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, warm aroma of cinnamon and fresh apples filling your kitchen first thing in the morning. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is comfort food at its finest—nutritious, simple to prepare, and perfectly spiced, making mornings feel 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

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has been my go-to on chilly mornings when I crave something wholesome but easy. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and hearty oats that not only tastes amazing but also sticks with you nicely until lunch.

Simple prep: Everything gets mixed in one bowl, which means minimal cleanup and maximum ease.
Versatile: It doubles as a nutritious breakfast or a comforting snack anytime you want something cozy.
Customizable: You can swap apples or raisins for other fruits and nuts, making it your own each time.
Healthy ingredients: Made with wholesome oats, flaxseed, and natural sweeteners—for a guilt-free indulgence.

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

What I love most here is how well these ingredients come together—you get warmth, moisture, sweetness, and texture all in one dish. Plus, many are pantry staples, which means you can whip this up anytime a craving strikes.

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 old-fashioned oats: The star of baked oatmeal, they hold up well in the oven for a tender but chewy texture.
Cinnamon: Adds that classic warm spice that perfectly complements apples.
Baking powder: Gives the oatmeal just the right lift and fluffiness.
Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the casserole’s overall flavor.
Non-dairy milk: I love almond milk for subtle nuttiness, but oat or soy milk works great too.
Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and fruit flavor without extra sugar.
Maple syrup: Natural sweetness with a rich depth that blends beautifully with apples and cinnamon.
Ground flaxseed: For a boost of omega-3s and to help bind the oats together.
Coconut oil: Provides gentle richness and helps keep the oatmeal moist.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors with a sweet floral hint.
Diced apple: Fresh, crisp bites that soften beautifully upon baking.
Raisins: Offer little bursts of chewy sweetness throughout the oatmeal.

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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

I often tweak this baked oatmeal depending on what’s in my pantry or what I’m in the mood for. It’s such a forgiving recipe that you really can’t go wrong—feel free to experiment with texture and flavor combos.

Variation: I once swapped raisins for chopped pecans and it added the perfect crunch – something to try if you prefer nuts over dried fruit.
Dairy-free or not: Using non-dairy milks keeps it light, but you can substitute cow’s milk or even yogurt for added creaminess.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can bring extra warmth and complexity.
Sweetness level: If you like it less sweet, simply reduce the maple syrup or swap it for mashed banana.

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

Step 1: Prep your baking dish carefully

I always start by preheating the oven to 375°F and giving my 8×8 baking dish a good spray with non-stick spray. This little step saves a lot of stress later when you want the oatmeal to come out cleanly in perfect squares.

Step 2: Mix the dry and wet ingredients together

In a large bowl, whisk together rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Then pour in the almond milk, applesauce, maple syrup, flaxseed, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir it until everything's well combined—don’t worry if it seems a bit loose, it sets beautifully during baking.

Step 3: Fold fruits in and bake

Gently fold in ¾ cup of diced apple and the raisins. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, then sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup diced apples on top for a fresh fruity layer. Slide it into the oven and bake about 40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool slightly and serve

Once out of the oven, let it cool a bit so it firms up, making it easier to slice. I love to drizzle mine with a little extra maple syrup or almond butter for a creamy, nutty finish.

Top Tip

Through my experience baking this oatmeal, I’ve found a few simple tricks that really elevate the dish and save you time and hassle.

Even apple pieces: Cut your apples into similar-sized cubes to ensure even cooking throughout the oatmeal.
Don't skip flaxseed: It acts as a binder and adds subtle nuttiness—I've tried leaving it out and the texture feels a bit loose.
Watch your oven: Baking times can differ depending on your oven, so start checking around 35 minutes to avoid drying out.
Let it rest: Allowing the oatmeal to cool slightly after baking makes slicing much cleaner and helps flavors meld.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top my slices with a light drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of crunchy almond butter—both add richness and a little indulgence without overpowering the warm apple-cinnamon flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a cup of strong coffee or an herbal tea to round out the cozy breakfast vibe. For a heartier meal, a side of Greek yogurt or some fresh fruit also plays well.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this for guests or a brunch, consider layering pieces in a glass bowl with yogurt and fresh berries for a parfait-inspired presentation. Or bake it in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover baked oatmeal covered in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays fresh up to 4 days. I find this helps it firm up even more—perfect for quick weekday breakfasts.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I slice it into portions first, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop them into a freezer bag. When you need a quick breakfast, just thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer the oven—cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes for whole trays. Individual slices do great in the toaster oven or microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. Adding a splash of milk before reheating keeps it moist and fresh-tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe?

I recommend sticking to rolled old-fashioned oats because they hold their texture better during baking. Quick oats tend to become too mushy and may alter the liquid ratio needed.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is naturally vegan when you use non-dairy milk and flaxseed as a binder instead of eggs. To make it gluten-free, just be sure to pick certified gluten-free oats.

Can I add nuts to this baked oatmeal?

Absolutely! You can fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds right before baking for added crunch and flavor. Just be mindful of any allergies.

How do I keep the baked oatmeal moist and not dry?

The key is to not overbake it and to include enough moisture with ingredients like applesauce and non-dairy milk. Also, letting it rest after baking helps flavors meld and prevents dryness. Reheating with a splash of milk can also bring it back to life.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become a comfort staple for me—I love how it feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time. I hope after you try it, it earns a spot in your regular breakfast rotation too. It’s a simple little joy you can look forward to on any morning.