Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bake – Cozy, Comforting, and Easy

Warm, spiced, and just a little bit sweet, this Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bake tastes like a hug on a chilly morning. It’s the kind of breakfast you can make once and enjoy all week, or serve to a crowd without breaking a sweat. The texture lands between soft oatmeal and a tender breakfast cake, with juicy apple pieces in every bite.

It’s easy to assemble, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a meal-prep person or a weekend baker, this one earns a spot in your rotation.

Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bake - Cozy, Comforting, and Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats or steel-cut)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but lovely)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk (dairy or unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk)
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil (plus more for greasing)
• 2 medium apples, peeled or unpeeled, cored, and diced small (about 2 cups)
• 1/3 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans; optional for crunch)
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Method

 

1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking dish with butter or oil.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Stir well so the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted butter or coconut oil until smooth.
4. Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until the oats are fully moistened. Fold in the diced apples, nuts, and dried fruit if using.
5. Rest briefly: Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes. This helps the oats hydrate and creates a better texture.
6. Bake: Pour into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–42 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool: Let it cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. It firms up as it cools, making clean slices easier.
8. Serve: Enjoy warm as-is or top with a dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a splash of warm milk.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Simple ingredients, big flavor: Oats, apples, cinnamon, and a few pantry staples combine into something special.
• Meal-prep friendly: Make it once and reheat squares all week for quick breakfasts or snacks.
• Not too sweet: Natural sweetness from apples and maple syrup keeps it balanced and satisfying.
• Customizable: Swap nuts, milk, or fruit to suit your taste or what’s in your kitchen.
• Hearty and filling: Whole grains and fiber keep you full longer without feeling heavy.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats or steel-cut)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but lovely)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk (dairy or unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk)
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil (plus more for greasing)
• 2 medium apples, peeled or unpeeled, cored, and diced small (about 2 cups)
• 1/3 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans; optional for crunch)
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

How to Make It

1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or oil.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.

   Stir well so the spices are evenly distributed.

3. Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted butter or coconut oil until smooth.
4. Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until the oats are fully moistened. Fold in the diced apples, nuts, and dried fruit if using.
5. Rest briefly: Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes.

   This helps the oats hydrate and creates a better texture.

6. Bake: Pour into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–42 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool: Let it cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing.

   It firms up as it cools, making clean slices easier.

8. Serve: Enjoy warm as-is or top with a dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a splash of warm milk.

How to Store

• Refrigerator: Store cooled slices in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual squares tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Microwave a slice for 30–60 seconds or warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10 minutes. Add a splash of milk if you like it softer.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Steady energy: Rolled oats offer slow-digesting carbs and fiber to keep you satisfied.
• Nutrient boost: Apples add vitamin C and extra fiber; nuts bring healthy fats and texture.
• Lower added sugar: Sweetened mainly with maple syrup and fruit, so it won’t taste cloying.
• Kid-friendly: Familiar flavors and soft texture make it a hit with picky eaters.
• Make-ahead convenience: Ideal for busy mornings or grab-and-go breakfasts.

What Not to Do

• Don’t use steel-cut or instant oats: Steel-cut won’t cook through, and instant oats turn mushy.
• Don’t skip the resting step: A short rest helps the oats absorb liquid and bake evenly.
• Don’t overbake: If it goes too long, it can dry out.

  Pull it when the center is set but still moist.

• Don’t overload with liquid add-ins: Too many juicy fruits can make the bake soggy. Stick to the quantities listed or reduce milk slightly.
• Don’t cut it immediately: Let it cool a bit so it sets and slices cleanly.

Alternatives

• Dairy-free: Use almond, oat, or soy milk and coconut oil instead of butter.
• No eggs: Replace each egg with a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water, set 5 minutes). Texture will be slightly denser.
• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
• Different fruits: Try pears, blueberries, or chopped peaches.

  For very juicy fruits, reduce milk by 1/4 cup.

• Add protein: Stir in 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt to the wet mixture or add a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder and increase milk by 1/4 cup.
• Extra crunch: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar and more chopped nuts on top before baking.
• Spice variations: Add ground ginger or cardamom, or swap vanilla for almond extract for a twist.

FAQ

Can I make this the night before?

Yes. You have two options. Mix and bake it fully, then reheat in the morning.

Or assemble the batter, cover, and refrigerate overnight. If baking from cold, add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.

Which apples work best?

Use firm, slightly tart apples that hold their shape, like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith. Softer apples will still taste good but may break down more during baking.

Can I reduce the maple syrup?

Absolutely.

Cut it to 1/4 cup for a less sweet bake, or replace part of it with unsweetened applesauce. The apples and cinnamon still bring plenty of flavor.

How do I keep it from sticking?

Grease the dish well or line it with parchment, leaving overhang to lift the bake out. Let it cool before slicing to avoid crumbles.

Is this good for kids’ lunches?

Yes.

Pack chilled squares in a lunchbox. They’re sturdy, not messy, and taste great at room temperature. Consider skipping nuts if your school is nut-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes.

Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the bake time to 40–50 minutes. Check the center with a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean.

What if I only have quick oats?

You can use quick oats in a pinch, but reduce the milk by 1/4 cup and watch the bake time. The texture will be softer and more uniform.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bake is simple, cozy, and practical.

It offers the comfort of apple-cinnamon flavors with the ease of a make-ahead breakfast. Tweak it to your taste, slice it for the week, and enjoy stress-free mornings. When a breakfast is this reliable and tasty, it’s hard not to keep it on repeat.