Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a cozy, nourishing breakfast that is moist, lightly spiced, and easy to make. Creamy oats meet grated apples and warm cinnamon for an inviting texture that reheats beautifully, perfect for an easy weeknight prep or a relaxed weekend brunch. Make it for meal prep because it stores well and provides comforting breakfasts all week.
Equipment
- Oven
- 8 x 8 inch oven safe dish
- Large Bowl
- Whisk
- Box grater
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs Whisk together to provide structure and help bind the oatmeal while contributing richness and moisture for a tender baked texture.
- 1 cup almond milk Pour in to add creaminess and thin the batter slightly, creating a softer finished crumb and contributing subtle nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup apple sauce Fold in as a natural sweetener and moisture booster that helps keep the baked oatmeal soft and adds mild apple flavor.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup Drizzle for sweetness and depth, offering natural caramel-like notes that enhance the overall flavor profile without refined sugar.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or coconut oil melted Stir in as a source of healthy fats that help keep the mixture moist, add tenderness, and contribute a light, pleasant mouthfeel.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Add for aromatic sweetness and to enhance other flavors, contributing a warm, familiar fragrance that rounds out the batter.
- 3 cups gluten-free rolled oats Combine as the hearty base, supplying whole-grain texture, chewiness, and fiber that form the bulk of the baked oatmeal.
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds Sprinkle to provide a nutritional boost with omega-3s and soluble fiber, helping to thicken the mixture and improve satiety.
- 1 -1/2 teaspoons cinnamon Dust in as the primary warm spice, imparting cozy flavor and aromatic depth that complements the apples and sweeteners.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Sift through to give lift and a lighter texture, helping the baked oatmeal rise slightly and preventing a dense result.
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt Season lightly to balance sweetness and enhance overall flavor, ensuring the different components taste vibrant and well-rounded.
- 2 medium apples peeled and grated (see note) Grate in to contribute fresh apple flavor, natural moisture, and small bursts of fruit in each bite while adding texture contrast.
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8" x 8" oven-safe dish. If desired, prepare a parchment sling by cutting out a piece of parchment paper slightly larger than the pan and placing it inside.: From the moment you set the oven to 350 degrees , notice the anticipation as warmth builds and the air begins to carry the scent of baked goods. Greasing the dish ensures the edges release cleanly, and if you line with a parchment sling you will lift the bake out easily after cooling. A common error is skipping the grease or parchment, which can lead to the edges sticking and tearing when you try to slice.
- In a large bowl add eggs and whisk to combine. Then almond milk, maple syrup, apple sauce, oil, and vanilla and whisk to fully combine.: As you whisk the eggs , watch the texture change from glossy to slightly frothy, this aeration helps create a light bind. Whisking fully helps distribute yolk and white evenly so the custard sets uniformly. Underwhisked eggs may cause pockets of uneven texture in the finished bake.
- To the wet ingredients add oats, baking powder, chia, cinnamon, salt and grated apples and mix until fully combined.: When you add the almond milk , maple syrup , apple sauce , melted oil , and vanilla , whisk until the mixture appears homogenous, with a slightly glossy sheen. The mixture should smell faintly of maple and vanilla, indicating even distribution. If the wet mix looks separated, continue whisking, because uneven mixing can result in inconsistent sweetness and texture.
- Pour into prepared 8" x 8" dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center is just barely firm.: As you stir in the oats and dry ingredients, the batter will thicken and take on a speckled look from the cinnamon and chia . The grated apples will distribute and soften the batter visually, leaving little ribbons of fruit. Mix until there are no large pockets of dry oats; under mixing risks dry pockets, while overmixing can make the texture too paste like.
- Scoop and serve warm as is or with almond milk, or cool and slice into 9 square portions.: When you pour the batter into the pan, spread it evenly so the top bakes uniformly and the edges crisp slightly. As it bakes the top will develop a light golden tone and the aroma of cinnamon and apple will fill the kitchen. Test the center by lightly pressing; it should be just set with a slight spring. Baking too long will dry the interior, and underbaking will leave it too gooey to slice neatly.
- Scoop and serve warm as is or with almond milk, or cool and slice into 9 square portions: When the bake comes out of the oven, listen for the faint sigh as it cools, and allow it to rest so the center finishes setting. Serving warm emphasizes the tender texture and fragrant notes, while cooling allows cleaner slices into the stated 9 squares. A common misstep is slicing too soon, which can cause crumbling, so give it time to settle for the best results.
Notes
- Reserve diced apple for topping: Hold back a small piece of the apple before grating and scatter it on top prior to baking for texture contrast and a pretty finish that sings of freshness.
- Adjust sweetness carefully: If you prefer less sugar, reduce the maple syrup slightly and rely on the natural sweetness of the apples, tasting the batter to confirm the level is right before baking.
- Make it dairy free: Keeping the almond milk ensures the bake remains dairy free, while still delivering creaminess and a gentle nutty note that complements the cinnamon.
- Double the batch for easy prep: Bake in a larger dish and portion for the week, storing squares for quick breakfasts or lunch additions without sacrificing texture.
- Use parchment for foolproof removal: Lining the dish with parchment makes lifting the entire bake out effortless, which is useful for neat slicing and serving.