Name: Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: nonstick cooking spray; 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups milk; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 apples, diced (about 2 cups); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

There’s something so comforting about waking up to warm, cozy oats fresh from the oven, especially when scattered with sweet apples and crunchy walnuts. This Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe is my go-to for a hearty breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl.

The dish shows a single square piece of apple oatmeal bake on a white square plate. The base layer is a chunky mix of cooked oats, chunks of red-skinned apple, and walnuts with a slightly golden brown color and a soft texture. On top, there is a thick dollop of white whipped cream sprinkled lightly with cinnamon powder, and three thin slices of red apple fanned neatly on one side of the cream. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a silver fork and folded blue and purple napkins in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe isn’t just your average morning meal; it’s a delicious, effortless dish that fills your kitchen with the smell of cinnamon and baked apples. I love how easy it is to whip up, yet it feels special enough to impress family or guests.

Simple Prep: You throw everything into one bowl and bake — minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
Wholesome Ingredients: Uses real food staples like oats, apples, and walnuts that nourish and satisfy.
Comforting Flavors: The classic combo of apples and cinnamon makes for a cozy and familiar taste everyone loves.
Versatile: Perfect as a quick breakfast, snack, or even dessert — you can customize it your way!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role — from texture to flavor and nutrition. With a handful of pantry basics and fresh apples, you get a dish that’s hearty but not heavy, sweet but balanced, and crowd-pleasing with every bite.

Flat lay of a small mound of old fashioned rolled oats, a teaspoon of baking powder in a small white bowl, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small white bowl, a half teaspoon of kosher salt in a small white bowl, two cups of milk in a small white bowl, two whole uncracked light brown eggs, a quarter cup of amber maple syrup in a small white bowl, a teaspoon of clear vanilla extract in a small white bowl, two fresh diced red and green apples heaped on the side, half a cup of chopped walnuts scattered naturally, all arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Old fashioned rolled oats: These give the perfect chewy texture and soak up the liquids beautifully, helping the oatmeal set like a soft cake.
Baking powder: Just a touch to help the oats rise slightly, making the texture nice and light, not dense.
Ground cinnamon: The warm spice that pairs perfectly with apple’s natural sweetness — don’t skimp on it!
Kosher salt: A small pinch elevates all the flavors, preventing the oats from tasting flat.
Milk: Provides moisture and creaminess; you can use dairy or your favorite plant-based milk.
Eggs: Bind everything together, ensuring your baked oatmeal slices nicely without crumbling.
Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness with a subtle caramel note; it’s my preferred sweetener here.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash really boosts the overall flavor and aroma.
Apples: Fresh, diced apples bring juiciness and a hint of tartness that contrasts so well with the warm spices.
Chopped walnuts: A crunchy counterpoint that adds texture and a nutty flavor boost.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I adore about this Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe is how forgiving and adaptable it is. I’ve played around with it a lot, swapping ingredients and tweaking flavors depending on what’s on hand or what mood I’m in — and every version has been a hit.

Add raisins or dried cranberries: I sometimes toss in these goodies for an extra chewy bite and a little natural sweetness kick.
Go nut-free: Swap walnuts for pumpkin seeds or leave nuts out entirely if you need to avoid allergens.
Change your fruit: Pears or berries work wonders if apples aren’t in season or you want a fresh twist.
Use plant milk: I often make it dairy-free using almond or oat milk, and it’s just as delicious.
Extra spice: When fall rolls in, I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for more warm spice depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe

A square piece of baked oatmeal with visible chunks of red and yellow apples and oats, topped with a thick white cream dollop sprinkled with cinnamon, and three thin apple slices placed on top of the cream. The oatmeal has a crumbly texture with some brown cinnamon dust and pieces of walnuts mixed inside. It is served on a small white square plate with a metal fork and a blue cloth napkin on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, a white baking dish with more oatmeal sits on a folded dark blue patterned cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get your oven ready and prep your baking dish

I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, I spray an 8 x 8-inch baking dish generously with nonstick spray — this little step helps your baked oatmeal come out clean without sticking, making serving a breeze.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, I combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stirring them together first ensures every spoonful will be flavored just right — plus it keeps the baking powder evenly distributed so the texture comes out perfect.

Step 3: Combine wet ingredients and apples

Next, I add the milk, beaten eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the oats mixture. Then the star of the show — diced apples — and walnuts go in too. I give everything a good stir until all the oats are soaked and the apples are evenly distributed. The batter will be a little loose — that’s just right.

Step 4: Bake to golden perfection

Pour the oat mixture into your prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven for about 40 to 45 minutes until the top is lightly browned and the oatmeal is set. You’ll know it’s done when it looks firm in the center — a toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Serve warm and enjoy

I like to serve mine warm right out of the oven. It pairs beautifully with a splash of milk or a dollop of creamy yogurt. Trust me, those cozy cinnamon aromas alone are worth the wait!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that help this baked oatmeal come out beautifully every single time — no soggy or too-dry surprises here!

Don’t skip the baking powder: It might seem small, but it really lifts the oats, preventing heaviness.
Use firm apples: I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their texture well through baking, adding a nice contrast.
Even chopping: When dicing your apples, aim for uniform pieces so everything bakes evenly and looks appealing.
Let it cool a bit: If you can, let the baked oatmeal rest for 5–10 minutes after baking — it firms up nicely and’s easier to slice.

How to Serve Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe

apple baked oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My favorite finishing touch is a little extra chopped walnut or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Sometimes I add a dollop of Greek yogurt or drizzle a bit of extra maple syrup for that perfect balance of creamy and sweet — it always nails the cozy vibe I’m going for.

Side Dishes

This Apple Baked Oatmeal pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries. For an extra boost, a side of crispy bacon or a boiled egg brings protein to the table, making the meal super satisfying and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to bake this recipe in individual ramekins. It makes each serving feel special, and guests love the personal touch. You could also top each portion with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist that’s unexpectedly delightful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked oatmeal keeps well covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. I store mine in an airtight container and find that the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just reheat a slice in the microwave or oven, and you’re good to go!

Freezing

Freezing is a life-saver here. I cut the baked oatmeal into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and pop them in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When I want a quick breakfast, I just thaw a piece overnight or reheat straight from frozen.

Reheating

I prefer reheating in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes to get that nice warm texture without drying it out. But if you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine — just cover the oatmeal to keep moisture locked in.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the rolled oats for certified gluten-free oats, and make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well. It’s an easy switch and the recipe still turns out great.

What type of apples work best in this recipe?

I suggest using firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance of tart and sweet flavors.

Can I prepare this recipe the night before?

Yes! You can mix everything, cover the dish, and refrigerate overnight. Then bake it fresh in the morning, adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled ingredients.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Maple syrup is already vegan, so you’re good there!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation — it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm blanket on a chilly morning and tastes like homemade kindness. I hope you find it as comforting and easy as I do, and that it becomes your go-to for cozy breakfasts too.