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

Nothing beats the cozy aroma of cinnamon and fresh apples filling your kitchen first thing in the morning. That’s exactly what you get with this delicious Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe—a warm, hearty breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl.

A square piece of baked oatmeal sits on a white scalloped plate with syrup pooled around its base. The oatmeal bar shows a dense texture with visible oats and small apple chunks inside, all in golden-brown shades. On top, three thin slices of red-skinned apple are laid in a small stack at an angle. Next to the plate is a silver fork and in the background, a white pitcher and a glass bottle with milk sit on a white marbled surface. 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 have to say, this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is my go-to when I want something wholesome but also a little indulgent. It’s easy to throw together, fills your home with the best smells, and keeps you fueled for hours.

Comforting Flavor: The blend of cinnamon and fresh apples gives it that perfect balance of sweet and spicy comfort.
Super Easy Prep: You mix everything in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
Nutritious & Flexible: With oats, flaxseed, and wholesome add-ins, it’s a breakfast that nourishes and keeps you full till lunchtime.
Make Ahead Friendly: Bake it the night before, refrigerate, and reheat for a delicious morning boost without fuss.

The image shows a white baking dish filled with a baked apple and oat dessert cut into square pieces. The top layer is golden brown and textured, with many small, soft cubes of apple mixed evenly throughout. The apples have reddish and yellowish skin, with some pieces showing a slightly caramelized edge. The oat layer looks moist and spongy, binding the apples together, with hints of cinnamon or spices visible as a light brown color throughout. A silver serving spatula with a floral cut-out pattern rests inside the dish on the right side. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a role in making this baked oatmeal perfectly textured and bursting with flavor. Knowing a little about them helps you choose the best versions and improvise confidently when needed.

Flat lay of a small pile of rolled old-fashioned oats, a neat heap of ground cinnamon powder, a small mound of white baking powder, a pinch of coarse sea salt crystals, a small white bowl of creamy unsweetened vanilla almond milk, a small white bowl of smooth unsweetened applesauce, a small white bowl of golden maple syrup, a small heap of light brown ground flaxseed, a small dollop of solid white coconut oil, a small heap of pale vanilla bean powder, a pile of freshly diced red and green apple pieces, and a small pile of dark brown raisins, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and dishes 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: They soak up liquid nicely to create a creamy yet structured base. Avoid quick oats here to keep the texture just right.
Cinnamon: Essential for that warming spice note—don’t skimp on this one!
Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift, so your baked oatmeal isn’t dense or tough.
Sea salt: Brings out the sweetness and balances flavors.
Non-dairy milk: Unsweetened vanilla almond milk is my fave; it adds subtle creaminess without extra sweetness.
Applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness—great for keeping the baked oatmeal tender.
Maple syrup: For that rich, caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with apples and cinnamon.
Ground flaxseed: Acts as a binder and adds omega-3s, plus it’s great if you want to keep the recipe vegan.
Coconut oil: Provides healthy fat and moistness. You can swap with other mild oils if needed.
Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way to deepen the flavor profile.
Diced apple: Fresh pieces throughout give bursts of texture and that unmistakable apple flavor.
Raisins: For tiny pockets of natural sweetness and chewiness. You can switch these out if you prefer 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

One thing I love about this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I like swapping raisins for chopped walnuts when I want a little crunch, or adding a dash of nutmeg for extra cozy vibes.

Variation: Once, I added shredded carrot and a sprinkle of ginger—gave it a subtle carrot cake feel that was surprisingly fantastic!
Dietary modifications: For a vegan option, just stick to the flaxseed as your binder and use plant-based milk. If you want it gluten-free, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Seasonal changes: In the fall, I swap apples for pears or add a handful of pumpkin spice for a twist.

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

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Dish

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). I always spray my 8×8 baking dish with non-stick spray to make sure nothing sticks and cleanup is easy. You could also line it with parchment paper if you want, but spraying works just fine.

Step 2: Mix Dry & Wet Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and mix together your rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and sea salt first. Then add in the non-dairy milk, applesauce, maple syrup, flaxseed, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until it’s well combined. The mixture will feel just right—moist but not soupy.

Step 3: Fold In Apples and Raisins

Gently fold in ¾ cup of the diced apples along with the raisins. This ensures you get little bursts of apple goodness throughout, while saving some apple pieces to sprinkle on top later for a nice look and extra texture.

Step 4: Bake Until Set and Golden

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and top evenly with the remaining ¼ cup diced apples. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the center feels set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Don’t rush this step—baking long enough makes sure your oatmeal isn’t soggy or underdone.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

Let your baked oatmeal cool for 5-10 minutes before serving—that helps it firm up and makes scooping easier. I love to drizzle a little almond butter or extra maple syrup on top, along with a splash of almond milk if I want it creamier.

Top Tip

After making this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make a difference in texture and flavor.

Don't Skip the Applesauce: It keeps the baked oatmeal tender and naturally sweet without extra sugar.
Melt Your Coconut Oil: Add it warm but not hot so it mixes smoothly without clumping.
Let It Rest: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool slightly after baking for perfect slicing and serving.
Use Fresh Apples: Firm, crisp apples hold their shape and give the best texture throughout baking.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

apple cinnamon baked oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually go for a simple drizzle of warmed almond butter—its creaminess pairs beautifully with the cinnamon apple flavors. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped pecans or a little toasted coconut on top for added crunch and personality.

Side Dishes

To round out breakfast, I love serving this baked oatmeal alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced oranges. A hot cup of chai tea or coffee also complements the warm spices perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried scooping the baked oatmeal into individual ramekins and topping each with a cinnamon-y oat crumble. It feels extra fancy but still stays true to the cozy breakfast vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it lasts up to 4 days. Having this ready-made means breakfast or snack time is super easy on busy mornings.

Freezing

Freezing works well too! I portion out the baked oatmeal into freezer-safe containers or wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When thawed, it’s almost as good as fresh.

Reheating

For the best texture, I reheat individual servings in a toaster oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave for about a minute works—just add a splash of almond milk to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid cross-contamination. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Quick oats aren’t the best choice for this baked oatmeal because they absorb liquid differently and will change the texture, making it possibly mushy or too soft. Stick with rolled oats for best results.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan thanks to plant-based milk and flaxseed instead of eggs. Just make sure to use non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy, and swap in coconut oil or another vegan oil instead of butter.

Can I add other fruits or nuts?

Absolutely! Raisins can be swapped for dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or nuts like walnuts and pecans. Fresh diced apples can be mixed with pears or even grated carrot for seasonal twists.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become one of those meals I turn to when I want something nourishing but still cozy and comforting. It’s simple, adaptable, and always hits the spot. I really recommend giving it a try—you might find it becoming your Sunday morning ritual, like it did for me.