and oat dessert cut into square pieces. The top layer is golden brown and textured, with many small, soft cubes of apple mixed evenly throughout. The apples have reddish and yellowish skin, with some pieces showing a slightly caramelized edge. The oat layer looks moist and spongy, binding the apples together, with hints of cinnamon or spices visible as a light brown color throughout. A silver serving spatula with a floral cut-out pattern rests inside the dish on the right side. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s why I love these choices and some tips to help you shop smart.

Flat lay of a small pile of rolled old-fashioned oats, a neat heap of ground cinnamon powder, a small mound of white baking powder, a pinch of coarse sea salt crystals, a small white bowl of creamy unsweetened vanilla almond milk, a small white bowl of smooth unsweetened applesauce, a small white bowl of golden maple syrup, a small heap of light brown ground flaxseed, a small dollop of solid white coconut oil, a small heap of pale vanilla bean powder, a pile of freshly diced red and green apple pieces, and a small pile of dark brown raisins, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and dishes placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Rolled old-fashioned oats: These give the best texture for baking – chewy but tender. Avoid quick or steel-cut oats because they’ll change the cooking time and texture.
Cinnamon: The warm spice that makes this dish shine with comforting fall vibes.
Baking powder: Helps the baked oatmeal rise slightly and become fluffy instead of dense.
Sea salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Non-dairy milk: I prefer unsweetened vanilla almond milk for that subtle sweetness and creamy texture, but oat or soy milk work beautifully too.
Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and apple flavor without extra sugar.
Maple syrup: Natural sweetener that complements the cinnamon and apple perfectly.
Ground flaxseed: Adds omega-3s and acts as a binder to hold everything together—great vegan magic!
Coconut oil: Brings a gentle richness and helps keep the baked oatmeal moist.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet flavors and gives a lovely aroma.
Diced apple: Fresh apples add juicy bursts of flavor and texture.
Raisins: Natural little pockets of sweetness that complement the apples beautifully.

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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 my favorite things about this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I love adding toasted walnuts for crunch or swapping raisins for dried cranberries when I want a little tartness. You can truly make it your own.

Variation: For a super cozy twist, try stirring in a handful of chopped pecans and a pinch of nutmeg — it takes the flavors to the next level.
Dietary tweaks: Use coconut or soy milk to keep it dairy-free, and swap maple syrup for agave if you need it refined sugar-free.
Seasonal swaps: In the summer, fresh peaches or berries work beautifully instead of apples. I’ve done it, and it’s delicious!
Simplify for busy mornings: I sometimes prepare the dry ingredients the night before and just mix in the wet ingredients in the morning — saves me loads of time.

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

Step 1: Prep and Preheat with Love

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing an 8×8 baking dish. I like using a non-stick spray for easy clean-up, but you can also rub a little coconut oil or butter on the dish. This step sets the stage for a perfectly baked oatmeal that won’t stick or dry out.

Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and sea salt. Then pour in the almond milk, applesauce, maple syrup, flaxseed, melted coconut oil, and vanilla. Stir it all up until it comes together into a thick, cozy batter. Don’t worry if it feels a bit loose — that’s just right.

Step 3: Fold in the Fruits

Gently fold in ¾ cup of the diced apple and raisins. I save some diced apples to sprinkle on top — it makes for a pretty presentation and adds a bit of extra juiciness once baked.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Pour your mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Scatter the remaining diced apples on top, then pop it in the oven for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell incredible by this point!

Step 5: Let it Cool and Serve

Give the baked oatmeal a few minutes to cool before scooping it out. I love drizzling it with a little more maple syrup, almond butter, or a splash of almond milk when serving. Warm and comforting with every bite.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe dozens of times, and these tips save you from common pitfalls and help you get that perfect texture every time.

Even apple distribution: Toss diced apples in a little cinnamon before folding them in to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
Don’t skip the flaxseed: It acts as a binder that keeps the oatmeal from turning crumbly — I learned the hard way when I left it out once!
Check the bake time: Ovens vary, so start checking at 35 minutes; you want it golden but still moist, not dry.
Rest before serving: Letting it cool slightly allows the oatmeal to set fully and makes scooping easier.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go for a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a spoonful of almond butter right on top. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon to enhance the cozy vibe. Fresh apple slices make a pretty and crunchy garnish too.

Side Dishes

This baked oatmeal pairs wonderfully with a simple side of fresh fruit salad or a cup of your favorite morning coffee. When I’m feeling fancy, I serve it alongside some scrambled eggs or sautéed greens to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch gathering, I love serving individual portions in small ramekins topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted pecans. Adding edible flowers or a cinnamon stick makes it extra special and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to four days. I find the flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing

Freezing is a game-changer for busy weeks. I slice the baked oatmeal before freezing individual portions in sealed bags or containers. When you want a quick breakfast fix, just thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen gently.

Reheating

I prefer reheating in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes to keep the texture soft but not soggy. The microwave works too if you’re in a rush, just heat in 1-minute intervals to avoid drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Quick oats aren’t ideal for this recipe because they absorb liquid differently and cook faster, which can result in a mushier baked oatmeal. I recommend sticking with rolled old-fashioned oats for the best texture.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is vegan as it uses non-dairy milk, flaxseed as a binder, and no animal products. Just make sure any toppings you add are vegan-friendly too.

Can I add nuts or other dried fruits?

Absolutely! Nuts like walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, and dried fruits such as cranberries or chopped dried apricots bring additional flavor and texture. Just fold them in along with the raisins.

How do I store and reheat leftover baked oatmeal?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes or microwave for about a minute. For reheating the whole dish, cover with foil and heat at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe isn’t just breakfast; it’s a warm hug on a plate. I genuinely look forward to making it, knowing it’ll bring comfort and smiles to anyone lucky enough to share it. I hope you’ll love making it as much as I do—and that it becomes your go-to cozy morning treat.