If you’ve ever craved a warm, hearty breakfast that feels like a cozy hug, then this Baked Apple Oatmeal with Cinnamon Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining tender apples with the comforting aroma of cinnamon, and the wholesome goodness of steel cut oats, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with nostalgia while offering a nutritious start to your day. Plus, the baked texture makes it wonderfully satisfying, far from the usual oatmeal routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to creating the magic in this Baked Apple Oatmeal with Cinnamon Recipe. Each one plays a vital role, from adding creaminess and natural sweetness to offering that irresistible golden color and cozy aroma.
- Butter: Adds a subtle richness and helps toast the oats for deeper flavor.
- Steel Cut Oats: Provide a chewy texture and nutty taste that stands up well to baking.
- Boiling Water: Softens the oats and jump-starts the cooking process.
- Cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice, perfectly complementing the apples.
- Apples (peeled and diced): Offer juicy sweetness and a tender bite throughout the dish.
- Brown Sugar: Balances tartness with a rich molasses note.
- Salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and helps bind everything together.
- Optional Toppings (brown sugar, maple syrup, fruit, nuts): Give you endless ways to customize and add crunch or extra sweetness.
How to Make Baked Apple Oatmeal with Cinnamon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9 x 13-inch pan. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure your baked oatmeal comes out cleanly and beautifully browned. It sets the foundation for a smooth baking experience.
Step 2: Toast the Oats in Butter
Melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet and add the steel cut oats. Stir them gently until they become lightly toasted and fragrant. This simple step deepens the flavors, giving your oatmeal a warm, nutty undertone that really elevates the entire dish.
Step 3: Soak Oats in Boiling Water
Transfer the toasted oats into a large mixing bowl and pour four cups of boiling water over them. This not only softens the oats but jumpstarts their cooking, so the texture ends up creamy but still pleasantly chewy after baking.
Step 4: Add Apples, Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, and Salt
Next, toss in the peeled and diced apples along with two teaspoons of cinnamon, a quarter cup of brown sugar, and a teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is perfectly combined. This step builds the flavor layers that make this Baked Apple Oatmeal with Cinnamon Recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Stir in the Milk
Pour in two and a half cups of milk and stir the whole mixture again. The milk adds creaminess that helps bind the oats and apples as they bake, creating a tender, custard-like texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set
Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is beautifully browned and the oatmeal is set. You’ll know it’s done when it looks firm to the touch and smells amazing – that cinnamon-scented warmth filling your kitchen.
Step 7: Stir and Serve with Your Favorite Toppings
Once baked, give the oatmeal a good stir to break up the top layer, then add your favorite toppings. Brown sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or crunchy nuts all work beautifully here. This final flourish lets you customize each serving, making the experience even more delightful.
How to Serve Baked Apple Oatmeal with Cinnamon Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about this Baked Apple Oatmeal with Cinnamon Recipe is how easy it is to dress up. Sprinkle a little extra brown sugar or cinnamon on top for added sweetness and aroma. Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or spoon over fresh berries for a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This oatmeal pairs perfectly with a side of creamy Greek yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to indulge. For a savory twist, a light serving of bacon or sausage provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet, spiced apples.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or just want to jazz up your breakfast routine, try scooping the oatmeal into individual ramekins and baking them as mini portions. Top each with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of toasted seeds for rustic charm. Alternatively, serve with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a splash of cold milk to make it feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked apple oatmeal stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for breakfast prep. Just give it a good stir before reheating to restore that creamy texture and delicious warmth.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep this Baked Apple Oatmeal with Cinnamon Recipe on hand for longer, freezing is a great option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It freezes well for up to three months and is a lifesaver on busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the microwave or oven until steaming hot. Add a splash of milk or a pat of butter when reheating to revive that fresh-baked creaminess and keep it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use rolled oats instead of steel cut oats?
While rolled oats can be used in a pinch, steel cut oats give this recipe its signature chewy texture and heartier bite. Rolled oats will make the dish softer and cook a bit faster, so adjust baking time accordingly if you substitute.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness perfectly. Softer apples can turn mushy but are still delicious if you prefer a smoother texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with any plant-based alternative such as almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use a dairy-free butter or oil to toast the oats, and your baked oatmeal will still be rich and flavorful.
How do I know when the baked oatmeal is done?
The baked oatmeal is ready when it’s golden brown on top and set in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The texture should be firm but still tender.
Can this recipe be made ahead for busy mornings?
Definitely! This Baked Apple Oatmeal with Cinnamon Recipe is perfect for making ahead. Bake it the night before, then reheat in the morning for a quick, nutritious start. It’s great for meal prep and saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a breakfast that warms you from the inside out and satisfies in the best way possible, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Baked Apple Oatmeal with Cinnamon Recipe. It’s simple to prepare, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable to your personal taste. Every bite is a celebration of cozy flavors and wholesome ingredients — what’s not to love?
Print
Baked Apple Oatmeal with Cinnamon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious and wholesome Baked Apple Oatmeal with Cinnamon is a comforting breakfast dish that combines steel cut oats, tender diced apples, warm cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar for natural sweetness. It’s baked to perfection, creating a golden, set oatmeal that’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy morning or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups steel cut oats
- 4 cups boiling water
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 apples, peeled and diced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups milk
Optional Toppings
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh fruit
- Nuts
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Toast the oats: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the steel cut oats and stir continuously until they are lightly toasted, which helps enhance their flavor and aroma.
- Combine oats and boiling water: Transfer the toasted oats to a large mixing bowl, then carefully pour the boiling water over them. This helps begin the cooking process and softens the oats.
- Add apples and seasonings: Stir in the peeled and diced apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt until all ingredients are well incorporated. The apples add sweetness and texture, while the cinnamon warms the flavor.
- Mix in the milk: Pour in the milk and stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all elements evenly throughout the oatmeal.
- Bake the oatmeal: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the oatmeal is browned on top and fully set in the center.
- Serve and add toppings: After baking, stir the oatmeal slightly before serving to break up the crust if desired. Top with optional brown sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or nuts according to your preference for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Steel cut oats provide a chewy texture and nutty flavor but require soaking or longer cooking time.
- For a vegan option, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar or use maple syrup for a natural sweetener alternative.
- Adding nuts or dried fruits as toppings adds a nice crunch and nutritional boost.
- The oatmeal can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated gently before serving.
