Easy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal with Walnuts: A Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast for Fall & Winter

Welcome to your new favorite breakfast! This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal with Walnuts is the epitome of comfort food, making it the most delicious and warming Fall and Winter breakfast, perfectly suited for festive Holiday mornings. Designed for ease and health, it’s super quick to prepare, requires no eggs, and uses no refined sugar. This wholesome apple baked oatmeal is not only incredibly tasty but also wonderfully versatile; you can whip up a batch in advance and keep it fresh in your fridge for days, simplifying your busy mornings!

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Why You’ll Love This Healthy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Imagine a breakfast dish that checks all the boxes: incredibly quick and easy to prepare, can be made days in advance for ultimate convenience, packed with healthy goodness, and tastes absolutely divine. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal delivers on all fronts! It’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings warmth and flavor to your table, especially during the colder months.

This delightful Apple and Oatmeal Bake is absolutely perfect for the Holidays, Christmas morning, or any cozy Fall or Winter gathering. Its appeal goes beyond just taste; it’s thoughtfully crafted to be inclusive. Made without eggs, free from processed sugar, and easily adaptable to be dairy-free/vegan friendly and gluten-free friendly, ensuring that everyone in the family can indulge without worry. It’s a wholesome start to any day, providing sustained energy and comforting flavors.

The timeless combination of Apple and Cinnamon is a winning flavor pairing that evokes nostalgic feelings of autumn and winter. These two star ingredients are incredibly versatile and can be used in a myriad of ways, from these moist Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins to elegant Puff Pastry Apple Tartlets, a festive Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread, or a simple yet satisfying Spiced Apple Loaf Cake. This baked oatmeal embraces these classic flavors, enhancing them with the nutty crunch of walnuts for an irresistible texture and depth.

Beyond the core ingredients, this baked apple cinnamon oatmeal is incredibly customizable. Whether you prefer it ‘plain’ to let the apple and cinnamon shine, or you wish to add your favorite fillings and toppings like extra chopped nuts, various seeds, shredded coconut, or a medley of dried fruits, this recipe is a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. It’s truly a breakfast that can be tailored to individual preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Crafting the perfect Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal starts with a selection of fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential for that perfect blend of flavor and texture:

• Milk: We recommend using Full Cream Milk for a richer, creamier texture that truly elevates the baked oatmeal. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to use any type of milk you prefer. For those seeking dairy-free options, check out our substitutions below.
• Oats: Rolled Oats are our go-to for their satisfying chewiness and ability to hold their shape during baking. They provide a heartier texture compared to quick oats. While quick oats can be used, note that the final texture will be softer. Avoid instant oats as they tend to become mushy.
• Apples: The star of the show! Depending on the size of your apples and your desired apple-to-oatmeal ratio, you’ll need 1 or 2 medium apples. We used 1 ½ apples for a good balance. For the best apple variety, offering a perfect blend of sweetness and tartness that bakes beautifully, refer to our FAQ section below.
• Applesauce: This ingredient is key for moisture and natural sweetness without adding refined sugar. A homemade applesauce is always preferred for its fresh taste and control over sugar content. If using store-bought, opt for a low-sugar or sugar-free variety to keep this baked oatmeal healthy and delicious.
• Baking Powder: Just a touch of baking powder is added to give the baked oatmeal a slight lift, preventing it from becoming too dense. It contributes to a lighter, more pleasant texture.
• Cinnamon: The quintessential spice to pair with apples! Cinnamon infuses the oatmeal with a warm, aromatic flavor that defines this dish. Feel free to experiment with other warm spices like ground Ginger, Allspice, or Nutmeg for an extra layer of complexity.
• Butter: Unsalted and melted butter adds richness and helps bind the ingredients. For those looking for plant-based or dairy-free alternatives, we’ve got you covered in the substitution section below.
• Honey: A wonderful natural sweetener that contributes a subtle sweetness to the dish without relying on refined sugars. Its distinct flavor complements the apple and cinnamon beautifully. For vegan alternatives, see our suggestions.
• Vanilla Extract & Walnuts (optional): A hint of Vanilla Extract boosts the overall flavor profile, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness. Chopped Walnuts introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the texture contrast. Feel free to use any nuts you enjoy, or omit them entirely if nuts aren’t your preference.

Making It Dietary-Friendly: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan Options

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is designed to be easily adapted to various dietary needs without compromising on flavor or texture. Here’s how you can customize it:

• Gluten-Free: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can sometimes be cross-contaminated during processing. To ensure your baked oatmeal is truly gluten-free, simply use certified Gluten-Free Rolled Oats.
• Dairy-Free: For a delicious dairy-free version, replace the traditional butter with a plant-based substitute such as vegan margarine or coconut oil. When it comes to milk, the options are plentiful: Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, Soy Milk, or Oat Milk will all work beautifully. Keep in mind that a strongly flavored milk, like coconut milk, might subtly alter the overall taste of your baked oatmeal. Choose a neutral-flavored plant milk if you want the apple and cinnamon to be the dominant flavors.
• Vegan: To make this recipe completely vegan, combine the dairy-free substitutions mentioned above with a suitable honey alternative. Maple Syrup is an excellent choice, offering a rich sweetness that pairs wonderfully with apples and cinnamon. Other liquid sweeteners like Agave Syrup or Rice Malt Syrup can also be used, depending on your preference.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Preparing this comforting Spiced Baked Oatmeal with Apples is remarkably straightforward and requires minimal effort. The most ‘challenging’ part might just be dicing the apples! The entire process is efficiently broken down into three simple stages: preparing your apples and any optional nuts, combining all the dry ingredients, and finally, mixing in the wet components. Let’s get baking!

