Name: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; nonstick cooking spray

There’s something incredibly cozy about starting your day with warm, fragrant Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe fills your kitchen with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and apples, making breakfast feel special without much fuss.

The dish shows one thick square layer of baked apple oatmeal with visible chunks of apple and walnuts. On top, there is a thick white swirl of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon powder, and several thin slices of red apple fanned out on one side. The dish is served on a white square plate, placed on a white marbled texture surface, with a silver fork and stacked blue and purple napkins in the background. 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 love how comforting and simple this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want a breakfast that tastes homemade but doesn’t eat up my morning.

Convenience: You toss everything into one dish and bake, making your morning hands-off but delicious.
Flavor harmony: The combo of apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup creates a naturally sweet flavor without needing refined sugar.
Texture magic: The oats bake into a tender, slightly crispy top while staying creamy inside–a fantastic contrast.
Healthy and hearty: Packed with rolled oats and walnuts, this recipe keeps you full and energized through the morning.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has a role in balancing nutrition, texture, and flavor. When you grab these for your kitchen, think about freshness and quality to get the best result.

Flat lay of a small pile of old fashioned rolled oats, a white ceramic bowl with a small heap of baking powder, a white ceramic bowl with ground cinnamon, a white ceramic bowl with kosher salt crystals, a white ceramic bowl filled with milk, two whole uncracked large brown eggs, a white ceramic bowl with amber maple syrup, a white ceramic bowl with clear vanilla extract, two fresh diced red and green apples arranged beside each other, and a small pile of chopped walnuts 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: They absorb liquids beautifully during baking to yield a creamy but structured texture.
Baking powder: Gives the oats a slight lift so the bake isn’t dense or heavy.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that pairs perfectly with the apples.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without making it taste salty.
Milk: Provides moisture and richness; you can swap with plant-based milk if you like.
Eggs: Help bind the oats while contributing to a tender crumb.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the apples without overpowering.
Vanilla extract: Brings out the sweetness and adds a lovely aromatic layer.
Apples: Fresh, diced apples offer juicy bursts and natural sweetness. Choose crisp apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for best texture.
Chopped walnuts: Add crunch and nutty flavor, plus healthy fats and protein.

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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 the best parts about this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often switch things up depending on what I have around or my mood that day, and you’ll probably find your own favorite tweaks too.

Variation: Sometimes I swap walnuts for pecans or toasted almonds for a different crunch — it’s delicious every time.
Dairy-free option: Using almond or oat milk keeps it creamy but friendly for those avoiding dairy.
Extra sweetness: Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries before baking for chewy little bursts of sweetness.
Spice it up: Try a pinch of nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon for a warm, cozy twist.

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

The dish shows one thick square piece of oat and apple bake on a small white plate. The bottom and middle layers are made of a chunky oat mixture with visible bits of red and yellow apples and walnuts, giving a rough texture with soft, baked oats. On top are three thin slices of red-skinned apples arranged neatly. A dollop of white cream is placed over the apple slices, sprinkled lightly with brown cinnamon powder. The plate is on a white marbled surface, with a folded blue cloth and a fork nearby, and a white baking dish filled with more oat mixture in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients

First, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Then, I mix together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. This way all my dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps the oatmeal bake perfectly.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Fruit

Next up, I whisk in the milk, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract right into the same bowl. Toss in the diced apples and chopped walnuts last so they’re nicely coated. Mixing everything until combined ensures that every bite has that lovely balance of flavors and textures.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Set

I pour the mixture into my prepared baking dish and pop it in the oven. It usually takes about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll want to bake it until the oats are set and the top is lightly browned — keep an eye on it around 40 minutes to avoid over-baking. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe even better — and I’m happy to share these so you can nail it on your first try.

Use fresh, crisp apples: They hold their shape and give you little bursts of texture rather than turning mushy in the bake.
Don’t over-mix your batter: Stir just enough to combine ingredients; overworking the mixture can lead to a dense texture.
Check the oven early: Because every oven is a bit different, start checking around 35-40 minutes so you can catch it at perfect doneness.
Let it cool slightly before serving: It helps the oatmeal set further, making it easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing my baked oatmeal with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of extra chopped walnuts or a drizzle of maple syrup on top if I’m feeling indulgent. Fresh apple slices on the side always make it feel so cozy and inviting.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a side of scrambled eggs or some crispy bacon for a more filling breakfast. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside fruit smoothies to balance out the meal with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch spread, I like to bake this oatmeal in a muffin tin for individual portions—super cute and perfect for sharing. Another fun idea is layering this baked oatmeal with yogurt and fresh fruit in clear glass jars for an eye-catching parfait look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftover baked oatmeal tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great grab-and-go breakfast option during busy mornings.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently for a quick, wholesome breakfast any day of the week.

Reheating

I usually reheat slices in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or until warm. Another method I like is popping it in a toaster oven to keep the nice edge crisp while warming the inside perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

While quick oats might work in a pinch, rolled oats are best for this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe because they hold their shape and texture better during baking, preventing the oatmeal from becoming too mushy.

How do I know when the baked oatmeal is done?

The baked oatmeal is done when the top is lightly browned and the oats have set firm to the touch. You can insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out mostly clean (with just a few moist crumbs), it’s ready.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version of this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) to maintain binding.

What apples are best for baking in this recipe?

I recommend crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. They hold their shape and add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness to the oatmeal without turning mushy during baking.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe holds a dear spot in my breakfast rotation because it delivers that perfect warm hug on a plate. Easy to make, wholesome, and endlessly customizable, it’s one I happily share with friends who want a feel-good morning start. Give it a go—you’ll see why it’s a quiet favorite in my kitchen.