This apple cinnamon baked oatmeal delivers warm baked apples, cozy cinnamon and spices, and soft, chewy oats. It’s naturally gluten free and dairy free, with an easy option to make it vegan. Ready to pop in the oven in under 15 minutes.
This wholesome apple cinnamon baked oatmeal is ideal for fall mornings, a relaxed weekend brunch, or an easy “binner” (breakfast for dinner). It’s made with simple, real-food ingredients—whole grain rolled oats, ground flaxseed for added fiber and omega-3s, unsweetened applesauce, and a touch of pure maple syrup for gentle sweetness. The texture is soft and chewy with tender baked apple pieces throughout.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made in one bowl and requires less than 15 minutes of prep, so cleanup is simple and quick.
- Uses wholesome ingredients like rolled oats and ground flaxseed for added fiber, protein, and omega-3s.
- A warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly mornings—rich with apple and cinnamon flavor.
- Suitable for many diets: gluten free, dairy free, and can be made vegan.
Ingredient Notes
See the recipe card below for exact amounts. Notes and substitutions are listed here.
Oats – Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture. Quick oats will work in a pinch but can produce a softer, slightly mushier bake. If you need to avoid gluten, choose certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Apples – Choose crisp, sweet baking apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala. Granny Smith will also work and gives a tarter finish.
Applesauce – Use unsweetened applesauce. Plain or cinnamon-flavored unsweetened applesauce both work.
Coconut oil or butter – Melted coconut oil keeps this dairy free; swap melted butter if dairy is acceptable.
Pure maple syrup – Provides gentle, natural sweetness. Honey or coconut sugar can be substituted if preferred.
Milk – Unsweetened almond milk keeps the recipe dairy free. Any milk works—use unsweetened plant milk if avoiding added sugars.
How to Make
Simple steps lead to a cozy baked oatmeal ready for the table.
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until evenly mixed. Reserve a few apple pieces to sprinkle on top if you like.
Step 3: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares. These baked oats are excellent for meal prep—store leftovers and reheat individual portions as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Try these serving ideas to vary the experience:
- Serve warm with a hard-boiled egg and fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- Top with a drizzle of almond, cashew, or peanut butter, a little extra maple syrup, or a dollop of coconut whipped cream (or regular whipped cream) for an indulgent touch.
- Make it a brunch spread by pairing with a frittata, roasted vegetables, or crispy potatoes.
⭐Expert Tips & Notes
To make the recipe vegan, replace the egg with an extra 1/4 cup applesauce and use dairy-free milk.
Use rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats are acceptable but yield a softer, less distinct oat bite. Steel-cut oats are not recommended unless you plan for extended cooking time and a chewier result.
Add-ins that work well: dried cranberries, chopped walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, chia seeds, or 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for extra fall flavor.
For meal prep, bake ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. To prep the night before, keep wet and dry ingredients separate in the fridge and combine before baking.
FAQs
Yes. Rolled oats are a whole-grain source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. Ground flaxseed boosts fiber, plant-based protein, and omega-3s. Combined with modest natural sweetener and healthy fats, this recipe is a nutritious breakfast option.
Baked oats have a firmer, cake-like texture thanks to eggs and baking powder, while stovetop or overnight oatmeal is creamier and looser.
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin adds nutrients and saves time; peeled apples will be slightly softer in the final bake.
Sweet, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala work beautifully. Granny Smith adds a tart contrast if preferred.
Storing & Freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm.
For longer storage, freeze baked squares in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen.
More Oatmeal Recipes for You to Try!
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Chocolate Baked Oats (no banana)
-
Baked Berry Oatmeal
-
Blueberry Chia Overnight Oats
-
Overnight Oats with Protein Powder {5 ingredients!}
If you make this recipe, please let me know what you think by leaving a rating or comment. I’d love to see photos—tag @CleanPlateMama if you share it on social media.
Eat Clean. Be Well!
-Sara
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Equipment
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1 Mixing bowl
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1 baking dish (8×8 or 9×9)
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups rolled oats (certified gluten free if needed)
- ½ cup ground flaxseeds
- 2 ½ tsp. cinnamon
- ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp. fine sea salt
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 2 cups chopped apples
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg (or extra ¼ cup applesauce for vegan)
- 1 ½ cups milk of choice (dairy free if needed)
- 2 tbsp. pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or melted butter)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir until combined. Reserve a few apple pieces to sprinkle on top if desired.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish and bake for 35–40 minutes, until edges are golden and the center is set.
- Allow to cool slightly, then cut and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- To make vegan, replace the egg with an extra ¼ cup applesauce and use dairy-free milk.
- Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 pan for larger batches.
- Recipe yields roughly 6–9 servings; nutrition is calculated for 9 servings.