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

There’s something so cozy about a warm, fragrant breakfast that fills your kitchen with the scent of apples and cinnamon. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe hits all those comforting notes, plus it’s super simple to whip up and perfect for sharing or prepping ahead.

A square white plate holds a round baked oatmeal topped with a thick white cream dollop sprinkled with light brown cinnamon. Beneath the cream, thin red and yellow apple slices fan out. The oatmeal base shows chunky apple pieces, toasted oats, and walnut halves mixed within, creating a chunky texture in warm beige and orange tones. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a folded purple and blue cloth napkin nearby and a shiny silver fork placed partially on the napkin. 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 adore this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe because it’s a no-fuss breakfast that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did. It’s hearty, naturally sweetened, and loaded with fresh apples that give each bite a little burst of juicy goodness.

Wholesome Ingredients: Made with rolled oats, fresh apples, and walnuts for a nutritious start to your day.
Hands-Off Baking: Once mixed, the oven does all the work—no constant stirring or babysitting needed.
Customizable Flavor: You can easily swap nuts or add spices to fit your own tastes or dietary needs.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes great leftovers and reheats beautifully for busy weekday mornings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe plays a crucial role in flavor and texture, making the final dish comforting and satisfying. Fresh apples add juiciness, cinnamon warms things up, and walnuts provide a nice crunch.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of old fashioned rolled oats, a small white ceramic bowl of baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of amber maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla extract, a simple white ceramic dish with diced fresh red apples, a small white ceramic bowl 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 hold their shape well in baking and create a creamy, chewy texture.
Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise and keeps it light and fluffy.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that pairs beautifully with apple's sweetness.
Kosher salt: Balances and enhances the flavors.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness; I prefer whole milk but any type works.
Eggs: Bind everything together to give that baked oatmeal structure.
Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness with a hint of caramel depth.
Vanilla extract: Amplifies the warm, sweet notes.
Apples: Fresh, diced apples give bursts of tart and sweet juiciness.
Chopped walnuts: For texture and a nutty contrast, but feel free to swap with pecans or leave out if you prefer.

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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’ve had fun tweaking this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe over time—sometimes adding extra nuts, other times swapping in pears for apples when they’re in season. It’s a super flexible base that lets you make it your own.

Variation: I’ve tried adding a splash of almond extract alongside vanilla for an extra nutty depth that I adore.
Diet-friendly: Use almond milk or oat milk to make it dairy-free, and swap maple syrup for honey or agave if you prefer.
Textural twist: Toss in dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy sweetness, especially when you want more fruity flavor.

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

A square white plate holds a single serving of a baked oatmeal dish made in one thick layer. The bottom and main layer is a light brown oatmeal mix with visible chunks of red and yellow apple pieces and walnut pieces that add texture. On top of this base, there are three thinly sliced red apple pieces layered in a fan shape near the center. A dollop of white whipped cream sits beside the apples, sprinkled lightly with cinnamon powder, adding a soft topping. In the background, part of a white rectangular baking dish filled with more baked oatmeal is visible resting on a folded blue and purple cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix sets the base for your oatmeal's delicious texture and flavor.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Apples

Next, pour in the milk, lightly beaten eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine before folding in the diced apples and walnuts. Try not to overmix; just combine until everything is evenly distributed to keep the texture just right.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes until the oats have set and the top turns lightly golden brown. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Top Tip

After making this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe dozens of times, a couple of little tricks have made all the difference in how well it turns out every time.

Apple Choice Matters: I prefer crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold up well during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweetness.
Don’t Skip the Eggs: The eggs are key for binding and giving the oatmeal that perfect sliceable texture; leaving them out will make it too loose.
Mix Gently: Overmixing can result in dense baked oatmeal—fold your ingredients just until combined for a lighter finish.
Watch Your Bake Time: Ovens vary—start checking around 35 minutes so you don’t overbake and dry it out.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping a warm slice with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream for extra creaminess. Sometimes just a drizzle of extra maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top does the trick when I want to keep it simple.

Side Dishes

This oatmeal pairs so well with a side of fresh fruit or a cup of strong coffee. If you’re serving brunch, crispy bacon or turkey sausage gives a savory contrast that’s really satisfying alongside the sweet cinnamon oats.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I bake the oatmeal in a decorative tart pan and slice it into wedges. Adding toasted pecans and a few apple slices on top before baking creates a pretty, festive look that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, so leftovers are a win here.

Freezing

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal freezes beautifully. I slice it into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They last for up to 2 months—perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in the microwave, usually covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. A quick 60-90 second spin warms it through while preserving the soft, comforting texture like fresh-baked.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned rolled oats?

Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they don’t hold up as well during baking and may result in a denser, mushier texture. Rolled oats are best for that hearty, chewy baked oatmeal you’re after.

How do I make this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk, and replace the eggs with a flax egg or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg). Also, double check that your maple syrup is pure to keep it plant-based.

Can I add other fruits besides apples?

Absolutely! Pears, berries, or even chopped peaches make wonderful additions or substitutions. Just keep the moisture content in mind so you don’t make the oatmeal too wet—drier fruits or frozen berries that have been thawed and drained work best.

What’s the best way to prevent this baked oatmeal from drying out?

Don’t overbake! Start checking at 35 minutes, and remove as soon as the edges are set and the center is mostly firm. Also, keeping some milk in the batter and reheating gently with a bit of moisture helps keep leftovers tender.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so reliably delicious, simple to make, and keeps mornings feeling a little cozier. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—it’s like a warm hug in breakfast form. Give it a try and see how it can brighten your day!