Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is the perfect easy family breakfast. This healthy baked oatmeal is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and has no refined sugars. It's packed with oats, sweet apple chunks, and crunchy walnuts. It's a delightful family meal filled with seasonal flavors.
Late Summer is truly magical. The days are getting shorter. Mornings are colder and midday air so fresh. The overall feeling of the upcoming Autumn begins to show. And there are these late Summer fruits - apples, pears, plums with their beautiful colors, freshness, and taste. So irresistible.
Last week I bought a bucket of apples on my local Farmers market. Red, sweet, and juicy, they immediately set my imagination on fire. I remembered Apple Cinnamon Muffins that my boys love so much and Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies, of course, since school is about to start soon and these cookies are perfect back to school snack.
But then I also remembered the old recipe I got in my book. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal. My favorite late Summer treat. Filled with heart-healthy OATS, and crunchy WALNUTS, loaded with wonderful Fall flavors. It is magical as late Summer itself. And delicious beyond belief.
Ingredients used
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is one super easy to make breakfast. It's freezer-friendly, can be made a day ahead, and a no-brainer. You will only need a few simple pantry ingredients.
- OATS: Oats are lovely. Healthy, nutritious, with so many health benefits. They deserve all the praise they get. I love oats because they are an excellent source of fiber, especially beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber responsible for keeping our heart healthy. It also supports the growth of good bacteria in our digestive tract, which is essential for our overall health. They are a great source of energy and fullness. I used rolled oats here, but you can use quick oats if you like.
- MILK: I like using oat milk, but you can use whatever milk you prefer or have in the house.
- SWEETENER: I used pure maple syrup, but you can easily use honey here if you like. Sirup gave subtle sweetness yet didn't overload the dish with much sugar calories. Date syrup is a great option too.
- APPLES: Apples are the real star in this baked beauty. Fresh, sweet, and loaded with nutrients. Apples are now in season and just beautiful.
- CINNAMON: Ceylon cinnamon, also known as "true" cinnamon, is a highly delicious spice with many health benefits. Cinnamon gave this baked oatmeal a truly wonderful flavor.
To give this baked apple oatmeal extra boost, I tossed in some SUPERFOODS as well:
- Walnuts are good source of omega-3, an essential fatty acid, and an excellent source of antioxidants that fights inflammation. (1) Walnuts are very nutritious, great for gut health, and since they are calorie-dense, they are great for weight loss too. Walnuts enriched this baked oatmeal with nutrients and gave special crunchiness.
- Hemp seeds are an excellent source of healthy omega-3s, but also a great source of high-quality proteins. You can substitute hemp seeds for chia seeds or flax seeds. Use one you have at home, and the one you prefer.
- Goji berries are loaded with vitamin C, iron, vitamin A, zinc and powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their immune-boosting qualities and their ability to fight harmful free radicals and inflammation.
Other pantry ingredients you'll need:
- Baking powder
- Egg – I used free-range, pasture-raised.
- Salt – I like to use Himalayan salt.
- Extra virgin coconut oil
How to make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
- Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven and heat to 356F (180C).
- Line the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Prepare and measure all ingredients using measuring cups.
- In a bowl, mix oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Use silicone spatula.
- In another larger bowl, combine the egg with milk. Use the whisk and mix it until you get even mixture. Add syrup and coconut oil. Mix until well combined.
- Add in the dry ingredients. Using the spatula mix everything until fully combined.
- Finally, add the diced apples and chopped walnuts, hemp seeds and goji berries.
- Transfer the mixture into a prepared baking pan.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Watch the oatmeal and don't over-bake it.
- Get the oatmeal out of the oven. Leave it to cool for a few minutes in the pan.
- Serve topped with fresh fruits (diced apples or bananas), honey, or maple syrup.
Tips for serving
- Serve freshly baked topped with fruits: diced apples, banana slices, honey, or maple syrup.
- Top it with yogurt and maple syrup or honey to make it sweeter.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon to add more flavor.
- Crumble in the bowl and add milk.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts to add some crunchiness.
Substitutions
- I like to use rolled oats for baked oatmeal, but you can substitute rolled oats with quick oats.
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey or date syrup. Make sure honey is not raw but in liquid, runny form.
- Substitute HEMP SEEDS with ground flax seeds or chia seeds.
- Substitute goji berries with ANY DRIED FRUIT: raisins, sultanas, cranberries, chopped apricots, chopped dates.
- Substitute WALNUTS with almonds or pecans.
- MAKE IT VEGAN: Use flax or chia egg.
- MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: Use certified gluten-free oats.
Tips for storing
- Keep sliced baked oatmeal in an air-tight food container. It will last up to 5 days.
- You can keep them in the fridge. That way, it will last longer.
- Place the sliced oatmeal bake in a zip-lock bag and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw the slices on room temperature before serving. Don't use the microwave to thaw them.
