This cozy and satisfying Baked Apple Oatmeal is one of our favorite healthy and easy breakfasts, or leave the leftovers as a go-to snack in the fridge – because it is that good!
Crumbled with apples, raisins, cinnamon and brown sugar, this oatmeal bake is so much more delicious than your standard bowl of oatmeal where oatmeal often get clumpy and soggy. It is warm, comforting, and so tasty, plus it makes for easy meal prep!
Need more healthy breakfast inspiration? You’re going to love my Savory Breakfast Bowl and Acai Smoothie Bowl recipes as well!
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake
This apple-centered baked oatmeal recipe creates a light and moist chewy texture with crispy brown bites on top. Kind reminds me of the texture of oatmeal cookies with moisture retained … and, well, NOT soggy oatmeal texture. Yay for that!
If there is one reason why I prefer this apple oatmeal bake over traditional oatmeal, it’s the texture.
In fact, I don’t love traditional oatmeal because I cannot handle that mushy texture. The texture in this apple oatmeal bake reminds me of the textures of overnight oats – the rolls oats is soft, retaining its chewy texture, but not mushy and soggy.
Whenever I make these baked oatmeal with apples, I usually reheat and eat it for the next few days. Top it with a little maple syrup for some extra sweetness if you like, and maybe even a dollop of whipped cream…yum yum yum.
It reminds me of a less sweet, much healthier version of dessert. Wow, I just basically described the best breakfast ever – dessert for breakfast, with much less sugar! 🙂
These baked oatmeal with apples has raisins in them, but dried cranberries can be substituted in place of raisins. And I always get requests from readers to omit raisins and/or cranberries…which is totally fine! It is so very versatile.
I would love to eat Raspberry Coffee Cake and Chocolate Chip Pancakes for breakfast all the time, but the truth is, my 40+ year old self can’t hang with that kind of diet anymore, and need some healthy breakfast between those sweet goodies. 😉
So if you’re like me and needing a healthy breakfast option especially during the Fall, this Baked Apple Oatmeal is it. We make it all the time these days!
Ingredients
Here are the key ingredients that make up this delicious oven baked oatmeal with apples:
- Apples: Any kind of fresh apples work well for this recipe. Make sure to dice them into smaller bite size pieces. I like to peel the skin but if you want to keep the skin on, go for it! There are a lot of nutrients on there, I just prefer the skin-off texture.
- Raisins: You can substitute with cranberries or any other dried fruit. You can also omit it if you don’t care for it. I love my apple oatmeal bake with raisins in it because it adds moisture and sweetness.
- Rolled oats: also known as old-fashion oats, it is the most common type of oats used in most recipes out there. Quick oats can also be used.
- Ground cinnamon: This is a key ingredient that brings out all those delicious Fall flavors. You can also use apple pie spice instead of cinnamon, or add ground nutmeg and/or ground cloves.
- Milk: any kind of milk can be used, whether dairy or non-dairy (almond milk, oatmilk).
- Egg: this will help the oats stick together and not crumble apart too much.
- Vanilla extract: use pure vanilla extract for best flavor.
- Brown sugar: this gives our baked oatmeal a nice rich flavor along with a little sweetness … you won’t even need maple syrup for your final product!
- Baking powder: a leavening agent that will give our baked apple oatmeal a light and airy texture.
How to Make Baked Apple Oatmeal
Baked Apple Oatmeal is an easy and quick recipe, ready with under 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes in the oven.
Start by greasing a 9′ x 9′ (or similar size) baking dish. We want to do this so that you’ll be able to remove the baked apple oatmeal easily from your baking dish when it is ready.
Next, bring together wet ingredients (melted butter, milk, egg and vanilla) in a large bowl. Whisk until a slightly fluffy.
Add dry ingredients (oats, baking powder, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt) into the mixture.
Mix well to combine.
Add diced apples and raisins to the oatmeal mixture, then fold to combine.
Pour the mixture into the greased square (9′ x 9′) casserole dish, spread it out evenly and gently press the mixture down.
It will look a bit liquidy to start with (it solidifies as it bakes in the oven) but the oats will soak up the majority of the liquid mixture when baking.
Send baked apple oatmeal into the oven to bake at 325℉ for 35-40 minutes, or until oatmeal is set and liquid is completely absorbed.
Cook until the tops of the oatmeal are browned. Insert toothpick into the center of baked oatmeal to test for doneness – toothpick should come out slightly moist but not overly wet.
Let baked apple oatmeal cool for a few minutes before digging in.
Top with more milk, apple slices, or if you want a little sweetness, drizzle some maple syrup on top.
As you enjoy this delicious oatmeal bake, you’ll find hidden bites of sweet raisins and soft, flavorful apples along with the chewy oatmeal that is packed with hints of cinnamon flavor.
This one of my favorite things to cozy up with on a cooler day … it warms my heart and my tummy!
Storage and Reheating
Our baked oatmeal with apples stores very well. Simply store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 45-60 seconds, which makes the best quick breakfast in the morning. To prevent oatmeal from drying, add a splash of milk prior to reheating.
To freeze, make sure baked apple oatmeal cool completely to room temperature before wrapping it up in an air tight Ziploc bag or container before freezing it.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating in the microwave per the instructions above.
Ways to Serve
Serve baked oatmeal with the below for a delicious, healthy and satisfying breakfast:
- a dizzle of honey or maple syru
- top with yogurt or unsweetened applesauce
- pair it with fresh fruits
Tips and Tricks
- Apple variety: Different apples bring different flavors and textures. Experiment with your favorite types!
- Boost flavors: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for additional warmth and depth of flavor. Spices like cloves and allspice make a welcome addition as well.
- Add a topping: Before baking, sprinkle the top with chopped nuts for a crunchy topping. Pecans and walnuts are some of my favorites.
- Line baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy removal and clean-up. Alternatively, grease baking dish well.
- Extra sweetness: If you have a sweet tooth, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use other sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar.
Yes, you can prepare the oatmeal mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, give it a good stir, pour into greased baking dish and bake as directed.
To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for regular milk.
Other great add-ins include nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), dried fruit (such as cranberries or apricots), or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 inch baking dish or larger. Be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly
ENJOYED THIS RECIPE? Tell us what you think by leaving a rating and review below! 🤍
More Healthy-ish Breakfast Recipes
- Hash Brown Egg Cups
- Hashbrown Egg Bake
- Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
- Mango Strawberry Smoothie
- Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
Baked Apple Oatmeal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups apples peeled and diced, ~2 small apples
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325℉. Grease a 9"x9" baking dish.
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, bring together the wet ingredients: butter, milk, egg, and vanilla.
- Add in the dry ingredients: oats, baking powder, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Fold in diced apples and raisins.
- Pour into prepared baking dish, making sure to press down the oats into the liquid.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
I tried this recipe doubled in a 9×13 dish while hosting a group of friends for the weekend, and it was a hit! I used honey crisp apples. I loved the texture, and the flavor was perfect! It was a cozy fall breakfast.
Thank you so much Allie!! Love hearing that it was a hit with your friends!
Excellent breakfast with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. I will use less salt next time.
I’m glad you like it Mary! Thanks for the feedback!