Cozy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe For Fall Mornings

If you’re craving a warm, wholesome start to your morning, nothing brings autumn right into your kitchen like apple cinnamon baked oatmeal. The blend of soft apples, cozy oats, and a hint of spice hits that perfect balance between comfort food and healthy breakfast.

Ever feel that tug for something homemade and filling when the weather cools down? I’ve definitely been there. Baked oatmeal is one of those recipes that comes together easily, uses basic pantry staples, and leaves you with leftovers you’ll actually look forward to eating. Apple cinnamon baked oatmeal not only keeps you full, but your kitchen will smell pretty incredible, too!

In this guide, I’m sharing a go-to apple cinnamon baked oatmeal recipe, my best tips for prepping ahead, and some simple tweaks for making it gluten free or vegan. There’s even a section with a few awesome Amazon finds, plus a way to keep tracking down even more food inspiration.

Quick TL;DR: What to Know About Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

• Apple cinnamon baked oatmeal is a hearty, oven baked breakfast loaded with rolled oats, apples, warming spices, and a hint of natural sweetness.
• It’s easy to prepare ahead, customizable for dietary needs, and fits well for meal prep or lazy weekend brunches.
• Great for kids or adults, and super handy if you want to avoid processed store bought breakfasts.
• Jump down for tips, storage advice, and answers to common questions.

Why Baked Oatmeal for Fall?

Once the temps drop, I find myself reaching for recipes that feel both satisfying and easy. Unlike stovetop oatmeal, baked oatmeal transforms oats into a sliceable, cakey breakfast you can pick up with a fork. The sliced apples add natural sweetness, moisture, and that classic fall flavor. Cinnamon rounds everything out, bringing those nostalgic autumn vibes straight to your breakfast table.

A bonus: you can prep it on Sundays, and you’re set for several days. No more standing at the stove in your slippers, rushing to stir your oats before they boil over. Baked oatmeal takes care of all the heavy lifting for you.

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal: Ingredients Rundown

You probably already have most of these on hand:

• Rolled oats – Old fashioned oats give the best texture. Quick oats work in a pinch, but avoid steel cut oats for this recipe.
• Apples – I like Honeycrisp or Gala since they’re sweet and keep their shape when baked. Granny Smith brings extra tartness if that’s your thing.
• Cinnamon + nutmeg – Cinnamon is non negotiable. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice cranks up the coziness.
• Milk – Any kind works: dairy, almond, oat, or soy. I switch it up depending on what’s open in the fridge.
• Eggs – For binding. Swap with ground flaxseed and water for a vegan version.
• Pure maple syrup or honey – For sweetness. Both give a really nice depth of flavor.
• Baking powder – Lifts and lightens the oatmeal just a little.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – For crunch and some healthy fat.

This is a super forgiving recipe. Toss in raisins, sliced bananas, or a spoonful of nut butter if you want to mix things up. Extra fruit means more moisture, so FYI, it comes out even more tender.

Step by Step: How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

1. Preheat your oven and prep your pan: Set your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, stir together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
3. Combine wet ingredients separately: Whisk eggs, milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla.
4. Combine and add apples: Pour wet into dry, mix until just combined, then fold in the chopped apples and nuts.
5. Bake: Pour into your prepared pan. Top with extra apple slices or nuts if you want. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is set and golden.
6. Cool and serve: Let it cool a bit before slicing. Drizzle more maple syrup or a spoonful of Greek yogurt if you want something extra.

Ways to Make It Your Own

• Gluten free: Make sure your oats are certified gluten free.
• Vegan: Swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), use your favorite dairy free milk, and stick to maple syrup.
• Lower sugar: Reduce maple syrup or honey, or add chopped dates for some natural sweetness.
• More protein: Stir in a scoop of protein powder or serve with peanut butter on top.

Storage and Prep Tips

Baked oatmeal stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just pop a square in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds or enjoy cold. Honestly, it’s surprisingly tasty straight from the fridge. To freeze, wrap portions and stash in a freezer bag. Reheat as needed. If you’re a meal prep fan, try doubling the batch and eating it all week!

Meal prepping or storing leftovers also means a breakfast that’s ready to go for busy school mornings, workdays, or even as a snack. And if you’re looking for more variety, throw in berries or even a few chocolate chips for a treat without making things any harder.

Another pro tip: baked oatmeal isn’t just limited for breakfast. You can use leftovers as a midday snack, and it even feels a bit like dessert if you warm it up and top it with extra fruit or a drizzle of nut butter.

Helpful Tools and Amazon Finds

• 8×8 inch glass baking dish – Bakes evenly and is easy to clean.
• Mixing bowls set – Sturdy, stackable, and lightweight for quick mixing.
• Silicone spatula set – Perfect for scraping every last drop.

Making your kitchen life easier often comes down to having just a few right tools on hand. These basics can make cleanup and prep time fly by!

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal FAQs

• What apples work best? Sweet tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji hold up well. Avoid Red Delicious because they get mushy.
• Can I prep this the night before? Absolutely. Mix everything together and refrigerate it overnight, then bake in the morning.
• How do I make it dairy free? Just use almond milk, oat milk, or any plant based milk you like.
• Can I add other fruits? Blueberries, pears, or banana slices all work well. Keep an eye on bake time with extra juicy fruits; they can change the texture a bit.

Your 3 Step Action Plan for a Cozy Breakfast

1. Gather the essentials: oats, apples, cinnamon, milk, and eggs. Prep your kitchen by laying out a baking dish and bowls.
2. Mix up and bake the recipe this weekend. Don’t forget to note your tweaks so you can adjust for next time.
3. Double up and freeze extra squares for a breakfast you can grab and go all week long.

If you want to expand your meal prep skills or stumble upon even more food inspiration, check out how I use Wealthy Affiliate for building my food blog or Benable to organize kitchen finds. These platforms have been really handy for keeping everything streamlined and letting me try out new ideas.

Warm Oats, Cool Mornings: The Perfect Fall Combo

Apple cinnamon baked oatmeal isn’t just about food, it’s a small way to make mornings feel calmer and more inviting. I’ve turned to this recipe countless times when I want something nourishing but not fussy. It works for family brunches or solo breakfasts, and the aroma it brings is every bit as comforting as the first bite.

If you’ve been looking for an easy, satisfying way to take your breakfast up a notch or just want your house to smell incredible, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

Got your own twist or a favorite topping? I’d love to hear about it. Share your ideas and questions below. Here’s to extra cozy kitchen mornings this fall!