Follow these steps to create your perfect Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal:

• Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C/350°F. While the oven warms up, lightly grease your chosen baking dish. We recommend an 8×25 cm / 3×10 inch ceramic baking dish, which is ideal for achieving a good thickness and even baking.
• Photo 1 (Prepping Your Produce): Wash your apples thoroughly, then core them. Decide whether you want to leave the skin on for extra fiber and rustic charm, or peel them for a smoother texture – both are delicious! Dice the apples into small, uniform cubes. If you’re adding walnuts or other nuts, finely chop them to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the oatmeal. Set these prepared ingredients aside.
• Photo 2 & 3 (Mixing Dry Ingredients): In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your diced apple cubes, chopped walnuts (if using), rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and baking powder. Give everything a good stir to ensure the dry ingredients are well mixed and the apples and walnuts are coated. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
• Photo 4 (Combining Wet Ingredients): In a separate bowl, whisk together all the liquid ingredients. It’s crucial for these to be at room temperature to prevent any lumps – refer to our tips section below for more details. Add the milk, melted butter, applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract. If your honey is too thick, a quick zap in the microwave for a few seconds will make it fluid and easy to incorporate. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

• Photo 5 & 6 (Combining Wet and Dry): Carefully pour the whisked liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. This is where the magic starts to happen!
• Photo 7 (Mixing Thoroughly): Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix everything together thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are completely moistened and well combined with the wet mixture. Ensure there are no pockets of dry oats remaining. The mixture should be thick but pourable.
• Photo 8 (Into the Baking Dish): Transfer the oatmeal mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out gently to form an even layer.
• Optional Toppings: For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, you can sprinkle a few more apple cubes, extra chopped walnuts, dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries), or shredded coconut on top before baking.
• Finally, bake your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden brown and set in the center. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven and the size of your dish. Allow it to cool slightly before serving, or cover and refrigerate for later enjoyment.

As with any baking recipe, oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your baked oatmeal. The thickness of your oatmeal layer, influenced by the size of your baking dish, will also affect the baking time. There’s no single ‘right’ answer for doneness; it ultimately depends on your preferred texture. If you love a softer, moister oatmeal, 35-40 minutes should be perfect. For a crispier, more golden finish on top, simply extend the baking time by a few more minutes, checking frequently to avoid over-baking. Enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!

Expert Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Achieving the perfect Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is simple with a few helpful tips. These insights will ensure your oatmeal bake is consistently delicious, moist, and flavorful every time:

• Temperature Matters for Wet Ingredients: One crucial tip for a smooth batter is to ensure all your wet ingredients are roughly the same temperature before mixing. If you combine warm melted butter with very cold milk, the butter will rapidly solidify and create small lumps, making your batter uneven. If this happens, don’t worry! Simply place the wet mixture in the microwave for a few seconds to gently re-melt the butter, then whisk everything vigorously until smooth again. This ensures a uniform consistency in your baked oatmeal.
• Customize Sweetness to Your Liking: The amount of honey (or your chosen liquid sweetener) can be adjusted to perfectly match your taste preferences. We’ve even prepared this recipe without any added honey, and it still tastes fantastic, relying on the natural sweetness of applesauce and apples. If you have a sweeter tooth, feel free to increase the quantity of honey slightly. Remember, the goal is balance, so taste as you go!
• Elevate with Toppings and Mix-Ins: Before baking, transform your apple baked oatmeal with an array of delicious mix-ins and toppings. Consider dried fruits such as plump Raisins, nutrient-rich Goji Berries, or tangy Dried Cranberries. Add more chopped nuts for extra crunch, or introduce new textures with shredded coconut or various seeds like chia or flax seeds. These additions not only enhance flavor and texture but also boost nutritional value.
• Achieving Your Preferred Texture: The exact baking time is flexible and depends significantly on your oven’s calibration, the size of your baking dish (which impacts the thickness of the oatmeal layer), and your personal preference for texture. In our tests, 35 minutes resulted in a beautifully set, moist, and tender baked oatmeal – just how we like it! If you prefer a crispier top and edges, simply continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent over-browning. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean when it’s done.

Creative Serving Suggestions for Your Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

While a simple Honey Drizzle (easily swapped for Maple Syrup) is a perfect companion for this Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, there are countless ways to elevate and customize this delightful breakfast. The presentation and additional toppings can turn a simple dish into a gourmet experience, all depending on your personal preferences and how elaborate you wish to be!

