Name: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats 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 about waking up to warm, cozy oats filled with tender apples and fragrant cinnamon that just makes the morning feel right. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe is exactly that kind of breakfast—comforting with a touch of sweet spice, and effortlessly easy to prepare for a crowd or a cozy solo day at home.

A square white plate holds a square piece of baked oatmeal with visible chunks of red and yellow apple pieces along with oats and small walnut halves, giving it a rough texture. On top, there is a thick, white dollop of whipped cream sprinkled lightly with cinnamon or brown spice, and three thin, fresh apple slices arranged in a fanned way on the cream. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a folded layered cloth napkin in soft blue, purple, and mauve colors beside a silver fork 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 Oats Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe quickly became one of my favorite rituals whenever the weather turns crisp. It's hearty, naturally sweet without being overpowering, and so satisfying—I love how it fills the kitchen with that warm, inviting aroma while it bakes.

Simple Ingredients: It uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, plus fresh apples for that perfect fruit boost.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it the night before to save time on busy mornings.
Customizable Texture: Whether you like your baked oats a bit gooey or more set and cakey, this recipe gives you flexibility.
Healthy and Comforting: A balanced breakfast that feels indulgent but is packed with fiber, protein, and natural sweetness.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe lies in the harmony of its simple components. Each ingredient adds purpose and flavor, making it both wholesome and delicious. Here’s why I choose what I do when shopping:

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of old fashioned rolled oats, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown 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 with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of amber maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, two fresh diced red and green apples, and a small white ceramic bowl of chopped walnuts, all arranged in perfect symmetry, 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: These provide the perfect sturdy texture that holds up well during baking without turning mushy.
Baking powder: Gives the oats a light lift so they’re not too dense—think soft and fluffy baked goodness.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and pairs perfectly with apples.
Kosher salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Milk: I use regular or any plant-based option; it adds creaminess and helps bind everything together.
Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs help the baked oats set with just the right texture.
Maple syrup: A natural, rich sweetener that complements apples without overpowering.
Vanilla extract: Adds an extra layer of aromatic sweetness that you’ll notice with every bite.
Apples, diced: Fresh and slightly tart, they soften as they bake, keeping each bite juicy.
Chopped walnuts: For that subtle crunch and a boost of heart-healthy fats.

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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

One of the things I adore about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. I often swap the walnuts for pecans or add raisins for an extra chewy surprise. Try what suits your mood or what you have in the pantry—you won’t go wrong.

Variation: Adding a handful of blueberries along with the apples adds a sweet-tart pop that freshens up the flavor, especially in summer.
Dairy-free option: I use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk with great results, making this recipe vegan-friendly if you replace eggs with flax eggs.
Spice it up: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside cinnamon deepens the warmth and makes it feel more seasonal.

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

The dish is a thick square piece of baked oatmeal with visible chunks of light yellow and red apple, oats, and walnut pieces mixed inside. It sits on a white square plate on a white marbled surface. On top of the oatmeal, there are three thin slices of red and yellow apple fanned out, and a dollop of white cream with a light sprinkle of cinnamon powder. A silver fork is placed nearby on a blue cloth napkin. In the background, part of a white rectangular baking dish filled with more oatmeal is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and mix the dry ingredients

I always start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving my 8 x 8-inch baking dish a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. Then, in a large bowl, I combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This step is key because it ensures the baking powder is well-distributed, which helps the oats rise evenly.

Step 2: Stir in liquids and mix-ins

Next, I beat the eggs lightly and add them to the bowl along with the milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Then in go the diced apples and chopped walnuts. I mix everything until the oats are completely coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed—this makes sure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Bake until golden and set

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and pop it in the oven. After about 40 to 45 minutes, you want to see a lightly browned top and that the oatmeal has set. You can gently press it—if it feels firm and springs back a bit, it’s ready. If it’s still jiggly, give it a few more minutes.

Step 4: Serve warm and enjoy

I recommend serving this dish hot or warm. It’s amazing on its own or with a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt. I often sit with a mug of tea and enjoy every bite while the morning light streams in.

Top Tip

Making Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats is straightforward, but here are my go-to tips to make sure yours turn out perfectly every time.

Use Fresh Apples: I like to dice crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji because they hold their shape nicely and add a fresh tartness.
Don’t Skip the Vanilla: It’s the little things—vanilla extract adds a warm note that balances the cinnamon and maple syrup beautifully.
Check Doneness Carefully: Since ovens vary, I start checking at 40 minutes and add time as needed. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with no wet batter.
Let It Cool Slightly: It firms up as it cools, making cutting easier. Plus, it’s safer for your taste buds!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top my baked oats with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of extra maple syrup. Sometimes a few extra chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon seals the deal. Fresh apple slices on top look pretty and add some crunch too.

Side Dishes

A simple side of scrambled eggs or a green smoothie pairs wonderfully, balancing the sweetness and giving a complete breakfast experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, I like to bake the oats in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own to warm and personalize. Serving it alongside a cinnamon-spiced latte always impresses guests—plus, you get the aroma-filled kitchen effect!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked oats keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I find it tastes even better the next morning when flavors have had time to meld.

Freezing

I usually cut the baked oats into squares and freeze them individually wrapped. That way, I can grab a portion anytime for a quick breakfast fix—just pop it in the microwave or oven.

Reheating

When reheating, I cover the oats loosely with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to keep a nice texture. Microwave works too if you’re short on time, just add a splash of milk to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Quick oats tend to become mushy when baked, so I recommend sticking with old fashioned rolled oats for better texture and structure in this recipe.

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

You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Make sure your maple syrup is pure and vegan as well.

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

Absolutely! Preparing the mixture the night before and refrigerating it allows the oats to soak and flavors to develop even more. Just bake it fresh in the morning for a warm breakfast.

What are some good apple varieties to use?

I suggest crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. They maintain their shape and add a pleasant tartness that balances the sweet maple syrup and cinnamon.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe holds a special place in my heart as a simple, no-fuss way to start the day feeling nourished and cozy. I hope you have as much fun making it as I do, and it becomes one of your go-to breakfasts too. Trust me, once you taste those tender apples and warm cinnamon together, you’ll be hooked.