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 incredibly cozy about waking up to the warm scent of cinnamon and apples filling the kitchen, and that’s exactly what you get with this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s a comforting breakfast that hits all the right notes—sweet, spiced, and just a little bit nutty—making it perfect for energizing your day.

The dish features a single thick layer of baked oatmeal with visible chunks of apples and walnuts, creating a mix of light yellow, red, and brown textures. On top of this base layer, three thin slices of red apple are arranged in a slight fan shape. A generous dollop of white whipped cream sits atop the apple slices, sprinkled with a light dusting of cinnamon powder. The oatmeal is served on a white square plate placed on a white marbled surface, with a fork and two folded cloth napkins in muted purple and blue colors nearby. 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’ve made this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe countless times, especially on chilly weekend mornings when I want something filling but fuss-free. It’s more than just oatmeal—it’s baked to golden perfection with soft chunks of apple and a lovely cinnamon warmth that feels like a hug from the inside out.

Simple to make: You toss all the ingredients in one bowl, then bake—no complicated steps or last-minute stirring.
Comforting flavors: The combination of apple, cinnamon, and maple syrup feels like a classic fall dessert but made wholesome for breakfast.
Customizable texture: Add nuts or seeds for crunch, or swap out apples with other fruits—you’re in control.
Make-ahead-friendly: Prep it the night before, then bake first thing in the morning for a hot, fresh meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe uses pantry staples that work harmoniously to deliver a soft but structured bake. The apples add moisture and bursts of natural sweetness, while the cinnamon wraps everything in cozy spice. Here’s a little insight on each ingredient to help you shop smart and understand their role better.

Flat lay of a small mound of old fashioned rolled oats, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small white bowl, a teaspoon of baking powder in a small white bowl, a half teaspoon of kosher salt in a small white bowl, two cups of milk in a simple white ceramic bowl, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with amber maple syrup, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, two fresh diced red and green apples piled neatly, and a half cup of chopped walnuts arranged in a small white bowl, 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: Old-fashioned oats are perfect here because they absorb liquid well and keep the oatmeal hearty but not mushy.
Baking powder: Adds just enough lift so your baked oatmeal isn’t dense and feels light.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and ties the apple flavor together beautifully.
Kosher salt: A pinch brings balance and enhances all the flavors subtly.
Milk: I use whole milk for richness, but you can substitute with any milk you prefer, even plant-based options.
Eggs: They bind everything together and give the oatmeal structure after baking.
Maple syrup: Natural sweetness that complements apples perfectly without making it overly sugary.
Vanilla extract: A splash adds depth and rounds out the flavors.
Apples: Fresh, diced apples add juicy texture and bursts of sweetness that make the bake lively.
Walnuts: Optional but highly recommended for crunch and a subtle nuttiness underneath the soft oats.

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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

What I love about this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I’ve played with swapping fruits and nuts depending on the season, and it always turns out wonderfully. Give your own twist a try!

Variation: One of my favorite adjustments is swapping the walnuts for pecans and tossing in some raisins for a slightly different texture and sweetness. It makes the dish feel fresh.
Diet-friendly swap: Use almond milk and flax eggs to make it dairy-free and vegan while still keeping that great baked texture.
Seasonal changes: In warmer months, I swap apples for diced pears or berries to keep it light but still deliciously fruity.

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

A thick square slice of baked oatmeal sits on a simple white square plate. The oatmeal layer is textured with small chunks of red and yellow apple pieces, oats, and walnut bits mixed in, giving it a rough surface with soft colors of beige, light brown, and pale red. On top, three thin slices of red-skinned apple are neatly arranged in a fan shape, beside a dollop of white whipped cream dusted lightly with cinnamon powder. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, with a silver fork resting on folded blue and purple napkins in the background, alongside the white baking dish filled with more oatmeal pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Dry Ingredients

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. I find this size makes the perfect amount to serve my family, but you can adjust if you want more or less. In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until they’re evenly blended. This ensures every bite is balanced and the spices are well distributed.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients and Fruit

Now, pour in your milk, lightly beaten eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then fold in those lovely diced apples and chopped walnuts. I recommend tossing the apple pieces in the mixture gently to avoid breaking them up too soon—those chunks add a satisfying texture.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set in the middle and the top is lightly browned. You’re aiming for that golden crust that just beckons you to dig in. Once out, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It smells amazing right out of the oven!

Top Tip

Over the years, here are a few tricks I’ve learned that make all the difference when making this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe. These tips ensure it’s perfectly baked and bursting with flavor every time.

Don’t skip preheating: An oven fully heated to 350°F guarantees even baking and that beautiful golden crust.
Even apple pieces: Dice your apples roughly the same size so they cook uniformly and provide consistent bites.
Let it set: Allow the baked oatmeal to rest a bit before serving; it firms up and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
Maple syrup balance: Adjust the maple syrup amount to your taste — I sometimes cut it down if my apples are super sweet.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping mine with a drizzle of extra maple syrup and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for crunch. Sometimes I add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream to enrich the experience and give it a lovely creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair it with fresh fruit or a side of crispy bacon if you want savory notes to balance the sweetness. A cup of hot coffee or chai tea makes an inviting companion to this warm dish that’s perfect for a relaxed weekend breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love scooping the baked oatmeal into individual ramekins and serving with a cinnamon stick as stirrer. It instantly gets admiring glances and sets a cozy, inviting tone for any breakfast gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge. They keep wonderfully for 3 to 4 days and make for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack during busy mornings.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions wrapped individually in plastic wrap and foil. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the oatmeal retains its texture and flavor quite well—just heat it through the next morning.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 325°F wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. Adding a little splash of milk before reheating helps restore its creamy softness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats in this recipe?

Quick oats tend to absorb liquid differently and may make the baked oatmeal more dense and less structured. For best results and texture, stick to old-fashioned rolled oats in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe.

How do I know when the baked oatmeal is done?

You’ll want to bake it until the center is set and no longer jiggly, and the top has a light golden-brown color. Insert a toothpick in the middle—if it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready to enjoy.

Can I prepare this recipe the night before and bake it in the morning?

Absolutely! Prepare the mixture the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled mix.

What are good substitutions for apples in this baked oatmeal?

Pears, diced peaches, or even berries like blueberries or raspberries work wonderfully if you want to change things up. Just make sure to adjust sugar or sweetness level accordingly since fruits vary widely in natural sugars.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple, satisfying, and adaptable no matter the season. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a nourishing breakfast, it’s a reliable way to start the day with a smile. Give it a try—you might find yourself baking it every week just like me!