Name: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Nonstick cooking spray; 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups milk; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 apples, diced (about 2 cups); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

There's something wonderfully cozy about waking up to the warm, fragrant scent of baked oats bubbling with cinnamon and fresh apples. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting breakfast that's both satisfying and easy to pull together any morning.

A square white plate holds a single thick slice of baked oat and apple mixture, showing soft chunks of apple with golden brown baked oats and nuts mixed throughout. On top, there is a dollop of white whipped cream, sprinkled lightly with brown cinnamon powder. Thin red-skinned apple slices fan out slightly under the cream, adding a fresh touch. The plate rests on a soft blue and purple cloth napkin, all placed 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 genuinely get excited every time I make this baked oatmeal because it fills the kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma and tastes like breakfast and dessert in one. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to prep, so you can enjoy a wholesome start without any fuss.

Simple and wholesome: Made with basic pantry ingredients you probably already have, making it budget-friendly and convenient.
Perfectly spiced: The cinnamon blends beautifully with tart apples for a naturally sweet, cozy flavor.
Hands-off baking: Just mix everything, pop it in the oven, and let it do its magic—no babysitting required.
Customizable: Easy to swap in nuts, fruits, or sweeteners you love, so it feels personal every time you make it.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe plays a role, whether for texture, flavor, or just that perfect rise and bake. I always recommend using fresh apples and good-quality cinnamon to get the best results.

Flat lay of a small heap of old fashioned rolled oats, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small white bowl, a teaspoon of baking powder in a small white bowl, a half teaspoon of kosher salt in a small white bowl, two cups of milk in a small white bowl, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with amber maple syrup, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, two fresh diced red apples in a simple white ceramic bowl, and a small white bowl of chopped walnuts, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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

Old fashioned rolled oats: These provide the perfect chewy texture and absorb the flavors without turning mushy.
Baking powder: Helps the oats rise slightly, giving a light, tender crumb instead of a dense bake.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth—don’t skip it, it’s the soul of this recipe!
Kosher salt: Balances out sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Milk: I usually go with whole milk for creaminess, but any milk works fine—even plant-based milks.
Eggs: These bind everything together and add richness to the baked dish.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds lovely caramel notes.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash elevates the aroma and rounds out the flavors.
Apples: Fresh, diced apples bring bursts of juicy tartness and texture contrast.
Chopped walnuts: For crunch and a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the sweet spices.

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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

I personally love swapping chopped pecans for the walnuts sometimes or tossing in some raisins for a little extra sweetness. Feel free to experiment—this recipe really welcomes your personal touch!

Vegan variation: Use flax eggs in place of real eggs and almond or oat milk—works surprisingly well and tastes great.
Fruit swaps: Try pears or berries instead of apples when they’re in season; it keeps things fun and fresh.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a twist on the classic cinnamon flavor.

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

A thick square slice of baked oatmeal sits on a white square plate. The bottom layer is chunky oatmeal mixed with small pieces of red and yellow apple and visible walnut pieces. On top, there are four thin apple slices fanned out, partially covered by a fluffy dollop of white cream sprinkled with fine brown cinnamon powder. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a folded blue cloth napkin and silver fork beside it. In the background, a white rectangular dish filled with more baked oatmeal is slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepping the baking dish and dry ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, spray an 8x8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray—trust me, this step saves a lot of scrubbing later! Then, in a large bowl, stir together your rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps spread the flavors evenly throughout the dish.

Step 2: Combining wet ingredients and apples

Add the milk, beaten eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract right into the dry mix. Then fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts. I make sure everything is mixed well but not overworked—this keeps the texture just right.

Step 3: Baking to perfection

Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, until the oats are set and the top gets that beautiful, light golden-brown color. If you peek too early, it might seem a bit jiggly—give it time! I usually check with a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've learned a few things that really make this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe shine and stay foolproof every time I bake it.

Prepping the apples: I always use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they keep their texture and add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness.
Don't skip the spray: Even a tiny bit of nonstick spray means your baked oatmeal comes out clean and intact, no broken edges.
Check doneness gently: The baked oatmeal will firm up more as it cools, so bake until mostly set rather than completely hard.
Rest before serving: Allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes; it makes scooping much easier and flavors deepen.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a drizzle of extra maple syrup, a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream, and a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts for crunch. Sometimes I add a dash of cinnamon right before serving—it smells heavenly.

Side Dishes

For a heartier brunch, I like pairing this oatmeal with scrambled eggs or turkey sausage. Fresh fruit or a green smoothie on the side also complements that warm, spiced flavor perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I tried recently was serving this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal in small ramekins for a brunch party—it feels special and lets everyone have their own warm portion. You could even make mini muffin-sized baked oats for grab-and-go mornings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or tuck them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They stay good for up to 4 days and taste just as delicious when reheated.

Freezing

This baked oatmeal freezes beautifully. I cut it into portions, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil, then pop them in a freezer bag. When I want a quick breakfast, I just thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave straight from frozen.

Reheating

Reheating is easy: I microwave leftover portions for about 60-90 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes. Adding a tiny splash of milk before reheating helps restore that fresh-baked softness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats for this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe?

Quick oats tend to absorb liquid differently and can result in a mushier texture when baked. For best texture, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats as they hold their shape and give a nice chewiness.

Is this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats, as oats themselves don't contain gluten but can be cross-contaminated. Always check packaging if gluten sensitivity is a concern.

Can I prepare this recipe the night before and bake it in the morning?

Absolutely! You can mix all ingredients, cover the dish, and refrigerate overnight. Bake first thing in the morning for a hot, fresh breakfast with very little morning prep.

How can I make this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, simply cut back on the maple syrup or swap it for mashed banana for a natural sweetness with less sugar. You can also skip the syrup and add extra apples or cinnamon for flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is honestly one of my go-to comfort breakfasts, especially on chilly mornings. It’s easy, nourishing, and feels like a little hug in a bowl. I hope you give it a try and find it as charming and comforting as I do—it’s just that kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.