Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

This apple cinnamon baked oatmeal has the best flavor and texture. Warm soft baked apples, cinnamon and spices, and soft chewy oats. It's gluten free, dairy free, with an option for vegan. Prepped and ready for the oven in less than 15 minutes.

This wholesome apple cinnamon baked oatmeal is perfect for a fall breakfast, weekend brunch, or easy weeknight "binner" (breakfast for dinner if you're new to the term 😊). Warm baked apples, soft chewy oats, and fall spices. Made with real food ingredients like whole grain oats and ground flaxseeds and is minimally sweetened with pure maple syrup.

While this can definitely be enjoyed all year long, it for sure needs to make an appearance during apple picking season. And if you're in need of more seasonal apple recipes, be sure to try my air fryer apples, healthy apple crisp, and apple cinnamon oat muffins.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This baked oatmeal recipe is made in one bowl and takes less than 15 minutes to prep!
Healthy and made with wholesome ingredients with the added benefits of flaxseed meal. Flaxseeds add an extra boost of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
A warm and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly fall and winter mornings.
Great for most dietary needs like gluten free, dairy free, with an option for vegan.

Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below. Here are some specific notes and substitutions.

OATS - Old-fashioned/rolled oats are best to use, but quick-cooking can be used if in pinch. If you can't tolerate traces of gluten, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. One Degree, GF Harvest, and Bob's Red Mill are all great options. Even though oats are naturally gluten free, they can become contaminated with gluten during processing

Clean food tip: Like with most grains, oats are sprayed with glyphosate (an herbicide that’s been linked to increased cancer risk) prior to being harvested. Because of this, organic is best to ensure this herbicide does not make its way onto your oats.

APPLES - Crisp, sweet apples such as Honey Crisp or Pink Lady are best for baking and what I prefer in this recipe. Granny Smith can also be used and will still turn out great.

APPLE SAUCE - Make sure you are using unsweetened apple sauce. I always use plain, but cinnamon apple sauce would be good too!

Clean food tip: Since apples show up on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) dirty dozen list, I recommend using organic apples and apple sauce.

COCONUT OIL - Either refined or unrefined coconut oil can be used. If you aren't needing this to be dairy free, you can also use melted butter.

PURE MAPLE SYRUP - You'll want to use pure maple syrup and not the fake imitation stuff! You can sub honey or coconut sugar if needed.

MILK - I use unsweetened almond milk to keep these dairy free, but any variation of milk can be used. If using a plant-based milk, make sure that it is unsweetened.

Clean food tip: If using dairy-free milk, use unsweetened plain milk. And look for milk that contains just the source of the milk (i.e. almonds), water, and maybe salt. Avoid gums and additives if you can. If using cow's milk, I highly recommend organic whole milk.

How to Make

Just a few steps and your on you're way to this easy apple cinnamon baked oatmeal!

Step 1: Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and mix until combined.

Ingredients for apple cinnamon baked oatmeal in a large glass mixing bowl before being mixed. — Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl.

Oatmeal mix with apples in a large glass mixing bowl. — Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Pour into a square baking dish that's been lightly greased and bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and center is set.

Oatmeal better in a square white baking dish sprinkled with apple pieces. — Place in a square baking dish.

Baked apple cinnamon oatmeal in a square white baking dish. — Place in a square baking dish.

Allow to cool slightly before cutting and serving. These baked oats and perfect for breakfast and for meal prep. Leftovers are just as good the next day or later in the week!

Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways to enjoy this apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe!

For a super quick breakfast in the morning, make ahead of time and serve alongside a hard-boiled egg and fresh fruit for a nutritious, well-rounded breakfast.
Drizzle some almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter on top. Try some pure maple syrup or even some coconut whipped cream (or regular whipped cream) for a decadent morning treat!
Turn it into brunch by serving alongside a frittata, roasted vegetables, and smashed potatoes!

Fork taking a bite out of a square piece of apple baked oatmeal toped with sliced apples and almond butter. — Drizzle with almond butter or your favorite nut butter.

Expert Tips & Notes

If you'd like these baked oats to be vegan, you can replace the egg with an additional ¼ cup of applesauce and be sure to use dairy-free milk.

Use rolled oats/old-fashioned oats vs. quick cooking oats. Quick cooking oats can be used if in a pinch, but you'll end up with a little mushier texture and it will take less time to cook. I haven't made with steel cut oats before, but if you try, the cooking time will be longer and you'll probably end up with a chewier texture.

Try these add-ins to jazz up these apple cinnamon baked oats: cranberries, chopped walnuts, chopped pecans, chocolate chips, chia seeds, or try adding ½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice for more fall flavors!

This is great for meal prep. Bake ahead of time and keep stored in the fridge. Heat individual serving sizes in the microwave for roughly 30 seconds, or until heated through. If you want to prep the night before, add all dry ingredients, including the chopped apple, to one bowl and the wet ingredients to a separate bowl. Keep both in the fridge and add to baking dish in the morning, stir, and bake.

FAQs

Is baked oatmeal healthy?

Yes! Oats are packed with whole grains and fiber. I also add in a good amount of flaxseeds so you are getting extra fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, extra protein, and antioxidants with this recipe. The extra fat and protein is also helpful in lowering the glycemic load from the oats. And as always, "healthy" is a subjective term, but I consider baked oatmeal healthy.

How are baked oats different from regular oatmeal?

Baked oats are dense and have a fluffier cake-like texture due to the eggs and baking powder, whereases regular oatmeal is cooked with just water or milk and has a more creamy consistency.

Do I have to peel my apples?

Nope! If you prefer them peeled, then go right ahead, but it's way quicker to just leave this skin on. Plus, that's where most of the nutrients are, so I prefer to leave it on.

Which apple are best for this baked oatmeal recipe?

Sweet crisp apples are best for baking and best of using in this recipe. I like Honey Crisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala.

Storing

Leftover should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and will stay good for up to 5 days. You can eat leftovers cold or reheat in the microwave until warm.

These also freeze great and can be frozen in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator or re-heat directly from frozen.

Square piece of apple cinnamon baked oatmeal topped maple syrup on a round plate with a vintage fork. — Top off with some pure maple syrup.

More Oatmeal Recipes for You to Try!

If you make this recipe, please let me know what you think! I would so appreciate you leaving a star rating and/or comment below. And don't forget to share a photo on Instagram or Facebook and mention @CleanPlateMama!

Eat Clean.Be Well!
-Sara

Eat Clean.Be Healthy!
-Sara