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 comforting about the warm spice of cinnamon paired with tender, baked oats, and fresh apples. My Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is exactly that—easy to make, full of cozy flavors, and perfect for those mornings when you want a hug in a bowl.

A square piece of baked oatmeal sits on a white plate with scalloped edges, showing a textured mix of oats, small apple chunks, and raisins in warm brown and beige tones. The top layer is decorated with three thin apple slices with red edges and pale yellow centers, arranged in a slight fan shape. The oatmeal piece is glossy with syrup pooled around its base on the plate. A silver fork rests on the plate beside the oatmeal. In the background, there is a white marbled surface with a white speckled ceramic pitcher and a glass of milk. 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 become one of my go-to breakfast treats, especially when the air turns crisp and I crave something wholesome yet indulgent. It’s got that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture that just makes your morning feel special.

Comforting Flavors: The warm cinnamon and sweet apples together create a nostalgic taste that reminds me of cozy fall mornings.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples already, making it easy to pull together anytime.
Vegan and Flexible: It’s dairy-free and can be easily customized to suit vegan or non-vegan preferences.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake once and enjoy leftovers for days, or freeze for quick breakfasts later on.

The image shows a close-up of a white baking dish filled with a baked apple and oat casserole cut into six square pieces. The top layer is golden brown and uneven, with visible chunks of cooked apples scattered throughout. The texture looks moist and crumbly with oats and raisins integrated into the mix. To the right side inside the dish, a silver serving spatula with decorative cut-outs lies flat, slightly under one piece. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This baked oatmeal thrives on simple, wholesome ingredients that each contribute to texture and flavor in their own way. A note before you shop: getting good quality rolled oats and fresh apples really makes a difference here.

Flat lay of a small mound of rolled old-fashioned oats, a neat pile of ground cinnamon powder, a small heap of baking powder, a pinch of coarse sea salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy unsweetened vanilla almond milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth unsweetened applesauce, a small white ceramic bowl of golden maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl containing light brown ground flaxseed, a small white ceramic bowl with solid white coconut oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear vanilla extract, a white ceramic bowl with bright diced red and green apple pieces, and a small white ceramic bowl with plump dark raisins 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 soak up the liquid nicely and bake to a tender, chewy texture without going mushy.
Cinnamon: The star spice here, giving that warm, comforting aroma you can’t resist.
Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal puff up just a bit instead of being too dense.
Sea salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the cinnamon and apple flavors.
Non-dairy milk: I love unsweetened vanilla almond milk—it adds subtle sweetness and creaminess without overpowering.
Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and ties in with the apple theme while keeping it naturally sweet.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Ground flaxseed: Provides a boost of omega-3s and helps bind the oats together.
Coconut oil: Adds richness and a mild tropical note that blends beautifully with the apples and cinnamon.
Vanilla extract: A touch of warmth and depth in the flavor.
Diced apple: Fresh apples add texture and bursts of juicy sweetness.
Raisins: Little pockets of chewy sweetness that contrast the tender oats.

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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 love to keep this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe as is when I want those classic flavors, but it’s so easy to tweak. You should definitely play around with it based on what you love or have on hand!

Variation: I sometimes swap raisins for chopped walnuts or pecans to add a little crunch—that nutty texture pairs so well with the soft oats and apples.
Seasonal twist: In winter, adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice gives the recipe a holiday feel.
Dietary modifications: If you’re not vegan, using an egg instead of flaxseed works just fine and gives a slightly richer texture.
Sweetener swaps: You can replace maple syrup with honey, agave, or brown sugar based on your preference or what’s in your pantry.

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

Step 1: Mix up your dry and wet ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing an 8x8 baking dish with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl or right in the same one, add your non-dairy milk, applesauce, maple syrup, ground flaxseed, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir well until everything is smoothly combined—you want the oats to be fully coated but not swimming in liquid.

Step 2: Fold in the fruits

Next, fold in ¾ cup of the diced apples along with the raisins. This gives bursts of fruit throughout the oatmeal without all the apples sinking to the bottom. The little pockets of raisins plumped up during baking are my favorite surprise in every bite.

Step 3: Pour, top, and bake

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and scatter the remaining ¼ cup of diced apples on top for a pretty finish and added texture. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You'll know it's done when the center feels set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool for a few minutes—it will thicken as it cools and is easier to slice.

Top Tip

From my experience baking this oatmeal multiple times, these tips will help you nail it every time and avoid my early mistakes—like soggy bottoms or bland flavor.

Don't skip the baking powder: I once tried baking without it, and the oatmeal came out too dense and heavy. The baking powder helps it puff up just right.
Let it rest: Allowing baked oatmeal to cool 10 minutes before cutting lets it set perfectly so it doesn’t fall apart when you serve.
Even apple distribution: Folding most apples into the batter and reserving some for topping means you get apple flavor in every bite plus a visually appealing finish.
Use rolled oats only: I tried quick oats once, and it turned mushy. Rolled oats keep their texture and soak up the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

apple cinnamon baked oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a drizzle of almond butter or a splash more almond milk for creaminess. Sometimes a dusting of cinnamon or a few extra raisins on top makes it feel extra festive. Fresh apple slices on the side or a dollop of coconut yogurt can also add a fresh, creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

It pairs beautifully with a simple green smoothie for a nutrient boost or a side of scrambled tofu or eggs if you want something savory to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, I’ve served this baked oatmeal in small ramekins with a cinnamon stick garnish and a side of warm spiced apple cider—everyone loved the cozy vibe it created!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This way it keeps its moisture and flavor. I usually slice it into portions right away so I can grab and reheat easily.

Freezing

This baked oatmeal freezes wonderfully! I cut it into squares, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and stash them in a freezer bag. When I want breakfast on the go, I just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in the morning.

Reheating

I find reheating at 350°F in the oven for around 10 minutes does the trick for keeping a nice texture. If I’m short on time, microwaving a portion for about a minute works too, just be careful not to overcook or it can dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

For the best texture, stick with rolled old-fashioned oats. Quick oats tend to become mushy when baked, and steel-cut oats need longer cooking and more liquid. If you prefer steel-cut oats, there are special recipes designed for them that will give you the best result.

What can I substitute for maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey, agave syrup, or brown sugar are great substitutes. Just keep in mind they’ll slightly change the flavor—a touch of honey adds floral notes while brown sugar adds a deeper caramel flavor.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is vegan as written if you use non-dairy milk and ground flaxseed instead of eggs. It’s naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats, which is important since regular oats may be cross-contaminated.

Can I add other spices to this baked oatmeal?

Absolutely! I love adding nutmeg, ginger, or apple pie spice to deepen the flavor profile, especially in cooler months. Start with a small pinch because these spices can be potent, but they add wonderful warmth and complexity.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s like a warm invitation to slow down and enjoy your morning. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it become your cozy breakfast ritual too—whether for a quiet weekday or a leisurely weekend brunch with friends. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this simple, delicious treat.