Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Wake up to the aroma of warm cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your home! This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal transforms ordinary breakfast into a cozy morning celebration that’ll have everyone rushing to the kitchen. It’s like apple pie and oatmeal had a delicious baby – but one you can totally justify eating for breakfast.

The magic of this dish lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. Chewy oats provide a hearty base while tender apple chunks add juicy sweetness in every bite. The warm cinnamon ties everything together, and toasted walnuts bring a satisfying crunch that elevates this from simple breakfast to morning masterpiece. Best of all? You can prep it ahead for busy mornings when you need something substantial but don’t have time to cook.

Ingredients

For the oatmeal base:

• 2 ¾ cups old fashioned rolled oats (285 g)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional) (10 g)
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey (70 g)
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (115g)
• 2 large eggs* (110 g) (See Notes for egg-free option)
• 1 ¼ cups milk of choice (300 g)
• ¼ cup melted unsalted butter or coconut oil (60 g)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the mix-ins and topping:

• 1 cup shredded apple or finely diced, more for topping (115 g)
• ⅓ cup chopped walnuts, toasted (35 g)

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly spray a 9×9 or 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray, making sure to coat the sides to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, combine the 2 ¾ cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, 1 tablespoon chia seed, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon fine salt. Whisk dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the same bowl: ¼ cup maple syrup, ½ cup applesauce, 2 eggs, 1 ¼ cups milk, ¼ cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir until thoroughly combined with no dry pockets remaining, but avoid overmixing which can make the oatmeal tough.
4. Gently fold in the 1 cup shredded or diced apples and ⅓ cup toasted walnuts using a rubber spatula. The folding motion preserves the texture of the apples and prevents the nuts from breaking.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, using your spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Sprinkle a few additional chopped toasted walnuts on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out mostly clean with no wet batter.
7. Let the baked oatmeal sit for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the oatmeal to set up properly and makes it easier to portion.
8. Serve warm with optional toppings like a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, or additional fresh apple slices for extra freshness and texture.

Smart Swaps

• Replace butter with coconut oil (1:1 ratio) for a dairy-free version
• Swap maple syrup for honey (1:1 ratio) depending on your flavor preference
• Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a vegan version (see notes)
• Try pears instead of apples for a different fruity twist
• Substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts if you prefer their flavor profile

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Replace maple syrup with ¼ cup monk fruit sweetener plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture (reduces carbs by approximately 14g per serving)
• Use unsweetened almond milk instead of dairy milk to further reduce carbohydrates (saves about 6g carbs per serving)
• Add an extra 2 tablespoons chia seeds to increase fiber content, which helps slow sugar absorption
• Portion into 12 servings instead of 9 to reduce carbohydrate load per serving
• Serve with a tablespoon of natural nut butter on top to add protein and healthy fats that slow glucose response

Pro Tips

• Shred your apples if you prefer them fully incorporated, or dice them for more distinct apple pieces
• Toast the walnuts beforehand for maximum flavor – it takes just 5-7 minutes but makes a huge difference
• Prepare this the night before and refrigerate unbaked for an easy morning – just add 5 minutes to the baking time
• For extra apple flavor, use a mix of apple varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith
• This oatmeal freezes beautifully! Cut into portions, freeze individually, then microwave for 1-2 minutes when ready to eat