• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Ahead of Thyme logo

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Work With Us
    • Press
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Food Blogger Business School
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Cereals and Granola » Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal

    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal

    13 Comments

    1K Shares
    Pin1K
    Yum24
    Share
    Tweet9
    More
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is my favourite make-ahead breakfast for fall! Loaded with soft and chewy oats, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and warm cinnamon, this breakfast is wholesome, filling, and nutritious.

    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a delicious, filling make-ahead breakfast for fall — loaded with chewy oats, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and cinnamon. | aheadofthyme.com

    Plus, this quick and easy gluten-free baked oatmeal takes just 10 minutes of actual prep work before it is ready to pop into the oven. It’s easy to meal prep too and reheat for an easy grab and go breakfast throughout the week. Top it with your favorite breakfast toppings like fruit, yogurt, and nut butters and start your day off right!

    I am all about make-ahead breakfasts. There is nothing worse than stumbling out of bed, still exhausted, and having to throw together a meal before rushing out the door. That’s why I love this cinnamon apple baked oatmeal. You can make it on the weekend and heat it up all week long — AND it’s just as good as it was the first day. It's seriously so perfect on these cooler mornings that we are having. Added bonus? Your kitchen will smell insanely good.

    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a delicious, filling make-ahead breakfast for fall — loaded with chewy oats, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and cinnamon. | aheadofthyme.com

    Ingredient Notes

    To make this easy Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

    • old fashioned rolled oats - use whole rolled oats (not quick oats) for the best results. You can use quick oats but the oatmeal won't have the same texture and will be mushier. Plus, you will also need to slightly adjust the cooking time down as quick oats will cook faster.
    • apples - choose any kind of apples such as gala apples, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a pleasant texture. You can peel them before chopping or leave the skin for added fiber and texture.
    • applesauce - use unsweetened applesauce or the oatmeal will end up being too sweet.
    • walnuts - we add some walnuts for added flavor and crunch. You can substitute with other types of nuts such as pecans or almonds, or leave it out completely — whatever you prefer.
    • baking powder - helps to give this baked oatmeal a light and fluffy texture.
    • milk - I used whole milk but any kind of milk will work. You can use dairy or plant-based milk such as almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk.
    • maple syrup - to sweeten the oatmeal. You can also use honey or brown sugar.
    • cinnamon, vanilla, and salt - adds flavour.
    • eggs - helps bind everything together.
    • butter - use unsalted butter for this recipe. If you only have salted butter on hand, then use that and omit the salt called for in the recipe.

    Optional Toppings

    You can serve this baked oatmeal as is, or add your favorite toppings. We like topping these with:

    • a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt
    • an pattern of sliced apples
    • nut butters like peanut butter or almond butter
    • a drizzle of maple syrup or honey

    You will also need measuring cup and spoons, mixing bowls, an 8-inch square baking pan, and cooking spray.

    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a delicious, filling make-ahead breakfast for fall — loaded with chewy oats, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and cinnamon. | aheadofthyme.com

    How to Make the Best Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal

    1. Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, milk, applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Stir until mixed evenly together. Fold in apples and walnuts.
    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a delicious, filling make-ahead breakfast for fall — loaded with chewy oats, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and cinnamon. | aheadofthyme.com
    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a delicious, filling make-ahead breakfast for fall — loaded with chewy oats, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and cinnamon. | aheadofthyme.com
    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a delicious, filling make-ahead breakfast for fall — loaded with chewy oats, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and cinnamon. | aheadofthyme.com
    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a delicious, filling make-ahead breakfast for fall — loaded with chewy oats, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and cinnamon. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Bake. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan (2-quarts) with butter or cooking spray. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish. Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until oatmeal is set and golden.
    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a delicious, filling make-ahead breakfast for fall — loaded with chewy oats, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and cinnamon. | aheadofthyme.com
    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a delicious, filling make-ahead breakfast for fall — loaded with chewy oats, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and cinnamon. | aheadofthyme.com
    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a delicious, filling make-ahead breakfast for fall — loaded with chewy oats, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and cinnamon. | aheadofthyme.com
    1. Serve. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Slice into 6 rectangles or 9 squares and top with whipped cream or yogurt, sliced apples, and a drizzle of nut butter. You can also add a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

    Recipe Variations

    • Add chocolate. For a chocolate twist, add in some chocolate chips or chunks into the batter and drizzle some melted chocolate on top after baking.
    • Give it a pumpkin twist. For even more fall flavor, substitute the applesauce for pumpkin puree and season with pumpkin pie spice instead of just cinnamon.
    • Experiment with mix ins. We added in walnuts, but you can substitute with your favorite kind of nuts. In fact, add in other mix ins that you like such as raisins, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut.
    • Use berries. Make this baked oatmeal for the summer by switching out the apples for berries. Try fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries. You can serve this any time of the year using frozen berries too.

