If you’ve been searching for a cozy, wholesome breakfast that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then let me introduce you to the Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe. This delightful dish combines tender oats, spiced cinnamon, and sweet chunks of apples baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate way to start your morning with comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients all baked together into one irresistible casserole. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and heartiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s fantastic about this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe is how straightforward and easily accessible the ingredients are. Each component plays a special role, from the oats providing a chewy, hearty base to the apples adding a fresh, juicy sweetness that brightens every bite.
- 3 cups old fashioned oats: The star of the dish, these oats give it a wonderful chewy texture and nutty flavor.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Adds the perfect warm and spicy note that complements the apples beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Makes the oatmeal light and fluffy once baked.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the oats moist while adding creaminess.
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce: This natural sweetener and binder make the oatmeal tender and flavorful.
- 2 large eggs: Help hold the mixture together, giving it structure and a nice golden color.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (or brown sugar): Provides just the right amount of sweetness with a rich, caramel undertone.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely aromatic depth that enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cups chopped apple: Fresh apple chunks add juicy bursts of flavor and wonderful texture contrast.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: For crunch and a buttery, nutty dimension that rounds out the dish.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Begin by stirring together the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Next, add the milk, applesauce, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and the eggs are evenly broken up. Finally, gently fold in the chopped apples and pecans to distribute those lovely bursts of texture and sweetness.
Step 2: Add to a Casserole Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the oat mixture evenly across the dish. This will help the oatmeal bake up with a uniform texture, and it’s the perfect shape for easy slicing after baking.
Step 3: Chill the Dish
Cover your casserole dish tightly, either with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and pop it into the fridge overnight. This step enhances the flavors and lets the oats soak up all those delicious liquids, resulting in an incredibly tender final dish.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
The next morning, take the dish out of the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the oatmeal uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until it’s set in the center and beautifully golden on top. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes on a rack — this resting time helps it firm up for the perfect slice every time.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of warm maple syrup on top. For an added touch of indulgence, try dolloping some creamy yogurt or a splash of milk for extra moisture and richness. Fresh apple slices or a handful of toasted pecans also make beautiful and tasty garnishes.
Side Dishes
This baked oatmeal pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage if you want a savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice can bring a refreshing contrast, making your breakfast spread even more vibrant and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe into individual squares and serve it warm in little ramekins or bowls, topped with a dollop of nut butter for extra protein and flavor. Or transform it into a grab-and-go breakfast by packing slices into containers, perfect for busy mornings or a cozy picnic in the park.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a perfect batch-cooked breakfast that you can quickly reheat during hectic mornings without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can also freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil or kept in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in the oven or microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, place your oatmeal slice on a microwave-safe plate and warm it for about 30 to 60 seconds, or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Adding a little splash of milk or syrup can refresh and brighten the flavors after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of old fashioned oats?
Steel-cut oats have a much firmer texture and longer cooking time, so they’re not ideal for this baked oatmeal recipe. Sticking to old fashioned oats ensures the perfect tender yet chewy consistency.
Can I substitute the applesauce with something else?
Yes! You can swap applesauce for mashed banana or pumpkin puree for a slightly different flavor and texture profile. Both options add moisture and natural sweetness while keeping the oatmeal moist.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and ensure your maple syrup or sweetener is dairy-free as well. This recipe is very adaptable.
Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Definitely! This Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe is flexible—try swapping or adding berries, raisins, walnuts, or almonds to mix up the flavors and textures based on what you have on hand.
How long can I keep the pre-chilled oatmeal in the fridge before baking?
While chilling overnight is ideal for soaking, you can keep the mixture covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Any longer, and the texture might start to become overly soft before baking.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s a heartwarming, nutritious, and downright delicious way to fuel your day, made from simple pantry staples and fresh apples. Whether you’re prepping it the night before or baking fresh before a weekend brunch, it’s a welcoming dish that invites you to slow down and savor every cozy bite. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved breakfast tradition in your home!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus overnight chilling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a wholesome and comforting breakfast dish made with old fashioned oats, sweet apples, warming cinnamon, and crunchy pecans. It’s perfect for meal prep as it’s assembled the night before, then baked to golden perfection in the oven. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and loaded with tender fruit and nuts, this baked oatmeal is both nutritious and delicious for a cozy morning treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Add-Ins
- 2 cups chopped apple
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute. Add the milk, applesauce, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly to break up the eggs and mix everything into a cohesive batter. Finally, fold in the chopped apples and pecans until just combined.
- Add to a casserole dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the oat mixture evenly in the dish to create a uniform layer.
- Chill the dish: Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the oats to soak and flavors to meld, making for a tender and flavorful baked oatmeal.
- Bake the dish: The next morning, take the dish out of the fridge and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the oatmeal uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is set firmly and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer and use plant-based milk.
- Applesauce can be replaced with mashed banana for a different flavor.
- Chilling overnight is key for texture but if short on time, bake immediately, adding 5-10 minutes to bake time.
- Use fresh, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze portions for up to 2 months.
