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 truly comforting about warm baked oats mingling with fragrant cinnamon and tender apples. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is the kind of breakfast that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly morning, and trust me, it’s worth every bite!

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

From the first time I baked this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, it became a go-to for busy mornings and lazy weekends alike. It comes together quickly but delivers layers of natural sweetness and warmth that feel just right. I think you'll really appreciate how simple yet satisfying it is.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh apples, making it easy to prep anytime.
Perfect Comfort Food: The cinnamon and apples create an inviting, cozy flavor that feels like fall all year.
Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with oats, flaxseed, and natural sweeteners, it’s nourishing and keeps you full for hours.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing that comforting vibe.

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

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe balances hearty, wholesome oats with fresh and dried fruit, plus just enough natural sweetness and spice to keep things interesting and cozy. Choosing quality ingredients here brings everything together beautifully.

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 old-fashioned oats: They hold their shape and texture perfectly in baking, giving that chewy yet tender bite you want.
Cinnamon: It adds warmth and depth, making the oats smell like autumn in the best way.
Baking powder: Provides just enough lift to keep the oatmeal fluffy without drying it out.
Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Non-dairy milk: I prefer unsweetened vanilla almond milk for subtle sweetness, but oat or soy milk work great too.
Unsweetened applesauce: Acts as a natural binder and adds moisture without extra sugar.
Maple syrup: Brings a rich, deep sweetness that pairs perfectly with apples and cinnamon.
Ground flaxseed: A great vegan egg substitute that also adds omega-3s and a slight nuttiness.
Coconut oil: Adds healthy fats and a touch of tropical flavor, but can be swapped if you prefer.
Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Diced apple: Fresh apples provide juicy bursts and texture that make every bite interesting.
Raisins: Add chewy pockets of sweetness; optional but I love the contrast they create.

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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

This is a super forgiving baked oatmeal. I love mixing it up depending on what I have in the kitchen or what I’m in the mood for. Sometimes I toss in chopped walnuts or swap raisins for dried cranberries for a little tartness.

Variation: I once added a little grated fresh ginger for an extra zing that was unexpected but delightful — it completely woke up the classic apple cinnamon flavor.
Dietary swaps: Use honey instead of maple syrup if you prefer, and any mild oil instead of coconut oil works just fine.
Fruit options: Pears or even mashed banana can stand in for applesauce if you’re pressed for time or want a twist.

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

Step 1: Gather and Preheat

First, preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare an 8×8 baking dish with non-stick spray. I like this step because it ensures the oatmeal comes out cleanly without sticking, saving you from scrubbing later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Then add non-dairy milk, applesauce, maple syrup, ground flaxseed, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Use a silicone spatula to mix everything gently but thoroughly. Make sure there are no dry pockets of oats hiding in the bottom!

Step 3: Fold in Fruit

Gently fold in raisins and three-quarters of the diced apples to distribute them evenly through the mix. This makes sure every bite gets juicy apple pieces without overcrowding the batter.

Step 4: Pour, Top, and Bake

Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining diced apples on top for a fresh, appealing look and a sweet fruity bite on the crust. Pop it into the oven, and bake for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 5: Let Cool and Serve

Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly — this helps it firm up and makes scooping easier. I often drizzle mine with a little extra maple syrup or almond butter for that final touch of indulgence.

Top Tip

Over time, I've learned a few tricks to make this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe really shine and avoid common pitfalls.

Don't Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the texture nice and tender, not dense.
Use Fresh Apples: Firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji hold their shape well and bring natural sweetness.
Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting it cool for 10 minutes after baking helps it set perfectly for clean slices.
Customize Toppings: Try toasted nuts or a drizzle of nut butter right before serving for extra flavor and crunch.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

apple cinnamon baked oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often top mine with a swirl of almond butter or a splash of extra almond milk. Sometimes a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a pinch of cinnamon on top just elevates everything beautifully. These little touches add texture and richness that I adore.

Side Dishes

Pairing this baked oatmeal with fresh fruit or a hot cup of chai tea really rounds out the meal. On weekends, I sometimes serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a simple green smoothie for added protein and zest.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this oatmeal in individual ramekins topped with a cinnamon sugar crumble or a dollop of whipped coconut cream. It makes the breakfast feel a little celebratory — perfect for birthdays or cozy brunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep beautifully for up to four days. The baked oatmeal firms up a bit as it cools, so I find it’s even tastier the next day—like a little gift for breakfast.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I cut it into squares and wrap each piece tightly in parchment paper and foil before placing them in a freezer bag. Whenever I want a quick breakfast, I just grab one and reheat. It tastes almost as fresh as when I first baked it!

Reheating

For the best texture, I reheat individual portions in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes. If I’m in a rush, the microwave for about a minute works too, though the texture is a bit softer. Covering the whole dish with foil and warming it gradually preserves the moisture if reheating the entire pan.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Just be sure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, which are widely available. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best type of apple to use?

I recommend using crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast. These hold up well during baking without turning too mushy.

Can I add nuts or other fruits to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries or chopped apricots work wonderfully. Just fold them in with the raisins and apples to keep the flavors balanced.

Is this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is vegan as written, using flaxseed as an egg substitute and non-dairy milk. You can easily make it vegetarian or non-vegan by swapping out flaxseed for an egg and using dairy milk and butter if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has a special place in my breakfast rotation because it’s comforting and straightforward but also adaptable to so many tastes and occasions. Whether you’re making it for a quick weekday start or a cozy weekend brunch, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. It’s like a little bit of morning sunshine baked right in.