    How to Serve

    This Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is delicious served on its own or with extra toppings. It also pairs well in a brunch spread with other complimentary dishes and drinks including:

    • French Toast
    • Caprese Frittata
    • Chai Tea Latte
    • Croissants
    • Applesauce Pancakes
    • Matcha Latte
    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a delicious, filling make-ahead breakfast for fall — loaded with chewy oats, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and cinnamon. | aheadofthyme.com

    Recipe Tips and Tricks

    • Cut the apples evenly. To ensure that the apples cook evenly in the oatmeal, it's important to cut them into similar sizes. Try to cut them into even cubes that are roughly the same thickness.
    • How to make ahead. You can prepare the oatmeal mixture the night before and transfer to the baking pan. Then, cover it and refrigerate it overnight. All you need to do the next morning is to bake it. Note that you may need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time if needed.
    • Use an oven thermometer. Not all ovens operate at the temperature shown on the display. Make sure your oven isn’t overly hot by double checking the actual temperature with an oven thermometer and adjust if necessary.
    • How to double the recipe. To feed a larger crowd, or if you are meal prepping a bigger portion, you can double the recipe and use a 9x13-inch casserole pan instead. Increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes as well until the oatmeal is are set and golden.

    Storing and Freezing Instructions

    How to Store

    Allow the baked oatmeal to cool completely, then cover (or transfer to an airtight container) and store it in the refrigerator (without any toppings) for up to 1 week.

    How to Reheat

    Reheat in a 350F preheated oven for about 10 minutes until warm, or in the microwave in 30 second increments until warmed through.

    How to Freeze

    Allow the oatmeal to cool to room temperature, then wrap the pan with plastic cling wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. You can also slice into individual portions first and wrap each slice tightly in plastic cling wrap and then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

    More Apple Recipes

    • 30 Best Apple Recipes
    • Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Muffins
    • Baked Apples
    • Braided Lattice Apple Pie
    • Cinnamon Apple Granola
    • Apple Pie Bars
    • Apple Cake

    Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

    Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipe updates.

    Print

    Recipe

    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a delicious, filling make-ahead breakfast for fall — loaded with chewy oats, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and cinnamon. | aheadofthyme.com

    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 2 reviews

    • Author: Sam | Ahead of Thyme
    • Total Time: 40 minutes
    • Yield: 6-9 servings
    • Diet: Vegetarian
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is my favourite make-ahead breakfast for fall! Loaded with soft and chewy oats, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and warm cinnamon, this breakfast is wholesome, filling, and nutritious.

    Ingredients

    For the oatmeal:

    • cooking spray (or 1 tablespoon butter)
    • 2 ¼ cups old fashioned oats
    • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 ½ cups milk
    • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
    • ¼ cup maple syrup
    • 2 large eggs
    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla 
    • 1 cup apples, diced
    • ⅓ cup walnuts, chopped

    Optional toppings:

    • whipped cream or Greek yogurt
    • apples, sliced
    • nut butter
    • maple syrup or honey

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan (2-quarts) with butter or cooking spray.
    2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, milk, applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Stir until mixed evenly together.
    3. Fold in apples and walnuts.
    4. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until oatmeal is set and golden.
    5. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Slice into 6 rectangles or 9 squares and top with whipped cream or yogurt, sliced apples, and a drizzle of nut butter. You can also add a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

    Notes

    How to store: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool completely, then cover (or transfer to an airtight container) and store it in the refrigerator (without any toppings) for up to 1 week.

    How to reheat: Reheat in a 350F preheated oven for about 10 minutes until warm, or in the microwave in 30 second increments until warmed through.

