Name: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled old-fashioned oats; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 2 cups non-dairy milk (unsweetened vanilla almond milk recommended); ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; ¼ cup maple syrup; 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed; 1 tablespoon coconut oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup diced apple, divided; ½ cup raisins

There’s something so cozy about waking up to a warm, fragrant bowl of baked oats. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe fills your kitchen with the sweet scent of apples and cinnamon, making every morning feel a little more special. It’s hearty, a bit sweet, and downright comforting.

A square piece of baked oatmeal sits on a white plate with scalloped edges, showing a textured mix of oats, small apple chunks, and raisins in warm brown and beige tones. The top layer is decorated with three thin apple slices with red edges and pale yellow centers, arranged in a slight fan shape. The oatmeal piece is glossy with syrup pooled around its base on the plate. A silver fork rests on the plate beside the oatmeal. In the background, there is a white marbled surface with a white speckled ceramic pitcher and a glass of milk. 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

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become a favorite in my rotation because it’s easy to throw together, smells delightful baking, and makes for breakfast leftovers that actually taste better the next day. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh apples for a wholesome breakfast you can make anytime.
Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for busy mornings because you can prep it in advance and enjoy it all week.
Customizable: Whether you’re vegan, want to swap fruits, or add nuts, it’s super flexible to fit your tastes.
Delicious and nutritious: Filling oats paired with fruit, cinnamon, and healthy fats keep you energized and satisfied.

The image shows a close-up of a white baking dish filled with a baked apple and oat casserole cut into six square pieces. The top layer is golden brown and uneven, with visible chunks of cooked apples scattered throughout. The texture looks moist and crumbly with oats and raisins integrated into the mix. To the right side inside the dish, a silver serving spatula with decorative cut-outs lies flat, slightly under one piece. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is in the balance of simple ingredients that come together to create that perfect cozy texture and flavor. Each ingredient has its role, whether it’s adding moisture, sweetness, or that warm spice kick.

Flat lay of a small mound of rolled old-fashioned oats, a neat pile of ground cinnamon powder, a small heap of baking powder, a pinch of coarse sea salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy unsweetened vanilla almond milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth unsweetened applesauce, a small white ceramic bowl of golden maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl containing light brown ground flaxseed, a small white ceramic bowl with solid white coconut oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear vanilla extract, a white ceramic bowl with bright diced red and green apple pieces, and a small white ceramic bowl with plump dark raisins 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

Rolled oats: They soak up all the liquid but still keep a nice chew, making them ideal for baked oatmeal.
Cinnamon: Brings that classic warm spice and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.
Baking powder: Helps this oatmeal puff up slightly for lightness without turning it into cake.
Sea salt: Balances sweetness and deepens overall flavor.
Non-dairy milk (vanilla almond milk): Adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness — but you can swap for whatever you prefer.
Unsweetened applesauce: Moisture and natural sweetness without being overpowering.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and apples.
Ground flaxseed: Adds a bit of nutrition and helps bind everything together, especially for vegan baking.
Coconut oil: Adds moisture and richness; you can swap for other mild oils or butter if you like.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch to round out the flavors beautifully.
Diced apple: Fresh fruit chunks throughout for bursts of texture and flavor.
Raisins: A chewy, naturally sweet surprise that complements the apple and cinnamon.

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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 love that this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is so forgiving. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different fruits, nuts, and spices, which keeps it exciting every time I make it. Feel free to add your favorite twists—this recipe is a great starting point, not a rulebook.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the raisins for chopped dried cranberries or toss in some pecans for extra crunch — both add their own charm.
Dietary tweaks: To keep it nut-free, try sunflower seed butter on top instead of almond butter. For more protein, stirring in a scoop of your favorite protein powder works well.
Seasonal spins: In fall, I like adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for that cozy apple pie vibe.

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

Step 1: Prepping the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 8x8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray — it’s important to prevent sticking as this baked oatmeal gets cozy and tender as it bakes.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and sea salt. Give it a good stir to distribute everything evenly. Next, pour in the almond milk, applesauce, maple syrup, flaxseed, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mixing these together starts the magic—notice how the oats soak up the moisture, creating a beautiful, thick base.

Step 3: Folding in Fruit

Fold in about ¾ cup of diced apples and the raisins gently. This helps keep the fruit evenly dispersed without bruising the apple pieces. The mix will be thick but spoonable.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining diced apples on top. These apple bits caramelize a bit in the oven and offer a delightful pop of freshness. Bake for roughly 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center has set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remember, the surface should look golden and hold together beautifully.

Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving

Let the baked oatmeal cool for 10 minutes or so before digging in. I like to drizzle a bit of almond butter, extra almond milk, or more maple syrup on top to amp up the flavor and make it extra comforting.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned some handy tricks to make this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe foolproof and even more delicious. These tips will help you get consistently fantastic results and avoid common pitfalls.

Don’t overmix: Stir your oats just enough to combine so the texture stays pleasantly chewy, not gummy.
Use fresh apples: Crisp apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp hold up better during baking and add juicy bursts.
Watch your baking time: Every oven is different! Start checking at 35 minutes to avoid drying out the baked oatmeal.
Let it cool: Cooling helps the oatmeal set firmly, so your slices hold together nicely.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my warm slice with a drizzle of almond butter or a spoonful of whipped coconut cream. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top make for a pretty, tasty garnish too. If I’m feeling indulgent, a little maple syrup drizzle is always a winner.

Side Dishes

This baked oatmeal pairs beautifully with a cup of your favorite morning coffee or tea. I also sometimes serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a light, colorful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, I like to cut this baked oatmeal into squares and arrange them on a wooden board with little bowls of nut butters, chopped nuts, and fresh fruit on the side. It makes a beautiful spread everyone can customize to their liking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It tastes fantastic cold or warmed up, so it’s great to have ready for busy mornings.

Freezing

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe freezes surprisingly well. I slice portions, wrap them individually, and freeze in a zip-top bag. On rushed mornings, I just pop one in the toaster oven or microwave—easy and delicious.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes to warm evenly. For single servings, the microwave for 1 minute or toaster oven for 5-10 minutes works perfectly without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use steel-cut oats for this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe?

Steel-cut oats aren’t recommended for this baked oatmeal because they require longer cooking times and more liquid. Rolled oats provide the best texture and absorb moisture properly. If you want to use steel-cut oats, look for recipes specifically designed for them to get great results.

Is this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan when you use non-dairy milk and maple syrup. The ground flaxseed works as a binder instead of eggs, making it fully plant-based and delicious.

Can I make this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats and check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free. This way you’ll enjoy a safe and tasty gluten-free breakfast.

How can I add more protein to this baked oatmeal?

You can add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder to the oat mixture before baking, or top servings with nut butters or yogurt. Adding chopped nuts into the batter also gives a nice protein boost and added texture.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has been my go-to cozy breakfast through many chilly mornings, and I hope it becomes one for you too. It’s a simple, wholesome way to start the day with warm flavors and textures that feel like a hug. Give it a try and make it your own — I know you’ll enjoy every cozy bite.