Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal

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.

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.

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.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

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

Recipe

Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal

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5 from 2 reviews

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

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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.

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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

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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.
6. 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

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