Baked Apple Oatmeal: A Cozy & Healthy Breakfast Bake

Start your morning with a warm and inviting dish of Baked Apple Oatmeal. This recipe transforms simple oats and apples into a cozy, casserole-style breakfast that tastes like apple crisp but is packed with wholesome goodness. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weekdays and a comforting treat for lazy weekends. Forget boring bowls of oatmeal; this baked version offers a delightful texture and a rich, cinnamon-spiced flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This easy Baked Apple Oatmeal recipe is incredibly versatile and simple to prepare. Just mix the ingredients, pour them into a baking dish, and let the oven do the work. The result is a soft, custardy oatmeal base studded with tender, sweet apples and a hint of warm spice. It’s a breakfast that feels indulgent yet is secretly healthy and satisfying.

Why This Baked Apple Oatmeal is the Perfect Breakfast

If you’re looking for a breakfast that is both delicious and practical, this Baked Apple Oatmeal checks all the boxes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that simplifies your morning routine.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning, or bake it ahead and reheat individual portions throughout the week.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Made with whole grains, fruit, and minimal added sugar, it provides lasting energy to fuel your day. For another great make-ahead option, try these Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and nutty oats is classic comfort food. It makes your whole kitchen smell amazing!
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different spices, nuts, or fruit to suit your taste.

The Key Ingredients for Baked Apple Oatmeal

This recipe uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients to create a truly special breakfast. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Oatmeal Base:

• Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture—chewy yet tender.
• Milk: Use any milk you prefer, dairy or non-dairy (like almond, soy, or oat milk).
• Apples: The star of the show! Choose a firm, crisp variety that holds its shape when baked.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that pairs perfectly with apples and cinnamon.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, giving the oatmeal a more set, casserole-like texture.
• Butter: A small amount adds richness and flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps to lift the oatmeal, making it less dense.
• Spices: Cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg are essential for that classic warm, spiced flavor.
• Vanilla Extract & Salt: These enhance all the other flavors in the dish.

Choosing the Best Apples

For this baked apple oatmeal, you want apples that are firm and will hold their shape during baking, preventing a mushy texture. Good choices include Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Granny Smith (for a tarter flavor), or Gala. Peel and chop them into uniform ½-inch pieces for even cooking.

What Kind of Oats to Use?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice. They absorb the liquid perfectly while maintaining a pleasant, chewy texture. Instant or quick-cooking oats can become too soft and mushy, while steel-cut oats require a different liquid ratio and a much longer baking time.

How to Make Baked Apple Oatmeal (Step-by-Step)

Making this cozy breakfast is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps for a perfect baked apple oatmeal every time.

1. Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine and Add Apples: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
5. Bake: Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the baked oatmeal cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set completely. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like a drizzle of maple syrup, a splash of cream, or a dollop of yogurt. For a different but equally delicious oatmeal bar, check out these Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars.

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Oatmeal

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until they are just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense and gummy texture.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the baked oatmeal to rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven is crucial. This gives it time to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
• Check for Doneness: The oatmeal is done when the center is set and doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The edges should be slightly browned.

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about this Baked Apple Oatmeal is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts with the apples.
• Include Dried Fruit: Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy burst of sweetness.
• Boost the Protein: Stir in a scoop of your favorite vanilla or plain protein powder with the dry ingredients. If you’re looking for other high-protein breakfast ideas, this Healthy Yogurt Granola Bowl is a great choice.
• Brown Sugar Topping: For a more decadent, crisp-like topping, sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar, oats, and a little melted butter over the top before baking.

How to Store, Reheat, and Make Ahead

This baked apple oatmeal recipe is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to handle leftovers and prepare it in advance.

Storing

Allow the baked oatmeal to cool completely. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating

You can enjoy the leftovers cold, or you can reheat them. To reheat a single serving, place it on a plate and microwave for 45-60 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a toaster oven. Add a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture if needed.

Make-Ahead Instructions

To prepare this dish the night before, assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish as directed. Cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baked Apple Oatmeal Recipe

Baked Apple Oatmeal: A Cozy & Healthy Breakfast Bake

This Baked Apple Oatmeal is a cozy, healthy, and delicious make-ahead breakfast. Tender apples and warm spices are baked with wholesome oats for a satisfying meal that tastes like apple crisp but is perfect for any morning.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 285

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats Do not use quick oats or steel-cut oats.
• 2 medium apples Peeled, cored, and chopped (about 2 cups). Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well.
• 2 cups milk Any kind, dairy or non-dairy.
• 1/4 cup maple syrup Plus more for serving.
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons butter Melted. Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment

• 1 8x8-inch baking dish
• 2 Mixing Bowls

Instructions

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, maple syrup, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, then gently fold in the chopped apples.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
6. Let the baked oatmeal cool in the dish for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or a handful of raisins for more sweetness.
Make-Ahead: Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake directly from the fridge, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Share Your Creation!

We hope you love this cozy and delicious Baked Apple Oatmeal recipe as much as we do! It’s the perfect way to welcome a crisp morning or simplify a busy week. If you make it, we would love to see it. Please leave a comment below or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest!