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 (¾ cup mixed in, ¼ cup for topping); ½ cup raisins

There’s something wonderfully cozy about waking up to the warm aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filling the kitchen — that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe with you. It’s a comforting, wholesome breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl.

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 more times than I can count, and each time it’s been a hit. It’s the perfect balance of naturally sweet apples, warm cinnamon spice, and hearty oats – and it’s so easy to whip up on a weekend morning or prep ahead for busy weekdays.

Hearty & Nourishing: Packed with rolled oats and apples, it keeps you full and energized until lunch.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have what you need in your pantry and fridge.
Vegan-Friendly & Adaptable: Using non-dairy milk and flaxseed, this recipe works well for various diets.
Comfort Food Vibes: It tastes just like dessert for breakfast without the guilt.

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

Every ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect texture and flavor balance. Let me walk you through why I love these choices and some tips for picking the best ones.

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: These give the perfect chewy, fluffy texture when baked. Don’t swap these for quick or steel-cut oats unless you adjust cooking time.
Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and pairs beautifully with the apples.
Baking Powder: Helps the oatmeal puff up a little so the texture isn’t too dense.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors together and balances the sweetness.
Non-Dairy Milk: I love vanilla almond milk for extra flavor, but oat or soy milk are great alternatives.
Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness without extra sugar.
Maple Syrup: A gentle, rich sweetener that boosts the apple flavor perfectly.
Ground Flaxseed: Acts as a binder and adds beneficial omega-3 fats.
Coconut Oil: Provides richness and helps keep the oatmeal moist.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings extra warmth and depth.
Diced Apple: Fresh apple chunks add texture—some bake into the oatmeal, others on top for a pretty finish.
Raisins: Little pops of sweet chewiness hidden throughout, but you can swap for other dried fruits or nuts.

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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 experimenting with this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe to keep things fresh. You can swap raisins for nuts, add a dash more spice, or even swirl in peanut butter before baking. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Nutty Twist: I sometimes fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch – it adds a lovely texture contrast.
Spice It Up: A touch of nutmeg or ginger can make the flavor profile even more autumnal and cozy.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats to keep it friendly for gluten sensitivities.
Non-Vegan Option: Swap flaxseed for an egg if you prefer a traditional binder and richer texture.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Space and Ingredients

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F and grease an 8×8 baking dish with non-stick spray to keep the oatmeal from sticking. Meanwhile, gather and measure all your ingredients. I like keeping everything close at hand—it makes the mixing smoother and prevents me from scrambling for that last spoonful of cinnamon!

Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Then add almond milk, applesauce, maple syrup, ground flaxseed, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. I usually warm the coconut oil slightly if it’s solid to make mixing easier. Stir everything together until it's fully combined and creamy—no dry oats peeking through.

Step 3: Fold in Fruits

Fold in the raisins and ¾ cup of the diced apples gently. These little bursts of sweetness and texture make every bite exciting. You want the fruit distributed evenly, but be careful not to overmix or mush the apples.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Top with the remaining diced apples to give it a pretty, fresh finish. Place it in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the center feels set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. You'll notice the edges pull slightly away from the pan—that’s a good sign!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let your baked oatmeal cool for a few minutes before slicing. I like to drizzle on a bit more maple syrup or a spoonful of almond butter just before serving. It’s amazing how a little garnish elevates the flavors.

Top Tip

From my many times making this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe, a few tips really made all the difference in getting it just right — more moist, flavorful, and comforting than ever.

Use Rolled Oats: I learned the hard way that quick oats can turn mushy, so stick with rolled oats for the best texture.
Don’t Skip the Applesauce: It adds moisture and natural sweetness, which keeps the bake from drying out.
Let It Cool Before Serving: The oatmeal firms up nicely as it cools, making it easier to slice without crumbling.
Customize Sweetness Carefully: Taste the batter before baking and adjust maple syrup to your liking; apples add natural sugar, so you might want less than you think!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often garnish with a drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of almond butter, which melts into warm oats beautifully. If you want a little extra flair, lightly toasted chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon powder add great texture and scent.

Side Dishes

Pair this baked oatmeal with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of coconut yogurt for a refreshing contrast. If I’m feeling indulgent, a cup of hot chai tea or coffee complements the cinnamon and apple notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special mornings, I bake this oatmeal in individual ramekins and add a scoop of vanilla coconut ice cream on top—instant dessert breakfast! Another favorite is layering it in a jar with granola and extra apple slices for a pretty breakfast parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they stay fresh for up to 4 days. The texture softens but remains delicious, and it’s easy to grab a slice for a quick breakfast or snack.

Freezing

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe freezes wonderfully. I cut it into individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

I reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, which revives that fresh-baked texture. For speedier mornings, the microwave works too—just 1 minute is enough. Adding a splash of almond milk before reheating prevents it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

I wouldn’t recommend it, because quick oats absorb liquid differently and can make the baked oatmeal mushy or too dense. Rolled oats are the perfect texture for baking in this recipe.

Is this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe uses non-dairy milk and flaxseed as an egg substitute, making it vegan-friendly. If you prefer a non-vegan version, you can replace the flaxseed with 1 egg.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely! While apples are classic here, you can swap diced pears, peaches, or even berries. Just keep in mind the moisture content and adjust baking time if needed.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave for about 1 minute with a splash of almond milk to keep it moist.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become one of my trusted go-tos whenever I want a hands-off, delicious breakfast that feels like a treat. Sharing it with friends and seeing their faces light up never gets old. I really hope you give it a try—you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with warmth and your belly with comfort.