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

There’s something so cozy and comforting about waking up to warm, fragrant baked oats—especially in fall. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s simple, wholesome, and fills the kitchen with that irresistible aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. Trust me, it’s totally worth waking up for.

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

Over the years, this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen—it’s the perfect way to start the day without much fuss but all the flavor. I love sharing it because it’s so forgiving and adaptable, making it great for both beginners and seasoned bakers.

Easy to prep: Mix everything in one bowl, no need for complicated steps or special equipment.
Nutritious & hearty: Rolled oats combined with apples and flaxseed keep you full and energized.
Flexible ingredients: You can swap out milk, sweeteners, or add-ins to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Perfect aroma and flavor: The cinnamon and apples create that warm, inviting scent that draws everyone to the table.

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

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a comforting baked oatmeal that’s just the right balance of sweet, spiced, and tender. I always recommend using rolled oats here because they hold their texture well without getting mushy.

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: They absorb moisture perfectly without turning gummy, giving the bake that classic chewy texture.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice—don’t skimp on it; it’s what makes this recipe sing.
Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise slightly for a nice, light texture.
Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Non-dairy milk: I love unsweetened vanilla almond milk for subtle sweetness and creaminess, but any plant-based milk works great.
Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness, plus it keeps the bake soft.
Maple syrup: My go-to sweetener here—it adds depth with its unique flavor.
Ground flaxseed: Boosts fiber and omega-3s, plus helps bind the oats together.
Coconut oil: Gives a mild richness and helps keep the bake tender; you can swap it for other oils if you prefer.
Vanilla extract: Adds a little extra warmth and sweetness to round out the flavors.
Diced apple: Fresh apple chunks add natural juiciness and texture.
Raisins: I love the little bursts of sweetness they add, but dried cranberries or nuts work beautifully too.

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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 switch up the dried fruit based on what I have on hand—sometimes I add cranberries for a tart twist or toss in some chopped nuts for crunch. It’s such a flexible base that you can totally personalize it to your taste or dietary needs.

Variation: I once swapped the raisins for chopped pecans and added a sprinkle of nutmeg, and it turned into a beautifully spiced, nutty treat that everyone loved.

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

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by prepping your baking dish—spray an 8×8 inch pan with non-stick spray so your oatmeal doesn’t stick. Then dice your apple, set aside a little for topping later, and measure out everything else so it’s ready to mix. Having everything set up helps the process go smoothly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Then add the almond milk, applesauce, maple syrup, ground flaxseed, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. I like using a silicone spatula because it gets every bit mixed thoroughly—and don’t forget to mix until the wet ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Fold in Apples and Raisins

Gently fold in ¾ cup of the diced apple along with the raisins. This is where the magic starts—folding carefully so the apples stay nice and chunky rather than mashed. If you want your apples softer throughout, you can toss them in a little lemon juice first.

Step 4: Bake and Top

Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and sprinkle the rest of your diced apples on top for a pretty, fresh finishing touch. Bake at 375°F for about 40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The smell at this stage is honestly heavenly—perfect cinnamon and baked apple notes filling the kitchen.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the baked oatmeal cool for a few minutes before scooping it out. It holds together best when it’s not piping hot. I like to drizzle almond butter, more maple syrup, or a splash of almond milk on top—you really can’t go wrong with this step.

Top Tip

I discovered that letting the baked oatmeal cool just a bit makes a huge difference in texture, preventing it from falling apart when you slice it. Also, using non-dairy milk like almond milk really gives a subtle sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon and apple flavors.

Don’t overmix: Stir ingredients until just combined to help keep the texture light, rather than dense.
Watch baking time: Ovens vary—start checking your baked oatmeal a few minutes before the 40-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Top with fresh apples: Adding diced apples on top before baking preserves their shape and adds a nice fresh contrast.
Moisture balance: Using applesauce and non-dairy milk ensures the oatmeal stays tender without drying out.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often top my oatmeal with a drizzle of almond butter or a little maple syrup for a touch of creaminess and extra sweetness. A sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans also adds a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft baked oats.

Side Dishes

A great way to round out breakfast is with fresh fruit—maybe some sliced bananas or berries on the side—and a cozy cup of chai tea or your favorite morning coffee. Sometimes I even pair it with some scrambled eggs for a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this oatmeal in individual ramekins and top each serving with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a cinnamon stick for that extra wow-factor. It makes breakfast feel like a little celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last about 4 days. The oatmeal firms up nicely overnight, making it easy to slice and reheat. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy mornings.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well with this recipe! I portion it into individual containers or wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap then foil. When ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually cover the entire dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. For single servings, the toaster oven is my friend—just 5 to 10 minutes and it’s good as new, or microwave for about a minute if you’re in a rush.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats in this recipe?

Quick oats are more processed than rolled oats and absorb liquid faster, so using them would change the texture and likely make the oatmeal denser and potentially mushy. I recommend sticking with rolled old-fashioned oats for the best results in this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe.

What’s a good substitute for maple syrup in this recipe?

If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey or agave syrup can replace it. Keep in mind honey isn’t vegan, and these substitutes might slightly alter the flavor, but they’ll still provide that needed sweetness and moisture.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! The recipe as written is vegan if you use non-dairy milk like almond milk and skip any dairy-based toppings. Using ground flaxseed helps bind the oats without needing eggs.

How long does this baked oatmeal keep in the fridge?

I’ve found it keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Just reheat individual portions or the whole dish as needed—it tastes almost as fresh as the day it was baked!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is one of those reliable, feel-good breakfasts I come back to again and again. It’s warm, wholesome, and simple enough to make on a busy morning but still feels like a cozy treat. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing it as much as I do—it really has a way of making mornings a little brighter.