Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Note: This post first appeared on December 11, 2012. It has been updated with bright new photos, but it’s still the same delicious recipe you all love!

Trust me when I say this is EVERYTHING you want for breakfast. Wholesome oats, chunks of delicious apples, warm spices, naturally sweetened with maple syrup and plump raisins all drizzled with a maple cream cheese glaze! Such a cozy breakfast (or dessert) with a boost of fiber and protein that can easily be thrown together in just 10 minutes and baked in the oven for the perfect way to start any morning!

This apple cinnamon baked oatmeal recipe has the consistency similar to bread pudding and the warm flavors really make this dish truly comforting. You can also feel good about sharing this with your whole family because this baked apple oatmeal is made with real, wholesome ingredients without using any butter or oil. My daughter had so much fun helping me make this and gobbled it right up!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rolled oats – I used whole-grain old fashioned rolled oats for this recipe, just make sure they’re certified gluten-free if making GF baked oatmeal. I don’t recommend using quick oats in this recipe as you would need slightly less since they’re packed more tightly when measured out, however they will work if that’s all you have on hand
Shredded apple – the star of of this whole recipe! I used Honeycrisp apples because of that wonderful tart/sweet taste, but any type of apples will work
Baking powder – acts as a leavening agent to help this baked oatmeal rise
Almond milk – I used unsweetened almond milk, but any type of milk will work in this recipe to soak the oats
Eggs – adds protein and helps hold the baked oatmeal together. If vegan, feel free to use 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flax + 6 tablespoons warm water)
Applesauce – I used unsweetened applesauce which takes the place of oil in this recipe and adds even more apple flavor, but you could use melted coconut oil or even unsalted butter if you don’t have any unsweetened applesauce on hand
Maple syrup – naturally sweetens this baked oatmeal and tastes incredible with all the warm fall spices! You could also use honey, regular sugar or brown sugar if you prefer
Vanilla extract – the perfect flavor boost!
Spices – a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and salt (apple pie spice would taste amazing too!)
Mix-ins – I added in some chopped pecans and raisins for some added crunch and sweetness, but feel free to use any type of nuts you prefer (walnuts taste delicious in this!) or you could even throw in some chocolate chips
Maple cream cheese glaze – a delicious combination of cream cheese, maple syrup, cinnamon and a little almond milk. Completely optional, but SO good!

What Apples Should I Use to Bake With?

I personally prefer Honeycrisp apples when baking because of their sweet/tart combo (I also always happen to have them in our fridge!) and they hold up really well too without getting mushy. Feel free to use whichever variety you like best though as there are many apples that are great for baking! Braeburn, Granny Smith, Cortland, Pink Lady and Golden Delicious all make great options.

Try to avoid using McIntosh, Gala, Fuji or Red Delicious apples as they can get mushy when baked, but save those for when you want to make applesauce or cider!

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Mix ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt, then set aside. In a medium bowl, stir together the eggs, milk, applesauce, maple syrup, shredded apple and vanilla extract until all combined.
Make the batter. Pour the wet ingredients in with the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in the raisins and then transfer the oat mixture to an 8×8 or 9×9-inch prepared baking dish coated with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle the top with chopped pecans (or other chopped nuts such as walnuts), desired.
BAKE! Bake the oatmeal at 350 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes until the center has set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the oatmeal sit for 5 minutes to cool before serving.
Maple Cream Cheese Glaze. While the oatmeal is baking, place the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 15 to 30 seconds, until softened. Whisk in the maple syrup, milk and cinnamon, mixing vigorously until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over each portion, serve and enjoy!

Prepping and Storage

To Store: You can store this baked oatmeal in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When ready to re-heat, either cover the entire baked oatmeal with foil and heat in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes or re-heat individual portions in the microwave or toaster oven. Perfect for your weekly meal prep!

To Freeze: This baked oatmeal can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months in a sealed, airtight container. Alternatively, you can also slice the oatmeal into individual portions, wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in sealed freezer bags.