Name: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; Nonstick cooking spray

There's something wonderfully cozy about waking up to warm, fragrant oats fresh from the oven. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe combines tender apples, comforting cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts into a wholesome dish that's both nourishing and delightfully satisfying — trust me, it quickly became one of my go-to breakfasts.

A square white plate holds a piece of baked apple oatmeal with visible chunks of red apple and walnuts mixed inside. On top, there is a thick white layer of whipped cream sprinkled lightly with cinnamon. Three thin slices of red apple fan out on one side of the whipped cream, adding a fresh and colorful touch. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with folded blue and purple cloth napkins and a silver fork placed behind the plate. 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

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a warm hug on a plate. I love how it brings healthy ingredients together into a dish that tastes special enough for weekend brunch but is totally doable on a busy weekday morning.

Simple to Prepare: No complicated steps or fancy equipment, just wholesome ingredients mixed and baked.
Wholesome and Filling: The oats, apples, and walnuts give you lasting energy without that mid-morning crash.
Customizable: You can easily swap fruits or nuts to match your taste or what’s in your pantry.
Kid-Friendly: My family loves it, and it’s a great way to sneak in nutritious oats and fruit.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Here’s a quick guide so you understand why they're used and how to pick the best ones.

Flat lay of a small pile 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, kosher salt in a small white bowl, two whole light brown eggs with clean shells, two cups of milk in a small white bowl, a small white bowl of amber maple syrup, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, two diced fresh red apples, half a cup of chopped walnuts all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic plate and bowls, 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 give structure and a hearty chew, baking into a custard-like consistency.
Baking powder: Just a touch helps lighten the baked oatmeal so it’s not too dense.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic spiced note that complements the apples beautifully.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Milk: Makes the oats tender and creamy; try dairy or your favorite plant-based milk.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and give a nice, set texture.
Maple syrup: Natural sweetness with depth — you can adjust up or down depending on your taste.
Vanilla extract: Adds subtle fragrance and rounds out the flavors.
Apples: I recommend crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the perfect sweet-tart bite.
Chopped walnuts: For crunch and a boost of healthy fats; toasted walnuts add even more flavor.

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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 Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is just how easily it adapts to what you have or need. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it depending on my mood or season, and it always turns out great.

Variation: I sometimes toss in dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of sweetness, which I think pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
Nuts substitution: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, pecans or almonds work equally well for texture and richness.
Milk alternatives: Feel free to use oat milk or almond milk to keep it dairy-free while still creamy.
Add protein boost: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or a spoonful of nut butter to up the staying power.

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

A square piece of baked oatmeal sits on a white square plate, showing a rough texture with visible pieces of red apple chunks and oats. On top, there are three thin slices of red apple placed side by side, and a dollop of white creamy yogurt with a light sprinkle of cinnamon powder on it. The background shows a white rectangular baking dish with more baked oatmeal inside, resting on a blue cloth with white patterns. A fork lays on a folded blue and purple cloth beside the plate on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, give an 8x8-inch baking dish a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures the oatmeal doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze — trust me, you'll want to grab every last bit!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. I always whisk this mixture briefly to evenly distribute the baking powder and cinnamon, so every bite has that perfect flavor and lift.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients with Apples and Nuts

Next, add the milk, lightly beaten eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Then fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts. Give everything a good stir to combine — the batter will be thick and rustic.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top gently. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes until the oatmeal is set through and lightly browned on top. The kitchen will fill with that irresistible apple-cinnamon aroma — it’s pure comfort.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Let the baked oatmeal cool just a bit before scooping. I love it warm, maybe topped with a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a splash of milk. It’s hearty and satisfying — perfect for a nourishing start to your day or a cozy snack.

Top Tip

After making this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make a big difference—these are the tweaks that truly help you nail the texture and flavor every time.

Don’t Overbake: Start checking at the 40-minute mark. Overbaking can dry it out, so look for just-set edges and a lightly golden top.
Use Crisp Apples: They hold their shape better and add a delightful fresh bite instead of turning mushy.
Toast Your Walnuts: For extra flavor, lightly toast walnuts in a dry pan before adding — it brings out their nuttiness and crunch.
Let it Rest: Allow the oatmeal to cool 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set up nicely and avoid burns.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep the garnishes simple but tasty — a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even a small pat of butter melting on top adds extra richness. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon can make it look charming if you’re serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea for a balanced breakfast. Sometimes I add scrambled eggs or a fruit salad on the side to round out the meal, especially on weekends when we linger longer at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For special breakfasts, try baking this oatmeal in individual ramekins to serve personalized portions. Toss in some fresh berries atop each serving or sprinkle granola for extra texture. It’s always a hit when I make it for brunch with friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days and honestly tastes great cold if you’re in a rush — but reheating makes it even better.

Freezing

This baked oatmeal freezes beautifully. I cut it into individual squares, wrap each one in plastic wrap, and pop them into a freezer bag. That way, I can enjoy a quick breakfast anytime without having to bake from scratch.

Reheating

To reheat, I microwave a single serving for about 60 seconds, sometimes adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Alternatively, a few minutes in a 325°F oven works if you prefer it warm throughout without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and replace the milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Use maple syrup or another vegan sweetener as usual.

What type of apples work best for baked oatmeal?

I prefer using firmer apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn for their crispness and balanced sweet-tart flavor. They hold their shape nicely during baking and give a pleasant texture to the dish.

Can I prepare this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe the night before?

Yes! You can mix the ingredients and assemble the oatmeal the night before, keeping it covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake it fresh in the morning—add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from cold.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

It sure is! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid any cross-contamination. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it's an easy swap for those with sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is one of those treasures I keep coming back to because it checks all the boxes: simple, wholesome, delicious, and comforting. Whether you're feeding a crowd or treating yourself, it’s a recipe that feels like a warm conversation with an old friend. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a kitchen staple for you too.