Apple cinnamon baked oatmeal: the breakfast that tastes like dessert but fuels your morning! Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of baked apples mingling with cinnamon and hearty oats. It’s a symphony of flavors that will make you jump out of bed, ready to tackle the day.
Baked oatmeal, in its essence, is a modern twist on traditional Scottish oatcakes and porridges. While its exact origins are debated, the concept of baking oatmeal to create a more substantial and portable breakfast has gained immense popularity in recent years. It’s a testament to our evolving culinary preferences, blending the wholesome goodness of oats with the convenience of a make-ahead dish.
What makes this apple cinnamon baked oatmeal so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures the soft, chewy oats, the tender, slightly tart apples, and the subtle crunch of a perfectly baked top. The warm spices, especially the cinnamon, add a comforting depth that makes it feel like a hug in a bowl. Beyond the delightful taste and texture, it’s incredibly convenient. Prepare it the night before, and you’ll have a healthy and satisfying breakfast ready to go in the morning. It’s also easily customizable, allowing you to add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Trust me; this recipe will become a staple in your breakfast rotation!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- Additional maple syrup or milk for serving (optional)
Preparing the Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Okay, let’s get started! This apple cinnamon baked oatmeal is seriously the best way to start a chilly morning. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make ahead of time, which is a huge win in my book.
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use butter, cooking spray, or even coconut oil to prevent the oatmeal from sticking. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined so that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the oatmeal. This is key to getting that delicious cinnamon-apple flavor in every bite.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is smooth and well combined. The applesauce adds a lovely moisture and subtle sweetness to the oatmeal, while the maple syrup provides that classic comforting flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the oatmeal tough. You want everything to be evenly moistened, but don’t worry about getting rid of every single lump.
- Add the apples and nuts/dried fruit: Gently fold in the diced apples, walnuts (or pecans, if you prefer), and raisins (or dried cranberries). Make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the oatmeal mixture. The apples will soften and become tender during baking, adding a wonderful texture and flavor. The nuts and dried fruit add a nice crunch and chewiness, but they’re totally optional if you’re not a fan.
- Pour into the baking dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. You want the oatmeal to be in a single layer so that it cooks evenly.
Baking the Oatmeal
- Bake the oatmeal: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and lightly golden brown on top. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the oatmeal; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
- Let it cool slightly: Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the oatmeal to set up a bit more and make it easier to cut and serve.
Serving and Storing
- Serve warm: Serve the apple cinnamon baked oatmeal warm, either as is or with a drizzle of additional maple syrup or a splash of milk. You can also top it with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for added flavor.
- Store leftovers: Leftover baked oatmeal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for a minute or two, or bake the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few extra tips and variations to make this apple cinnamon baked oatmeal even more amazing:
- Use different types of apples: Feel free to experiment with different types of apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Each type of apple will add a slightly different flavor and texture to the oatmeal.
- Add other fruits: You can also add other fruits to the oatmeal, such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just make sure to adjust the amount of fruit accordingly.
- Use different nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts or pecans, you can use other nuts, such as almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts.
- Add chocolate chips: For a decadent treat, add a handful of chocolate chips to the oatmeal mixture.
- Make it vegan: To make this recipe vegan, use non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). You can also use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Make it gluten-free: To make this recipe gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Prepare it the night before: You can prepare the oatmeal mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply bake it as directed. This is a great way to save time on busy mornings.
- Add a streusel topping: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, add a streusel topping to the oatmeal before baking. To make the streusel topping, combine 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in a bowl. Crumble the mixture with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the oatmeal before baking.
Detailed Ingredient Information
Rolled Oats:
It’s crucial to use rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats) for this recipe. Instant oats will become mushy, and steel-cut oats will take too long to cook. Rolled oats provide the perfect texture and chewiness for baked oatmeal.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda:
These leavening agents help the oatmeal rise and become light and fluffy. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best results.
Spices:
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are the classic spices for apple cinnamon baked oatmeal. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking. You can also add other spices, such as cloves or allspice.
Milk:
You can use any type of milk you prefer, dairy or non-dairy. Almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk are all great options for a vegan version.
Applesauce:
Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the oatmeal. If you don’t have applesauce, you can use mashed banana or pumpkin puree.
Maple Syrup:
Maple syrup is the traditional sweetener for baked oatmeal. You can also use honey or agave nectar.
Eggs:
Eggs help bind the ingredients together and add richness to the oatmeal. If you’re making a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs.
Melted Butter:
Melted butter adds flavor and richness to the oatmeal. You can also use coconut oil or vegetable oil.
Vanilla Extract:
Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the oatmeal. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Apples:
Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Peel, core, and dice the apples before adding them to the oatmeal.
Nuts and Dried Fruit:
Walnuts, pecans, raisins, and dried cranberries are all great additions to apple cinnamon baked oatmeal. Feel free to use your favorite nuts and dried fruit.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
- Oatmeal is too dry: If your oatmeal is too dry, add a little more milk to the mixture before baking. You can also cover the baking dish with foil during the first half of baking to help retain moisture.
- Oatmeal is
Conclusion:
And there you have it! This apple cinnamon baked oatmeal recipe is truly a game-changer for busy mornings, cozy weekends, or even a comforting dessert. I genuinely believe it’s a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy breakfast option. The warm, comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon combined with the hearty texture of oats create a symphony of deliciousness that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
But why is this recipe so special? It’s more than just a breakfast; it’s an experience. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply divine, promising a delightful treat to come. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can prepare it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning, making it perfect for those hectic weekdays. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that will keep you full and focused until lunchtime.
Beyond its convenience and health benefits, the taste is what truly sets this apple cinnamon baked oatmeal apart. The sweetness of the apples, the warmth of the cinnamon, and the nutty flavor of the oats all blend together perfectly. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Looking for serving suggestions? I love to top mine with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey adds a touch of extra sweetness, if desired. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top. And if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it a decadent dessert.
But the possibilities don’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with different variations to create your own signature baked oatmeal. Try adding other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or bananas. A sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom can add a unique twist to the flavor profile. You could even incorporate some chocolate chips for a truly irresistible treat.
Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Variations to Try:
- Berry Blast: Add a cup of mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) to the batter before baking.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate a quarter cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter.
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Fold in a half cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) before baking.
- Tropical Twist: Add a cup of diced pineapple and a quarter cup of shredded coconut to the batter.
- Pumpkin Spice Perfection: Substitute half a cup of applesauce with pumpkin puree and add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious way to start your day.
Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What toppings did you use? What did you think of the flavor? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to create even better recipes in the future. So go ahead, bake up a batch of this amazing apple cinnamon baked oatmeal and let me know what you think! Happy baking!
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Warm, comforting apple cinnamon baked oatmeal. Easy make-ahead breakfast.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- Additional maple syrup or milk for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Combine Dry: In a large bowl, whisk together rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Combine Wet: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, applesauce, maple syrup, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add Apples and Nuts/Dried Fruit: Gently fold in diced apples, walnuts (or pecans), and raisins (or dried cranberries).
- Pour into Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until set and lightly golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool: Let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm, with additional maple syrup or milk if desired.
- Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Notes
- Use rolled oats, not instant or steel-cut.
- Don’t overmix the batter.
- Adjust spices to your liking.
- Experiment with different types of apples, nuts, and dried fruits.
- For a vegan version, use non-dairy milk, flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), and coconut oil.
- For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Prepare the mixture the night before for a quick morning breakfast.
- Add a streusel topping for extra flavor and texture (1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 tsp cinnamon).
