This healthy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal combines rolled oats, apples, cinnamon, flaxseed, applesauce, and maple syrup in an easy make-ahead breakfast. The soft, hearty bake makes 6 portions and is convenient for busy mornings.
At a Glance:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Rest time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
- Baking dish: 8 × 8 inches
- Best for: Make-ahead family breakfasts
- Texture: Soft and hearty with tender pieces of apple
Table of Contents
What Ingredients Do You Need for Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal?
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – 2 cups: Rolled oats give the baked oatmeal its hearty, sliceable texture. Do not use steel-cut oats because they require a different amount of liquid and a longer cooking time.
- Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons: Cinnamon gives the oatmeal its warm apple-spice flavor without overpowering the fruit.
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon: Baking powder slightly lifts the mixture and prevents the finished oatmeal from becoming excessively dense.
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon: Salt balances the sweetness and strengthens the cinnamon and apple flavors.
- Unsweetened vanilla almond milk – 2 cups: Almond milk hydrates the oats and keeps the center soft. Another unsweetened non-dairy milk can also be used.
- Unsweetened applesauce – 1/2 cup: Applesauce adds moisture and apple flavor while helping bind the oatmeal.
- Pure maple syrup – 1/4 cup: Maple syrup provides moderate added sweetness. Use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup.
- Ground flaxseed – 2 tablespoons: Ground flaxseed absorbs some of the liquid and helps the baked oatmeal hold together after resting.
- Coconut oil – 2 tablespoons, melted: Coconut oil adds richness and helps the edges become lightly golden.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon: Vanilla rounds out the cinnamon and apple flavors.
- Raisins – 1/2 cup: Raisins add small pockets of sweetness throughout the oatmeal.
- Diced apples – 1 1/2 cups: Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples and cut them into small, evenly sized pieces. This is approximately 1 large or 2 small apples, depending on their size.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Prepare the Mixture
Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly coat an 8 × 8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Add the almond milk, applesauce, maple syrup, ground flaxseed, melted coconut oil, and vanilla. Stir until evenly combined.
Add Fruit and Bake
Fold in the raisins and three-quarters of the diced apples. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spread it evenly, and scatter the remaining apples over the top. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Serve
Let the baked oatmeal rest for 10 minutes before slicing it into 6 portions. The resting time helps the oatmeal firm up and makes the portions easier to remove from the baking dish.
Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
- Dice the apples evenly: Small, evenly sized pieces cook more consistently and distribute better throughout the oatmeal.
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats: Quick oats can make the texture softer, while steel-cut oats require a different liquid ratio and cooking time.
- Stir before adding the fruit: Combine the liquid and dry ingredients evenly before folding in the raisins and apples.
- Do not skip the rest: Allow the oatmeal to rest for 10 minutes so it firms up before slicing.
- Cool completely for firmer portions: For meal-prep squares that hold their shape especially well, let the pan cool completely before refrigerating and portioning.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Let the baked oatmeal cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 4 days.
To reheat one portion, microwave it for approximately 45 to 60 seconds. You can also warm it in a toaster oven at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes.
To reheat the whole baking dish, cover it loosely with foil and warm it at 350°F for approximately 20 minutes.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal a Healthy Breakfast?
This baked oatmeal combines whole-grain oats, fruit, flaxseed, and moderate added sweetness in a practical make-ahead breakfast. Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the brands used and the size of each serving.
Healthy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- salt
- 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 1/2 cups cups diced apples
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat an 8 × 8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, almond milk, applesauce, maple syrup, ground flaxseed, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until well combined.
- Fold in the raisins and three-quarters of the diced apples into the oatmeal mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly sprinkle the remaining diced apples across the top.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are golden.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let the baked oatmeal rest for exactly 10 minutes before slicing it into 6 portions.
Notes
Nutrition
More Healthy Breakfast Recipes to Try
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use steel-cut oats for apple cinnamon baked oatmeal?
No. Steel-cut oats require a different amount of liquid and a longer cooking time. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the texture and baking time specified in this recipe.
Is apple cinnamon baked oatmeal gluten-free?
It can be. Use rolled oats that are specifically labeled and certified gluten-free, and check the labels of the remaining packaged ingredients.
Can I freeze apple cinnamon baked oatmeal?
Yes. Cool the oatmeal completely, cut it into individual portions, and freeze them in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How can I make apple cinnamon baked oatmeal less sweet?
You can reduce the maple syrup slightly, but reducing it too much may change the moisture and texture. Using a tart apple such as Granny Smith can also make the finished oatmeal taste less sweet.
Can I make this baked oatmeal without raisins?
Yes. You can omit the raisins without changing the baking time. The oatmeal will be slightly less sweet.
Final Thoughts
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a simple, comforting breakfast that can be baked ahead, portioned, and reheated throughout the week.
