Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Irresistible and Easy Recipe

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Craving a warm, sweet start to your day? Let me introduce you to Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal. This dish is not only easy to make but also fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma. With simple ingredients and fun mix-ins, you can personalize it to fit your taste. Join me as I guide you through this delightful recipe that promises to become a breakfast favorite for you and your family.

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Healthy Breakfast Option: This baked oatmeal is packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats and fresh apples, making it a nutritious start to your day.
  2. Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings or meal prepping for the week.
  3. Customizable Delight: You can easily tailor this recipe to your taste by adding your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or spices.
  4. Comforting and Cozy: The warm flavors of apple and cinnamon create a comforting dish that’s perfect for fall or any chilly morning.

Ingredients

Essential ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

To make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 2 cups rolled oats

– 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)

– 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

– 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

These ingredients create a warm and tasty dish. The oats give texture, while the apples add sweetness.

Optional mix-ins and toppings

You can really customize this recipe with some fun add-ins. Here are some options:

– 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

– 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries

– Fresh apple slices for topping

– A sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor

These extras can boost taste and crunch. They also make your baked oatmeal more fun!

Substitutions for dietary preferences

If you have special dietary needs, you can still enjoy this dish. Here are some easy swaps:

– For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or oat milk.

– If you need gluten-free oats, make sure to buy certified gluten-free rolled oats.

– Swap maple syrup with agave syrup for a vegan option.

These substitutions keep the dish tasty while fitting your diet. Enjoy creating your perfect Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the baking dish and preheating the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, take an 8×8 inch baking dish. Lightly grease it with oil or butter. This helps the oatmeal come out easily later.

Mixing dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir these ingredients well. Make sure everything mixes evenly. This helps the flavors blend as you cook.

Combining wet ingredients

In another bowl, pour in 1 ½ cups of milk. You can use dairy or plant-based milk. Then add 1/3 cup of maple syrup or honey. Don’t forget to add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these until they are well combined. This mixture adds sweetness and depth.

Folding in apples and optional ingredients

Now, take 2 medium apples. Peel, core, and dice them into small pieces. Add these apples to the dry mix. Then, pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently, ensuring the oats coat well and the apples spread throughout. If you like, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans and 1/4 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for extra flavor.

Baking and cooling the dish

Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Place it into the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You want the top to turn lightly golden. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes slicing easier. Serve warm, and enjoy the cozy flavors!

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing flavor and texture

To make your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal even better, add a pinch of nutmeg. This spice pairs well with cinnamon. You can also toast the nuts before mixing. Toasting brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor. For a creamier texture, use full-fat milk or a rich plant-based milk. If you want more fruit, add an extra apple or some chopped pears. Fresh fruit will make it sweet and juicy.

Storing and reheating baked oatmeal

After baking, let the oatmeal cool completely before storing it. Use an airtight container for the best results. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave. Heat for about 30-60 seconds, or until warm. For a crispy top, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Making it gluten-free or dairy-free

To make this recipe gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. These oats are safe for those with gluten allergies. For a dairy-free option, choose almond milk or coconut milk. Both will keep the dish creamy and delicious. You can also swap maple syrup for agave nectar if you prefer a different sweetener.

Pro Tips

  1. Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
  2. Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey based on the sweetness of your apples and personal preference.
  3. Make It Ahead: Prepare the oatmeal mixture the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast!
  4. Add Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding a scoop of protein powder or a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving.

Variations

Different fruit options

You can change the fruit in this recipe to suit your taste. Try using ripe bananas for a creamy texture. Blueberries add a sweet burst of flavor. You can also use pears for a different twist. All these fruits blend well with oats and spices.

Sweetener alternatives

Maple syrup and honey are great, but you can try other sweeteners too. Brown sugar gives a rich flavor. Agave nectar is a nice option for a vegan choice. You can even use mashed bananas for natural sweetness. Just adjust the amount to your liking.

Flavor combinations to try

Mixing in spices can create exciting flavors. Consider adding nutmeg for warmth. A touch of ginger gives a nice kick. You can also add a splash of almond extract for a nutty taste. Experiment with these combinations to find your favorite blend.

Storage Info

How to properly store leftovers

To keep your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal fresh, let it cool first. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or foil. You can also put it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure to check for any off smells before eating.

Freezing baked oatmeal

If you want to freeze it, cut the baked oatmeal into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze the oatmeal for up to three months. Label the bag with the date, so you know when you made it.

Best methods for reheating

To reheat, you have a couple of options. For the microwave, place a piece on a plate and cover it. Heat it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the oatmeal in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes until warm. You can add a splash of milk for extra moisture if you like.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead. Bake it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. This dish tastes great the next day. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch. Portion it into containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts. It saves time on busy mornings.

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

You can use steel-cut oats, but the texture will change. Steel-cut oats take longer to cook. If you use them, add more liquid and increase bake time. Rolled oats give a softer texture.

How do I know when the baked oatmeal is done?

