Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Bake – Cozy, Make-Ahead Morning Comfort

Warm, spiced, and naturally sweet, this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Bake brings all the cozy fall vibes to your morning routine. It’s easy to put together, hearty enough to keep you satisfied, and friendly for meal prep. Think soft baked oats, tender apples, and just the right hint of cinnamon.

Serve it warm with yogurt or a splash of milk, and you’ve got a breakfast that feels special without any fuss.

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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Bake - Cozy, Make-Ahead Morning Comfort

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
• 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or unsweetened almond, oat, or soy)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well)
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Optional add-ins: 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• Optional topping: extra cinnamon, a drizzle of maple syrup, or Greek yogurt for serving

Instructions

• Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or similar.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
• Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted coconut oil or butter.
• Combine and fold: Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until combined. Fold in the diced apples and any optional nuts or dried fruit.
• Transfer to the dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top if you like.
• Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are golden.A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
• Rest and serve: Let it cool for 10 minutes to set. Slice and serve warm with a spoonful of yogurt or a splash of milk.

Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced texture: Rolled oats soak up milk and eggs, turning into a soft, custard-like bake with edges that gently crisp.
• Natural sweetness: Apples and a touch of maple syrup bring sweetness without going overboard.
• Warm spice flavor: Cinnamon and vanilla deliver that classic apple-pie comfort in a lighter, breakfast-ready package.
• Meal-prep friendly: Bake once, reheat all week. It keeps well and tastes just as good on day three.
• Flexible and forgiving: Swap in different apples, milks, or add-ins based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
• 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or unsweetened almond, oat, or soy)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well)
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Optional add-ins: 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• Optional topping: extra cinnamon, a drizzle of maple syrup, or Greek yogurt for serving

How to Make It

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or similar.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

   Stir to evenly distribute the spices.

3. Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted coconut oil or butter.
4. Combine and fold: Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until combined. Fold in the diced apples and any optional nuts or dried fruit.
5. Transfer to the dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top if you like.
6. Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are golden.

   A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.

7. Rest and serve: Let it cool for 10 minutes to set. Slice and serve warm with a spoonful of yogurt or a splash of milk.

Keeping It Fresh

This bake keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store slices in an airtight container once fully cooled.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes.

For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving. If the bake seems dry after reheating, add a little milk on top to bring back moisture.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Stable energy: Rolled oats offer fiber and complex carbs to keep you full and focused.
• Naturally sweetened: Apples and maple syrup provide gentle sweetness with no refined sugar required.
• Family-friendly: Mild spices and soft texture make it a hit with kids and adults.
• Flexible nutrition: Easy to adjust for dairy-free, nut-free, or higher-protein needs.
• Quick mornings: Prep once, and breakfast is ready in under a minute all week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using quick oats: Quick oats can turn mushy.

  Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the right texture.

• Skipping the rest: Cutting into it too soon can make slices crumble. Give it 10 minutes to set after baking.
• Overbaking: Dry, crumbly oatmeal bake isn’t fun. Check at 35 minutes and pull it once the center is set.
• Too many wet add-ins: Extra fruit or too much milk can make it soggy.

  If you add more fruit, reduce milk slightly.

• Not seasoning enough: Don’t skimp on salt and cinnamon. A little salt sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Recipe Variations

• Protein boost: Stir in 1/2 cup Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients and reduce milk by 1/4 cup. Or add 1–2 scoops unflavored or vanilla protein powder and add a splash more milk to keep it pourable.
• Apple pie vibes: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg and a pinch of cloves.

  A handful of chopped pecans adds crunch.

• Caramel apple twist: Swap half the maple syrup for date syrup and sprinkle with a light dusting of coconut sugar before baking.
• Berry apple blend: Fold in 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries with the apples. No need to thaw frozen berries.
• Dairy-free: Use almond, oat, or soy milk and coconut oil. The texture stays tender and rich.
• Nut-free: Skip nuts and choose seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.
• No eggs: Replace each egg with a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water, rested 5 minutes).

  Bake time may increase by a few minutes.

• Lower sugar: Cut maple syrup to 2 tablespoons and add an extra apple. Serve with unsweetened yogurt to balance.

FAQ

Can I use steel-cut oats?

Not in a 1:1 swap. Steel-cut oats need more liquid and a longer bake to soften.

If you want to try them, par-cook the oats on the stove first until slightly tender, then proceed with the recipe and extend the bake time by 10–15 minutes.

Which apples are best?

Choose firm, sweet-tart varieties that hold their shape, like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala. Granny Smith works too if you prefer a more tart flavor.

Do I have to peel the apples?

No. Peeling gives a softer texture, but leaving the peel on adds color, fiber, and a bit more bite.

Dice small if you keep the skins.

How do I prevent a soggy center?

Measure liquids accurately, use rolled oats, and avoid overloading with extra fruit. Bake until the center is set and let it rest before slicing so it firms up.

Can I make this the night before and bake in the morning?

Yes. Mix everything, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, give it a quick stir, pour into the dish, and bake. You may need 5 extra minutes if the mixture is cold.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

Honey works well. For a lower-sugar option, use a few tablespoons of mashed ripe banana and reduce the milk slightly to keep the texture balanced.

How do I serve leftovers?

Reheat a slice and top with Greek yogurt, peanut butter or almond butter, and a little cinnamon.

A splash of warm milk can bring back moisture and richness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a 9×13-inch dish and add 5–10 minutes to the bake time. Check for a set center before pulling from the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Bake is simple, comforting, and ready for your routine.

It meets you where you are—weekdays, weekends, solo breakfasts, or family brunch. Keep the base recipe as your anchor, then tweak the sweetness, spice, and add-ins to fit your taste. With a few pantry staples and fresh apples, you’ll have a warm, satisfying breakfast that makes mornings easier and a little more special.