My Cozy Apple Morning
I love a warm breakfast on a cool morning. This apple cinnamon baked oats recipe is my favorite. It makes the whole house smell like a hug. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
I first made it after apple picking. We had so many apples! This became our perfect apple picking recipe. It is a wonderful, healthy baked oats dish. I still laugh at that messy, happy kitchen day.
Why This Breakfast Matters
Starting your day right matters. This is a truly high-fiber breakfast. That fiber helps you feel full and happy. It keeps you going all morning long.
It is also a heart-healthy oatmeal. The oats and apples are so good for you. Eating well is a simple act of kindness. You are being kind to your own heart. That is a beautiful thing.
Simple, Happy Making
This baked oatmeal recipe is so easy. You just mix everything in one bowl. My grandkids can help. They love stirring in the cinnamon.
*Fun fact: Using applesauce lets us use less oil. It keeps things moist and sweet!* Then you pour it in a dish and bake. The waiting is the hardest part. What is your favorite kitchen smell?
A Breakfast You Can Trust
This dish is naturally gluten-free baked oatmeal. Just check your oat labels to be sure. It’s also a great make-ahead breakfast. Bake it on Sunday, and enjoy it all week.
For many, it can be a gentle weight loss breakfast. It is filling and not too sweet. You are less likely to snack later. That is a helpful little secret. Do you prefer sweet or savory mornings?
Your New Fall Tradition
This is my top fall breakfast idea. It feels special but is simple to make. A warm slice with a cup of tea is pure comfort. It just tastes like autumn.
I hope you try these apple cinnamon baked oats. Share your bake with someone you love. Will you make it for a cozy weekend or a busy school day? Tell me how it turns out in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Honeycrisp apples | 2 large | peeled and cored |
| Whole milk | 1½ cups | |
| Unsweetened applesauce | ½ cup | |
| Pure maple syrup | ¼ cup | |
| Old-fashioned rolled oats | 2½ cups | |
| Ground flaxseed | 2 tablespoons | |
| Neutral oil (e.g., canola or avocado) | 1 tablespoon | |
| Ground cinnamon | 1½ teaspoons | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | |
| Ground nutmeg | ⅛ teaspoon | |
| Cooking spray | as needed | for coating the baking dish |
Instructions
Step 1: First, get your oven warm and cozy at 350°F. Spray your baking dish lightly. Now, tackle those apples. Peel and core them. Chop most into little bites. Save one to slice pretty for the top. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? This is my favorite apple picking recipe to use up a bounty.
Step 2: Grab a big bowl. Whisk the milk, applesauce, and maple syrup together. It will look creamy and sweet. Now, gently fold in everything else—the oats, chopped apple, and spices. (A gentle fold keeps the oats nice and fluffy.) This simple mix makes the best gluten-free baked oatmeal.
Step 3: Pour your mixture into the dish. Artfully lay your apple slices on top. I still laugh at my first lopsided design! Bake for 40-45 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like heaven. You just made a warm, high-fiber breakfast. Can you guess what makes it so fluffy? Share below!
Creative Twists
Berry Bliss: Add a handful of frozen blueberries to the batter. They make little purple swirls.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for a tasty crunch.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter onto the batter. Use a knife to swirl it in gently. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
This healthy baked oats dish is wonderful alone. For a special treat, add a dollop of Greek yogurt. It adds a creamy, tangy bite. A little drizzle of extra maple syrup is always welcome too. This make-ahead breakfast is perfect for busy school mornings. It’s a heart-healthy oatmeal that keeps you full. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Baked Oatmeal Perfect
Let’s talk about storing your baked oatmeal. It keeps well in the fridge for five days. Just cover the dish tightly. You can also freeze it for a whole month. I slice it into portions first. Then I wrap each piece well.
Reheating is simple. Use the microwave for a quick warm-up. The oven works great for a frozen piece. It makes the top crispy again. I remember my first time freezing it. I was so pleased it tasted fresh later!
This is why batch cooking matters. It gives you a healthy breakfast fast. You save time on busy mornings. Your future self will thank you! Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
We all face little problems in the kitchen. First, the oatmeal is too dry. Just add a splash more milk next time. Second, the bottom might stick. Always spray your dish well with oil.
The third issue is bland flavor. Do not be shy with the cinnamon! I once forgot the vanilla. The whole batch tasted flat. Fixing small issues builds your cooking confidence. You learn what you like best.
Getting the flavor right matters most. It turns a simple meal into a treat. You will want to eat it all week. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How to make baked oatmeal with apples and cinnamon?
Use this easy baked oatmeal recipe. Mix oats, milk, applesauce, and maple syrup. Add chopped apples and lots of cinnamon. Bake until golden. It is a perfect healthy baked oats dish. This make-ahead breakfast fills your kitchen with a wonderful smell. It is a great apple picking recipe to use your fresh fruit.
Is baked oatmeal good for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep. This apple cinnamon baked oats keeps for days. You make it once and eat all week. It is a true make-ahead breakfast champion. Simply reheat a slice each morning. This saves so much time. It helps you stick to a healthy routine.
What are the best apples to use for baked oatmeal?
Honeycrisp apples are sweet and hold shape. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness. Any baking apple will work well. Use what you have from apple picking. This makes your fall breakfast ideas special. *Fun fact: some apples get sweeter when cooked!* Choose your favorite for this apple picking recipe.
Can you make baked oatmeal without eggs?
This recipe has no eggs already. It uses flaxseed and baking soda instead. That makes it a great gluten-free baked oatmeal option. It binds together nicely without eggs. The texture is still soft and cake-like. Everyone can enjoy this heart-healthy oatmeal.
How do you keep baked oatmeal from getting soggy?
Let it cool completely before you cover it. Store it in a container that seals tight. Reheat single slices, not the whole pan. This keeps the texture perfect. Your high-fiber breakfast will not be mushy. Enjoy it as a great weight loss breakfast that satisfies.
Can baked oatmeal be frozen and reheated?
Absolutely! Freeze slices for up to a month. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic. Reheat from frozen in the oven. It warms through in about 20 minutes. This makes your healthy baked oats always available. It is a smart heart-healthy oatmeal strategy. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this cozy recipe. It is one of my favorite fall breakfast ideas. Making it always reminds me of crisp autumn mornings. I imagine you in your kitchen trying it too.
I would love to hear about your baking adventure. Tell me how it turned out for you. Have you tried this recipe? Please share your story in the comments below. Your notes make my day.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Breakfast
Description
Warm and comforting baked oatmeal packed with fresh apples, cinnamon, and maple sweetness. Perfect for a make-ahead breakfast.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 7-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Chop peeled, cored apples into bite-size pieces to equal 2 cups. Slice the remaining apple into ¼-inch-thick half-moons.
- Whisk 1½ cups milk, ½ cup applesauce and ¼ cup maple syrup together in a large bowl until well blended. Fold in the chopped apples, 2½ cups oats, 2 tablespoons flaxseed, 1 tablespoon oil, 1½ teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon baking soda and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish; arrange the sliced apples decoratively over the top. Bake until golden on top and the apples are tender, 40 to 45 minutes.
Notes
- To make ahead: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, place on a microwaveable plate and microwave on High for 1 minute. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F until warmed through, 20 to 25 minutes.