    How to freeze: Allow the oatmeal to cool to room temperature, then wrap the pan with plastic cling wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. You can also slice into individual portions first and wrap each slice tightly in plastic cling wrap and then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

    Recipe update 2023. This recipe was tweaked and updated completely. For the original recipe: 1 tablespoon butter (or butter spray), 2 gala apples, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 cup quick oats, ⅓ cup walnuts, crushed, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 + ½ cups milk, 1 egg. Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 2-quart oval casserole dish or ramekin with butter or butter spray, then add apples. Toss with cinnamon and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until softened. Remove the dish from the oven and add oats, walnuts, and salt. Stir until evenly dispersed. In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, milk, and egg. Pour on top of oats, making sure everything is submerged in liquid. To make a streusel topping, combine ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 4 tablespoons butter (at room temperature and cut into cubes) in a small bowl. Use your hands to gently work the ingredients together, crumbling the butter into pea-sized pieces and working quickly so that it doesn’t melt. Sprinkle as much of the streusel as you’d like on top of the oatmeal, then bake for 20-25 minutes, or until most of the liquid as been absorbed. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons brown sugar on top, then place under the broiler for just a couple minutes until the sugar has melted. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Serve hot as is or with a splash of milk.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 30 minutes
    • Category: Breakfast
    • Method: Bake
    • Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see! Tag me @aheadofthyme on Instagram.

    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal is a delicious, filling make-ahead breakfast for fall — loaded with chewy oats, tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and cinnamon. | aheadofthyme.com
    Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal
    1K Shares
    Pin1K
    Yum24
    Share
    Tweet9
    More
    « Lemon Bundt Cake
    Vegetable Curry »

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Abigail says

      January 07, 2023 at 9:24 am

      My husband and I both really enjoyed this recipe. I added blackberries too which was great. On the whole the recipe was a bit too sweet for us, so I think next time I would cut the brown sugar to 1 tbsp and possibly omit the streusel topping as it didn't quite work out to the right consistency for me. Overall, tasty breakfast dish and pretty easy to make!

      Reply
    2. Becca says

      March 08, 2022 at 4:56 pm

      I have made this several times and really enjoy it! I brought it back up because we are having company this weekend, and I was looking to see about making it in a 9x13. Would I need to double the recipe? How many eggs should I use if doing 1.5x?

      Reply
    3. Laura Mayo Huff says

      December 14, 2021 at 12:54 pm

      Is there any way to do this recipe without the egg? I have a son who is dairy/egg/gluten free (but also cannot do soy, tapioca, flax which are often used as thickeners.)

      Reply
      • Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says

        December 19, 2021 at 10:10 am

        Unfortunately, I have not tried it without the egg. You could try thickening it with unsweetened applesauce? Again, I haven't tried it so I wouldn't know how it will turn out.

        Reply
    4. Tricia says

      June 30, 2018 at 6:58 am

      Absolutely delicious! I've made this 3 times already and everyone from my 15 month old, 8 yr old, picky 11 yr old and picky husband LOVE this! I usually have stick butter on hand, however, today I only had my tub of earth balance. The struesel turned into dough! Any suggestions?? Thanks!

      Reply
    5. LavandaMichelle says

      May 14, 2018 at 3:45 am

      Ohh that looks so good! I love apple and cinnamon oatmeal, this seems like it would be so tasty. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
    6. KIM says

      May 11, 2018 at 8:14 pm

      I love baked oatmeal and I bet the apple cinnamon is out of this world! I can't wait to give this a try!

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome!

    Quick and easy recipes for the everyday home cook, using fresh, seasonal and wholesome ingredients -- from healthy meals to take-out to comfort foods. | aheadofthyme.com

    Hi, we're Sam and Dan! We like to help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you can find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. Read more about us

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe now to receive all the latest recipes, tips and news directly to your inbox.
    * indicates required
    How often would you like to receive recipe updates

    Food Blogger Business School | foodbloggerbusinessschool.com

    Food Blogger Business School

    A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business

    in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.

    LEARN MORE

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About Ahead of Thyme

    Hello and welcome! I'm Sam -- the founder of Ahead of Thyme, where we help busy people eat real food that tastes good. Here, you will find hundreds of delicious, quick and easy recipes, using quality and wholesome ingredients. So stay a while, browse around, and make something tasty for dinner tonight.

    • RSS Feed
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Work with Us
    • Shop
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • Food Blogger Business School
    • Newsletter

    Browse

    • 60+ Easy Dinners
    • 60+ Chicken Recipes
    • 25+ Ground Beef Recipes
    • 40+ Pasta Recipes
    • 50+ Bread Recipes
    • 25+ Air Fryer Recipes
    • Dessert

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

    Copyright © 2023 Ahead of Thyme Incorporated