Name: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats 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

Imagine waking up to the warm aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filling your kitchen—that’s exactly what this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe delivers. It’s comforting, wholesome, and just the right touch of sweet to start your day on a cozy note.

The dish is a square serving of baked apple oatmeal with visible chunks of apple and walnuts mixed with oats, giving it a textured and slightly crumbly look. On top, there is a thick layer of white cream sprinkled lightly with cinnamon, and three thin, red apple slices are placed diagonally across the cream. The oatmeal sits on a white square plate which rests on a white marbled surface. In the background, part of a silver fork and two folded cloth napkins in blue and purple tones are visible. 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 has become one of my go-to breakfasts because it’s hearty and surprisingly simple. It feels like a treat but without any fuss—it’s pure comfort food that’s good for you, too!

Easy to Prep: You mix everything in one bowl and bake—no complicated steps or soaking overnight.
Flavor-Packed: The cinnamon and fresh apples create that classic warm flavor combo that feels like fall all year round.
Nutritious & Filling: Rolled oats, walnuts, and eggs give a wholesome energy boost that keeps you full until lunch.
Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing its charm.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its part perfectly in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe, balancing flavor, texture, and nutrition. Plus, they’re pantry-friendly, meaning you probably have most of these in your kitchen already.

Flat lay of a small mound of old fashioned rolled oats, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon on a white ceramic plate, a teaspoon of baking powder in a small white bowl, a half teaspoon of kosher salt in a small white bowl, two cups of milk in a small white bowl, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a quarter cup of maple syrup in a small white bowl with amber color, a teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small white bowl, two diced fresh red and green apples scattered on a white ceramic plate, half cup of chopped walnuts placed neatly on a white ceramic dish, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions 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 hold their shape and soak up liquid nicely, providing a chewy but tender texture.
Baking powder: Helps the oats puff up just enough so your baked oats aren’t dense or flat.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy spice that complements the apples beautifully.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Milk: Moisturizes the oats and helps create that creamy, custardy feel.
Eggs: Bind everything together, giving structure and protein to the bake.
Maple syrup: Natural sweetness with a rich depth that elevates the recipe beyond basic sugar.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the cinnamon and apple notes.
Apples (diced): Fresh, naturally sweet, and juicy—they soften while baking, releasing lovely moisture and flavor.
Chopped walnuts: Add crunch and healthy fats, making each bite interesting and satisfying.

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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 my favorite things about this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe is how flexible it is. I love swapping in different nuts or stirring in a handful of dried fruit depending on what’s in my pantry—and you should too!

Variation: Sometimes I swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different crunch, and it always turns out great.
Dietary switch: Use almond or oat milk instead of dairy, and try flax eggs if you want a vegan option.
Extra comforting: Adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or ground ginger with the cinnamon warms it up even more.
Make it fruitier: Toss in some raisins or diced pears along with the apples for added sweetness and texture.

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

A square slice of baked oatmeal sits on a white square plate on a white marbled surface, showing visible layers of oats, chopped red and yellow apple chunks, and nuts mixed throughout the golden-brown baked texture. On top are three thin slices of fresh red-skinned apple fanned out, with a dollop of white whipped cream sprinkled with light brown cinnamon powder resting beside the apple slices. The background features a large white baking dish filled with more baked oatmeal, and a blue cloth napkin with a silver fork is placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always use an 8x8-inch baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed for a uniform bake.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Add Mix-Ins

In the same bowl, add the milk, lightly beaten eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Then fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts. Stir well until all ingredients are combined but don’t overmix—you want it blended, not mushy.

Step 4: Bake Until Set and Golden

Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for the top to be lightly browned and the oats to be set firm in the middle—no wiggle when you nudge it!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Warm

This baked oats dish tastes best served warm. I like it straight from the oven or after it’s cooled a bit. Feel free to drizzle a little extra maple syrup or yogurt on top for a delicious finish.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe turn out perfectly every time. These little tweaks can save you from common pitfalls.

Perfect Texture: Don’t skip the baking powder—it’s the secret behind that lovely fluffy texture rather than a dense bake.
Watch Baking Time: Ovens vary, so start checking around 38 minutes. You're aiming for set edges with a slightly golden top.
Apple Prep: I peel mine for a softer bite, but leaving the skin on adds nice texture and boosts fiber.
Mix-ins: Adding nuts last helps keep their crunch after baking—mix gently to preserve texture.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe

apple cinnamon baked oats - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my apple cinnamon baked oats with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream for creaminess. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top or add a handful of chopped nuts for texture and presentation flair.

Side Dishes

Pair your baked oats with fresh fruit like berries or an orange for a bright contrast. A cup of strong coffee or chai tea complements the warm cinnamon and maple notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch with friends, I slice the baked oats into squares and serve them on pretty plates with small bowls of toppings on the side—yogurt, nuts, extra syrup, and fresh apple slices. It turns a simple recipe into a fun DIY breakfast bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover baked oats tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for up to 4 days, making for quick, healthy breakfast options during busy mornings.

Freezing

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe freezes really well. I cut it into individual squares, wrap them tightly, and store in a freezer-safe bag. When you want a warm breakfast fast, just thaw overnight in the fridge or pop the frozen piece right in the toaster oven.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the microwave for about 60 seconds or in a toaster oven at 325°F until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps keep that creamy texture alive.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute steel-cut or quick oats in this recipe?

For this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe, old fashioned rolled oats work best because they absorb the liquid evenly and bake to the right texture. Steel-cut oats would be too chewy and need longer cooking, while quick oats can get mushy. If using quick oats, reduce the liquid slightly and watch the bake closely.

How do I know when the baked oats are done?

The baked oats are done when the top is lightly browned and the mixture is set—meaning it no longer jiggles in the center when you gently shake the pan. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I make this recipe ahead for busy mornings?

Absolutely! This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe is perfect for prepping ahead. You can make it the night before or even days ahead, then simply reheat portions in the morning. It saves time and keeps your breakfast wholesome and delicious.

What can I use if I don’t have maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey, agave nectar, or even brown sugar can work as substitutes. Just adjust the amount to taste, since each sweetener varies in sweetness and flavor intensity.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oats Recipe feels like a little hug in a bowl every time I make it. It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to over and over because it hits the perfect balance of healthy, tasty, and effortlessly cozy. So grab your favorite baking dish, fresh apples, and get ready to fill your mornings with warmth and goodness—you’re going to love it!