This Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a warm and cozy breakfast treat. It’s filled with tender apples, sweet cinnamon, and hearty oats that keep you full all morning!
I love making this on chilly mornings! It smells heavenly while baking, and the best part is you can easily reheat leftovers. Grab a spoon, and enjoy a taste of home! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Fuji or Gala apples work wonderfully here for their sweet flavor that balances well with cinnamon. You can substitute with Honeycrisp or Granny Smith if you prefer a tart flavor. Always peel and core for the best texture!
Rolled Oats: Stick with rolled oats for a chewy texture, but you can use quick oats if you’re in a hurry. Steel-cut oats won’t yield the same fluffy result, so I recommend sticking with rolled.
Sweetener: I often use brown sugar for a rich taste, but maple syrup is a lovely alternative, especially if you want to keep it refined-sugar-free. Adjust the amount to taste based on how sweet your apples are!
Milk: You can use any type of milk. Almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk add their unique flavors. I usually reach for almond milk since it adds a nice nutty note without overpowering the dish.
Butter or Coconut Oil: I love using melted coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor, but if you’re not fond of it, stick with good old butter for that classic taste!
How Do I Ensure My Oatmeal is Cooked Perfectly?
The texture of your baked oatmeal is crucial. Here are some key steps:
- Mix Well: Make sure you mix the dry and wet ingredients thoroughly. This helps all the oats soak up liquid evenly.
- Spread it Evenly: When you pour the mixture into the baking dish, smooth it out. This ensures even cooking and prevents some parts from being too soggy.
- Check for Doneness: Bake until the top is golden brown and firm. If it’s still jiggly, give it more time. Let it cool slightly before serving—it continues to set as it cools!
With these tips in mind, you’ll have a delightful baked apple cinnamon oatmeal perfect for any morning. Enjoy! 🍏✨
Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oatmeal:
- 2 large apples (such as Fuji or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
For Serving:
- Greek yogurt or whipped cream, for topping (optional)
- Extra ground cinnamon, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs 40-45 minutes to bake in the oven. After it’s out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. All in all, you’ll be enjoying this cozy dish in about an hour, including prep and baking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, you want to set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab your 8×8 inch baking dish and grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent your delicious oatmeal from sticking!
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, optional nutmeg, salt, brown sugar (or maple syrup), and baking powder. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed and the sweet and spicy flavors are ready to shine!
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter (or coconut oil) until they are well combined. This will create a lovely base for your oatmeal mixture.
4. Mix Everything Together:
Now it’s time to combine! Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will help keep your oatmeal fluffy!
5. Add the Apples:
Fold in the diced apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. These will add beautiful flavor and texture to your oatmeal.
6. Bake It Up:
Pour the mixed oatmeal goodness into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and a set texture—this means it’s ready!
7. Let It Cool:
Once baked, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This waiting time helps the oats firm up a bit more.
8. Serve Warm:
Dish up your Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal while it’s warm, topping it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream if you’d like. Finish with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for that lovely aroma!
Enjoy your cozy, delicious Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, the perfect start to your day! 🍏✨
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! Although Fuji and Gala are great choices, you can substitute them with Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that Granny Smith will add a tart taste to your oatmeal!
Can I Make This Oatmeal Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the eggs with a flaxseed meal (mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens) and using plant-based milk and coconut oil. It will taste just as delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If you find it’s too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of milk to loosen it up!
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with nuts, dried fruits, or seeds for added texture and nutrition. Toppings like maple syrup, additional yogurt, or even a scoop of nut butter can elevate the dish even further!