Here are a few inspiring ideas to serve your baked oatmeal:

• Fresh Fruits: Brighten up your plate with a scattering of fresh berries (like blueberries or raspberries), extra slices of crunchy apples, or even juicy pears. The freshness provides a lovely contrast to the warm oatmeal.
• Embrace the Apple Theme: Double down on the apple goodness! Top your oatmeal with sweet caramelized apples, tender Stewed Apples, a dollop of tangy Apple Curd, or a spoonful of light and airy homemade Applesauce.
• Fruity Sauces & Compotes: Drizzle a vibrant fruit sauce or compote over your baked oatmeal. Options include a refreshing Strawberry Coulis, a rich Mixed Berry Compote, a bright Raspberry Coulis, or even comforting Stewed Rhubarb for a touch of tartness.

For even more inspiration, explore a wealth of options amongst these 30 delicious Sweet Toppings Recipes! Whether you prefer something creamy, crunchy, or fruity, there’s a topping to perfectly complement your baked apple cinnamon oatmeal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Storage & Freezing Tips for Your Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal for days. If you’re not planning to serve it immediately after baking, it’s essential to store it correctly to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Once the baked oatmeal has completely cooled to room temperature, you can store it in its original baking dish. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, for easier portioning and space-saving, you can transfer individual slices or the entire cooled oatmeal into an airtight container. Stored this way, it will remain fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, making it an ideal make-ahead breakfast for the week!

While some baked goods freeze well, we generally **do not recommend freezing this particular baked oatmeal**. Freezing can alter the texture of the oats and apples, often resulting in a mushier consistency upon thawing and reheating, which doesn’t do justice to its delightful original texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge within a few days of baking.

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Recipe Card: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

4.69 from 16 votes

This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal with Walnuts makes the most delicious Fall and Winter Breakfast, perfect for the Holidays. Super easy to prepare with no eggs and no refined sugar, this healthy apple baked oatmeal can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for days!

Servings:
6

Author:
Sylvie

Prep Time
15 minutes mins

Cook Time
25 minutes mins

Total Time
40 minutes mins

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Ingredients

• 2 Apples , (* see note below)
• 50 gr (1/2 cup) Walnuts, optional, chopped
• 150 gr (1 1/2 cup) Rolled Oats
• 1 1/2 teasp. Ground Cinnamon
• 1 teasp. Baking Powder
• 360 ml (1 1/2 cup) Full Cream Milk, or your preferred Dairy-Free/Plant-Based Milk.
• 120 gr (1/2 cup) Applesauce, Preferably unsweetened
• 1 1/2 teasp. Vanilla Extract, optional
• 60 gr (1/4 cup) Unsalted Butter, melted, or your preferred Dairy-Free/Plant-Based alternative.
• 90 gr (1/3 cup) Honey, or Maple Syrup for vegan option

Instructions

• Preheat your oven on 180°C/350°F and lightly grease a Baking Dish with Oil or Butter.
• Wash and Core the Apples and cut them into small cubes (with or without the skin). Finely chop the Walnuts (or your choice of nuts). Set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the Apple Cubes, Chopped Walnuts, Rolled Oats, Ground Cinnamon and Baking Powder. Stir well to combine all dry ingredients.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients (all at room temperature, see note 1): Milk, Applesauce, Vanilla, Melted Butter and Honey.
• Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients in the first bowl and stir to combine thoroughly with a spatula or spoon.
• Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish and optionally top with your choice of dried fruits, chopped nuts, seeds, coconut,…
• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes (see note 2), or until golden and set. Leave to cool down for about 15 minutes before serving.

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Notes

I used a 8×25 cm / 3×10 inch Ceramic Baking Dish for this recipe.

Ingredient Notes:

(*) You will need 2 small Apples or 1 large Apple, depending on their size and how much apple chunks you want inside the dish. I ended up using about 1 1/2 small Pink Lady Apples.

All the wet ingredients should be at about room temperature when mixed together so they combine easily.

Instruction Notes:

1. To smoothly combine all the wet ingredients, they all need to be at approximately the same temperature. If you mix warm melted butter and cold milk, the butter will start to harden straight away and you will see small lumps appear in the batter. If that happens, simply place the bowl in the microwave for a few seconds to help melt the butter again. If using a Honey that is a bit hard, also melt it for a few seconds in the microwave so that it becomes fluid again.
2. The exact baking time will depend on your oven, your preferred baked oatmeal texture and the thickness of the oatmeal layer. In my baking dish after a 35 minutes bake, the oatmeal was set but still moist. For a crunchier texture, bake for a few more minutes.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 345kcal |
Carbohydrates: 44g |
Protein: 7g |
Fat: 17g |
Saturated Fat: 7g |
Cholesterol: 28mg |
Sodium: 48mg |
Potassium: 294mg |
Fiber: 5g |
Sugar: 24g |
Vitamin A: 380IU |
Vitamin C: 3mg |
Calcium: 107mg |
Iron: 1mg