Check if the top is lightly golden. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done. The mixture should be set and not too wet.

What are the best toppings for Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal?

I love topping it with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also add nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup. Yogurt or whipped cream makes it extra special.

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a tasty and easy dish. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about various mix-ins, toppings, and how to store leftovers. This dish can fit many diets and preferences. Use these ideas to make it your own. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful meal. Keep experimenting with flavors and find what you love. Remember, cooking should be fun and satisfyin

To make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based) - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt These ingredients create a warm and tasty dish. The oats give texture, while the apples add sweetness. You can really customize this recipe with some fun add-ins. Here are some options: - 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped - 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries - Fresh apple slices for topping - A sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor These extras can boost taste and crunch. They also make your baked oatmeal more fun! If you have special dietary needs, you can still enjoy this dish. Here are some easy swaps: - For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or oat milk. - If you need gluten-free oats, make sure to buy certified gluten-free rolled oats. - Swap maple syrup with agave syrup for a vegan option. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while fitting your diet. Enjoy creating your perfect Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, take an 8x8 inch baking dish. Lightly grease it with oil or butter. This helps the oatmeal come out easily later. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir these ingredients well. Make sure everything mixes evenly. This helps the flavors blend as you cook. In another bowl, pour in 1 ½ cups of milk. You can use dairy or plant-based milk. Then add 1/3 cup of maple syrup or honey. Don’t forget to add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these until they are well combined. This mixture adds sweetness and depth. Now, take 2 medium apples. Peel, core, and dice them into small pieces. Add these apples to the dry mix. Then, pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently, ensuring the oats coat well and the apples spread throughout. If you like, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans and 1/4 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for extra flavor. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Place it into the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You want the top to turn lightly golden. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes slicing easier. Serve warm, and enjoy the cozy flavors! To make your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal even better, add a pinch of nutmeg. This spice pairs well with cinnamon. You can also toast the nuts before mixing. Toasting brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor. For a creamier texture, use full-fat milk or a rich plant-based milk. If you want more fruit, add an extra apple or some chopped pears. Fresh fruit will make it sweet and juicy. After baking, let the oatmeal cool completely before storing it. Use an airtight container for the best results. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. When you're ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave. Heat for about 30-60 seconds, or until warm. For a crispy top, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. To make this recipe gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. These oats are safe for those with gluten allergies. For a dairy-free option, choose almond milk or coconut milk. Both will keep the dish creamy and delicious. You can also swap maple syrup for agave nectar if you prefer a different sweetener. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey based on the sweetness of your apples and personal preference. Make It Ahead: Prepare the oatmeal mixture the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast! Add Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding a scoop of protein powder or a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving. {{image_2}} You can change the fruit in this recipe to suit your taste. Try using ripe bananas for a creamy texture. Blueberries add a sweet burst of flavor. You can also use pears for a different twist. All these fruits blend well with oats and spices. Maple syrup and honey are great, but you can try other sweeteners too. Brown sugar gives a rich flavor. Agave nectar is a nice option for a vegan choice. You can even use mashed bananas for natural sweetness. Just adjust the amount to your liking. Mixing in spices can create exciting flavors. Consider adding nutmeg for warmth. A touch of ginger gives a nice kick. You can also add a splash of almond extract for a nutty taste. Experiment with these combinations to find your favorite blend. To keep your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal fresh, let it cool first. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or foil. You can also put it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure to check for any off smells before eating. If you want to freeze it, cut the baked oatmeal into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze the oatmeal for up to three months. Label the bag with the date, so you know when you made it. To reheat, you have a couple of options. For the microwave, place a piece on a plate and cover it. Heat it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the oatmeal in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes until warm. You can add a splash of milk for extra moisture if you like. Yes, you can make it ahead. Bake it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. This dish tastes great the next day. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave. Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch. Portion it into containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts. It saves time on busy mornings. You can use steel-cut oats, but the texture will change. Steel-cut oats take longer to cook. If you use them, add more liquid and increase bake time. Rolled oats give a softer texture. Check if the top is lightly golden. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done. The mixture should be set and not too wet. I love topping it with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also add nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup. Yogurt or whipped cream makes it extra special. Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a tasty and easy dish. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about various mix-ins, toppings, and how to store leftovers. This dish can fit many diets and preferences. Use these ideas to make it your own. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful meal. Keep experimenting with flavors and find what you love. Remember, cooking should be fun and satisfying!

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

A warm and comforting baked oatmeal dish featuring apples and cinnamon, perfect for breakfast.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1.5 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1.33 cups maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
  • 0.25 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
  • none Fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir to blend evenly.
  • In another bowl, mix the milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Add the diced apples to the dry mixture, followed by the wet mixture. Stir gently until the oats are well coated and the apples are evenly distributed.
  • If using nuts and dried fruit, fold them into the mixture now.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the mixture is set and the top is lightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Serve warm, topped with fresh apple slices and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Notes

Serve warm with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Keyword apple, baked, breakfast, cinnamon, oatmeal

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