September 15, 2026 · News

Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal

This cinnamon-scented baked oatmeal combines rolled oats and diced apple in a sliceable breakfast bake. It is gently sweetened with maple syrup and makes a useful breakfast to portion ahead. Serve warm with milk or yogurt; the texture is soft and hearty rather than cake-like.

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15 minutes prep · 35–45 minutes baking · Serves 6

Ingredients

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter, cooled slightly, plus extra for the dish
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 medium apples, cored and diced small (about 2 cups)

How to make it

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

  2. Stir together oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

  3. In a second bowl whisk milk, eggs, maple syrup, cooled melted butter, and vanilla. Pour into the oats and stir in the diced apples.

  4. Transfer to the baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the center is set, the edges are golden, and the center reaches 160°F on a food thermometer. If the top browns too soon, cover loosely with foil.

  5. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into six portions. Serve warm with milk or yogurt if desired.

Tips for a better result

Use rolled oats, not steel-cut oats, for this liquid ratio. Dice the apples small so they soften during baking. The oatmeal sets further as it rests, so wait before slicing.

Substitutions and serving ideas

Use unsweetened plant milk and neutral oil instead of dairy milk and butter if preferred; the recipe still contains eggs. Add a small pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon. Choose certified gluten-free oats if required.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in shallow, covered containers within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F). Keep at 40°F or below and use within 3–4 days. Reheat leftovers to 165°F. Add a splash of water to saucy dishes if needed. See USDA leftover guidance.

A useful question

Can I reduce the sweetness? Yes. Use 2 tablespoons maple syrup instead of 1/4 cup. The apples will still provide sweetness, and you can add syrup to individual portions.

Keep your seasonings easy to find

Keep spice jars labeled and away from heat, light, and moisture. If you are organizing a cooking space, our Spiceo four-piece wall-mounted spice rack set includes four racks and mounting hardware. Jars and spices are not included. Choose a suitable mounting location away from the stove's heat and steam.

What to cook next

Cooking times are estimates; use the doneness checks in the instructions. Recipe image is AI-generated for illustration.