PRO TIPS:
- You can use old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats here. Both are equally healthy and equally tasty. There's only a bit difference in the texture depending on which one you use. Rolled oats absorb more liquid, giving the nice dense texture (after baking, it will be easier to slice) while quick oats give much softer, mushy texture.
- You can use chopped apples or grated apples, depending on preferences. Chopped apples will give lovely freshness and sweet chunks, while grated will provide more moisture.
- Make sure you chop walnuts into tiny pieces. If you want coarsely chopped nuts, it is best to do this with a chef's knife.
- You can crush walnuts in the food processor too. Pulse them for few seconds.
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is absolutely delicious. Sweet, full of apple freshness and crunchy walnuts. It's also soft, pleasing and so chewy, packed with warm Fall flavors. Plus, healthy and so nutritious, made without refined sugars with only wholesome ingredients. So simple yet so delightful.
Have it baked and stored in the fridge for quick family breakfast during busy weekday mornings. OR enjoy freshly baked on weekends. Enjoy!
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon Himalayan salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- 1 ⅓ cup oat milk or any plant-based or cow's
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil melted and cooled
- 2 sweet apples diced
- ¼ cup walnuts roughly chopped
- ¼ cup goji berries or any other dry fruit
- ¼ cup hemp seeds
Instructions
- Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven and heat to 356F (180C).
- Line the bottom of an 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Prepare and measure all ingredients using measuring cups.
- In a bowl, mix together oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Use silicone spatula.
- In another larger bowl combine egg with milk. Use the whisk and mix it until you get even mixture. Add syrup and coconut oil. Mix until well combined.
- Add in the dry ingredients. Using the spatula mix everything until fully combined.
- Finally, add the diced apples and chopped walnuts, hemp seeds and goji berries.
- Transfer the mixture into prepared baking pan.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Watch the oatmeal and don’t over-bake it.
- Get the oatmeal out of the oven. Leave it to cool for few minutes in the pan.
- Serve topped with fresh fruits (diced apples or bananas), honey or maple syrup.
Notes
Substitute maple syrup with honey or date syrup. Make sure honey is not raw but in liquid, runny form.
Substitute HEMP SEEDS with ground flex seeds or chia seeds.
Substitute goji berries with ANY DRIED FRUIT: raisins, sultanas, cranberries, chopped apricots, chopped dates.
Substitute WALNUTS with almonds or pecans. Tips for storing Keep sliced in air-tight food container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
TO FREEZE: Place the sliced oatmeal bake in a zip-lock bag and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw the slices on room temperature before serving. Don't use microwave to thaw them. MAKE IT VEGAN: Use flax or chia egg. MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: Use certified gluten-free oats. Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutrition
More oatmeal recipes
- Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bake
- Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
- Chocolate Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl
- Oatmeal Waffles
- Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
This post is originally published in August, 2018, but it's updated with new info on August 2020.
Gina says
Made this with a flax egg and turned out great. Love the texture of this baked oatmeal, chock full of lots of healthy goodies :)
Laura Arteaga says
Wow, I love this idea! We have porridge during winter and overnight oats for summer, but this is a perfect recipe for these days as it's getting colder but still too hot for porridge. Thank you for such a lovely recipe!
Sam says
Yum this baked oatmeal looks delicious and filling. I love that it's packed with so many apples. I can't wait to try this one.
Jamie says
Wow! This looks like an amazing breakfast for the fall! I love this idea and will be making this for the upcoming week. Great tips for substitutions. I think I'll try making this vegan. Thank you!
Sara says
Would you believe I had no idea baked oatmeal was even a thing? I love overnight oats so I have a feeling that I would like this too. It looks pretty tasty!
Ramona says
Now were talking! This is definitely something I would make. This is now one of my favourite desserts to make. The combination of apple and oatmeal just makes me drool over my keyboard! I am ready to go to the kitchen to get started. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe, i cant wait to try it out!!
Aditi Bahl says
loved the recipe. Tried these and just loved the flavors. Thanks for sharing
Jacqueline Debono says
This baked apple oatmeal looks scrumptious. I've never baked oatmeal before. Can't wait to try it!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal looks soooooo deliciously good. I wish I could eat that right now!
Kayvona says
This looks so delicious! Have to try this weekend!
Amy Liu Dong says
From the looks of the finished product, I may say that this can be a crowd favorite in an instant. I loved the concept of baking an oatmeal for a change, that's definitely an awesome idea for a change. I would definitely will try to make this at home, thanks for sharing.
Bella says
You lost me at baked oatmeal!! omg so tasty. I eat oatmeal EVERYDAY!!!! i totally have to try this recipes.
Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli says
This apple cinnamon baked oatmeal is perfect to have in these cooler mornings! It tastes and smells like a cozy hug.
