Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake is the perfect way to start your morning. It’s cozy, comforting, and packed with warm spices and tender apples that give it a pie-like flavor. This baked oatmeal recipe is wholesome, gluten-free, and easily customizable to fit your dietary needs. Whether you’re making this dish for meal prep, enjoying it fresh out of the oven, or reheating individual portions for a quick breakfast, it’s sure to be a hit for the whole family.
What is Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake?
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake is a baked oatmeal recipe that combines oats, apples, cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness to create a warm and delicious breakfast. It’s like eating a slice of apple pie in breakfast form but healthier! This recipe bakes the oatmeal into a soft yet firm dish that you can slice into portions. It’s great for meal prep and can be reheated throughout the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Breakfast: Packed with whole grain oats, this dish is a great way to start your day on a healthy note.
- Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences, like using different sweeteners, swapping out the apples for another fruit, or adding mix-ins like plump raisins or chocolate chips.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This baked oatmeal can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy mornings.
- Perfect for Fall: The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet apples makes this dish perfect for the fall season.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Oats
- Quick Oats: These oats are ideal for a faster bake time and create a soft texture. If you prefer a heartier texture, you can use rolled oats or steel cut oats, but note that the bake time will be longer.
- Gluten-Free Oats: To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure you’re using certified gluten-free oats.
Apples
- Chopped Apples: Any apple variety will work, but Granny Smith apples are a great way to add a tart contrast to the sweetness. You can also try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter option.
Sweeteners
- Maple Syrup: This adds a rich sweetness to the dish. You can substitute with coconut sugar or brown sugar for a different flavor profile. If you’re reducing sugar, try using unsweetened applesauce as a replacement.
Add-ins
- Peanut Butter: For a creamy texture and added protein, all-natural peanut butter is a great addition. You can also swap this for almond butter or use chia seeds for an extra boost of fiber.
- Protein Powder: Adding vanilla protein powder is optional but can help boost the protein content for a more filling meal.
Helpful Tools to Make This Recipe
- Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for mixing the wet and dry ingredients together.
- 6×9 Baking Dish: A medium baking dish works perfectly for this recipe, allowing the oatmeal to bake evenly.
- Saucepan: Used to cook the apples for the topping.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring the oat mixture.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake
Prep the Oatmeal Bake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the quick oats, ground flax, maple syrup, natural peanut butter, cinnamon, baking powder, plant milk (like almond milk or coconut milk), protein powder (optional), and cubed apples. Stir until all the wet ingredients and dry ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oat mixture into a 6×9 baking dish and spread evenly.
Prepare the Apple Topping
- Cook Apples: In a small saucepan, add chopped apples, water, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the apples are tender, and the liquid has evaporated.
Baking Instructions
- Bake the Oatmeal: Bake the oatmeal in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Top with Apples: Once baked, top the oatmeal with the cooked apples and drizzle with more maple syrup if desired.
- Cool and Serve: Let the oatmeal cool to room temperature before slicing into individual portions.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake
- Quick Oats vs. Rolled Oats: If you use rolled oats instead of quick oats, the bake time will be longer. Keep an eye on the oatmeal and stir it halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
- Meal Prep: This dish is a great way to prepare breakfast for the week. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, use non-dairy milk like almond milk, and swap the protein powder with a vegan-friendly option. You can also replace the egg with a flax egg or chia egg for binding.
FAQs
Yes, but the bake time will be significantly longer. Steel-cut oats create a chewier texture compared to the softer quick oats.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
You can use coconut sugar, brown sugar, or honey as alternatives to maple syrup.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake
Ingredients
Oatmeal Bake
- 2 cups plant milk
- 2 cups quick oats (if using rolled oats see notes the bake time is longer)
- 2 cups cubed apples (about 2 large apples cut into cubes)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, but delicious!)
- ⅓ cup all natural peanut butter
- 3 tbsp ground flax
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 2-3 scoops vanilla protein powder (optional)
Apple Topping
- 2 large apples cut into cubes
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Add quick oats, flax seeds, maple syrup, natural peanut butter, cinnamon, baking powder, plant milk, protein powder if adding, and cubed apples into a 6×9 baking dish. Stir well to combine.
- While the oatmeal is baking, prepare the stewed apples.
Cooked Apples Topping
- In a small saucepan on medium heat, add the chopped apples, water, cinnamon and maple syrup.
- Cover, bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 10-15 mins. Stir occasionally. I like to remove the lid halfway and cook until all the liquid is gone.
Baking
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through. Top with the cooked apples and a drizzle of maple syrup, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake is the perfect cozy breakfast for the whole family. With its warm cinnamon apple flavors, it’s like indulging in dessert for breakfast, but much healthier! It’s a great recipe for meal prep, allowing you to have a wholesome, delicious breakfast ready for the busy week ahead. Whether you’re a fan of quick oats, rolled oats, or steel-cut oats, this recipe can be customized to suit your preferences, ensuring the best texture and flavor every time.
Yum this apple bake was delicious. I have some fresh apples that I picked up from the farmers market and use them in this recipe. I will definitely be making this again next week thanks so much.
Thank you SOOO much! the apples are just so crisp and delicious right now! I’m so happy you’ll be making the recipe again next week! YOu made my day 🙂
I tried this recipe wanting to use my old apples that weren’t worth easily using in any other way. This recipe was fantastic. I had rolled oats and kept it in for 50 minutes. I had chocolate protein powder and used only one scoop. I’m not a big fan of protein powder but loved the idea of adding the protein. I also added a touch of lemon to the apple topping. Everyone loved it.
Thank you so much for trying the recipe. I’m so happy you loved it! That’s such a good idea putting a little lemon on top YUM!
What a great recipe! I use steel cut oats and found they needed a little more cooking time. I watched your video so thanks so much for the recommendation and loved it 😍
Thank you so much sierra! with steel cut oats I would recommend soaking them overnight first before adding them in to help with the cooking time. I’m SO happy you liked the recipe! We have been eating this for almost 4 weeks straight haha 🙂
This apple cinnamon oatmeal bake was served to our company this morning!
It was thoroughly enjoyed especially that apple topping! We didn’t have protein powder but thanks for the idea. We actually used cottage cheese on top which was delicious. Thanks for sharing all your delicious recipes! We’ll definitely be trying more!
Wow, what a great start to the day! I’m delighted your company enjoyed the apple cinnamon oatmeal bake. And I’m so impressed you used cottage cheese! That sounds delicious. Thank you for your kind words and for trying my recipe!