Jill Oliver says
Oh my, thisbsounds like Fall in a bowl. So yummy. I am going to make this next time I pick up some apples.
Toni Dash says
This will be a sure hit at my house!! Such an amazing day starter!
Catalina says
This baked oatmeal is so perfect for our Sunday brunch! Cinnamon flavor is my favorite!
Kita Bryant says
This is my favorite way to eat apples. I would love to eat this delicious dish again.
Stefani Tolson says
YUM! Perfect breakfast idea for sure. I love apple and cinnamon flavored oatmeal.
Heather says
I've been seeing a lot of baked oatmeal recipes lately. I can't wait to try this one out!
Lori Bosworth says
This looks so delicious! I love oatmeal porridge, but I've never had baked porridge before.
Sarah Althouse says
Yum! Ok I so want to ry this now. I love those apple desserts
Neely Moldovan says
I need to do more baked oatmeal! I love baked oatmeal and its something my kids will eat too!
Amber Myers says
This looks so amazing! I can almost bet I will love it. I tend to love all apple desserts.
Marta says
Apple Pie is my favorite and I'm sure this taste like a healthier version of it. This is perfect for busy school days.
Mimi says
This screams fall, I need to make it soon
Robin rue says
Sounds super yummy! I’m sure this would be a big hit with my fam.
Anne D says
Do you peel your apples? I can't wait to make it, looks so yummy!
Natalie says
Hi Anne, thanks for stopping by. I'm so glad you like the recipe. ;) No, I don't peel apples. I just make sure I wash them thoroughly before using - sometimes I use baking soda water. If you're concerned about pesticides, then I suggest you peel your apples. I usually buy locally grown organic.
Amanda Mason says
Oh my goodness - this looks amazing!! Perfect for breakfast or a snack or a dessert!!! Yep I agree with you...our days are shorter and the nights are getting a bit more crisp!! I can't wait for fall!! Such a perfect fall recipe! Thanks for sharing!!
Vanessa Vickery says
I definitely keen to try this breakfast with some gluten free or low gluten oats. My kids would love it too!!
Daniela says
This baked oatmeal definitely makes me think of fall. And I love the addition of the Goji berries. So creative!
prasanna hede says
Wow thats a great breakfast recipe! Will save this.Loved apple cinnamon combo!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says
This looks so tasty! Love the fresh apple chunks on top, too. Sometimes the soggier apples in baked dishes like this leave me wanting that nice crunch of fresh ones. This is the perfect solution!
Dominique | Perchance to Cook says
I need to make this! I've been looking for different ways to add oats into my life and this looks so healthy and delish! Love that you can make this dairy-free and that it's made with coconut oil and goji berries!
Kelly Anthony says
A perfect healthy breakfast for the fall! Love the idea of baked oatmeal!!!
shobee says
Love this for breakfast - perfect way to start a day. This looks so filling too.
Sherri @ Sweet Enough says
This is definitely my kind of breakfast! All those healthy ingredients coming together without any refined sugars! Love it!
ElcitraKale says
İ love anything freezer friendly recipes.. school day up coming soon and İ am sure this will be on my kid's lunch box and my quick breakfast.
swathi says
you made wholesome breakfast, apple with walnuts and oatmeal is perfect combo I need to try it kids will love it.
Tammy says
Wow! What a gorgeous shot <3 Your baked oatmeal looks superb! I'm definitely getting fall vibes from this dish and craving a slice right now!
Melissa says
Oh my goodnrss this looks incredible!! I am a lover of all things Fall so I cannot wait for apple season!! Saving this one for later.
Marisa Franca says
We love breakfast but sometimes we're in a hurry to get going and an oatmeal bake is the ideal solution. We've made lots of oatmeal/fruit bakes the the apple is one of our favorites. It's a good thing apple season is almost here so we can make some extra bakes and freeze.
Jyothi (Jo) says
I can't be excited enough for fall recipes such as this apple cinnamon oatmeal. With such hearty and full of warm Fall flavors. Saving this for later. Looks yum.
Noel Lizotte says
This is the perfect dish to serve at a fall brunch! Full of the season's best flavors - I love the apple / cinnamon combination. I'd bet this would be a hit with the kids on Saturday morning after Friday Night Football!
Veena Azmanov says
I love baked oatmeal but Unfortunately, I'm the only one in my family who likes it. I have not made some in years perhaps I should bake some again now that the kids are older. Love the sound of apple and cinnamon. Sounds so good. Going to try this soon.
Nicolas Hortense says
Omg what a brilliant way to prepare oats! Will have to try this because sometimes I spend way too much time getting breakfast ready (:
Gloria says
Apple season is just around the corner. What a great way to start the day. I will have to make some of this for my grandkids...I'm sure they would LOVE it.
Claudia Lamascolo says
Wow I never heard of this before but it sure looks yummy. My son is a huge oatmeal fan I know he will love this one!