Name: Healthy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled old-fashioned oats; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed; ½ cup raisins; 2 cups non-dairy milk (unsweetened vanilla almond milk preferred); ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; ¼ cup maple syrup; 1 tablespoon coconut oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup diced apple, divided (¾ cup folded in and ¼ cup for topping)

There’s something incredibly comforting about warm baked oatmeal on a cozy morning, and this Healthy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe hits all those cozy notes perfectly. The cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in soft oats create a naturally sweet and hearty breakfast that keeps you energized all day.

A square piece of baked oatmeal sits on a white scalloped plate with syrup pooled around its base. The oatmeal bar shows a dense texture with visible oats and small apple chunks inside, all in golden-brown shades. On top, three thin slices of red-skinned apple are laid in a small stack at an angle. Next to the plate is a silver fork and in the background, a white pitcher and a glass bottle with milk sit on a white marbled surface. 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 Healthy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Healthy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Healthy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited about sharing this recipe because it’s so much more than just "baked oatmeal." It’s a warm, wholesome way to start the day that feels both indulgent and nourishing, perfect for weekday mornings or lazy weekends alike.

Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of these staples in your pantry, making it an easy go-to recipe.
Naturally sweet and flavorful: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup means no refined sugar needed.
Versatile and customizable: It’s easy to swap in your favorite mix-ins or adjust sweetness to fit your taste.
Perfect for meal prep: Bake a batch once and enjoy healthy breakfasts throughout the week.

The image shows a white baking dish filled with a baked apple and oat dessert cut into square pieces. The top layer is golden brown and textured, with many small, soft cubes of apple mixed evenly throughout. The apples have reddish and yellowish skin, with some pieces showing a slightly caramelized edge. The oat layer looks moist and spongy, binding the apples together, with hints of cinnamon or spices visible as a light brown color throughout. A silver serving spatula with a floral cut-out pattern rests inside the dish on the right side. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component here plays a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and health benefits. I love how the oats provide hearty fiber, while the apples bring natural sweetness and moisture. The flaxseed adds a subtle nuttiness plus omega-3s, making this a truly wholesome meal.

Flat lay of a small pile of rolled old-fashioned oats, a neat heap of ground cinnamon powder, a small mound of white baking powder, a pinch of coarse sea salt crystals, a small white bowl of creamy unsweetened vanilla almond milk, a small white bowl of smooth unsweetened applesauce, a small white bowl of golden maple syrup, a small heap of light brown ground flaxseed, a small dollop of solid white coconut oil, a small heap of pale vanilla bean powder, a pile of freshly diced red and green apple pieces, and a small pile of dark brown raisins, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and 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

Rolled oats: These absorb the liquid well and create the perfect texture—soft with a slight chew. Quick oats won’t hold up as well in baking, and steel-cut oats need longer cooking.
Cinnamon: Adds warm spice that complements apples beautifully and helps curb blood sugar spikes.
Baking powder: Gives just enough lift so the baked oatmeal isn’t dense or doughy.
Sea salt: Enhances everything, balancing sweetness with a touch of savory depth.
Non-dairy milk (like vanilla almond): Keeps this recipe dairy-free with a subtle flavor that blends effortlessly.
Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness without extra sugar or fat.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener with complex flavor—feel free to adjust based on your preference.
Ground flaxseed: Boosts omega-3s and acts as a binder to keep everything together.
Coconut oil: Adds richness and helps with moisture; you can swap for neutral oils if needed.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a comforting note.
Diced apples: Fresh apple pieces bring texture contrast and bursts of fruitiness.
Raisins: Natural sweetness and chewiness—switch these out for your favorite dried fruit or nuts if you like.

📝

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

I love switching up this baked oatmeal depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. This recipe is like a blank canvas, so feel free to add your personal twist to make it truly yours.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is swapping raisins for chopped walnuts for an extra crunch and dose of healthy fats. It adds a lovely contrast to the soft oats and apples.
Dairy option: I sometimes use regular milk and melted butter when I’m feeling indulgent, and it bakes just as beautifully.
Extra spice: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger if you want it to taste more like fall in the oven.

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

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures it’s hot and ready when your oatmeal dish goes in, which helps it bake evenly. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray—a ceramic or glass pan works well here.

Step 2: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and sea salt. In a separate bowl, combine almond milk, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, ground flaxseed, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mixing them separately helps distribute everything evenly before combining.

Step 3: Combine and Fold In Fruit

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Then gently fold in ¾ cup of the diced apples and all the raisins, making sure the fruit gets evenly distributed without getting smashed.

Step 4: Transfer, Top, and Bake

Pour everything into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. Scatter the remaining ¼ cup of diced apples over the surface to get those lovely baked fruit bits on top. Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let your baked oatmeal cool slightly for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps it firm up and makes serving easier. I love to drizzle some almond butter, a splash of almond milk, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup on top—simple joys that make it irresistible.

Top Tip

Through making this recipe repeatedly, I’ve learned some little tricks to get perfect texture and flavor every time.

Don’t overmix: Stir your batter gently when combining wet and dry ingredients; too much mixing can make the baked oatmeal tough.
Use fresh apples: Crisp apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp hold up nicely during baking without turning to mush.
Let it cool: Although tempting to dig right in, letting the oatmeal cool slightly helps it set so you get clean slices.
Watch the baking time: Oven temperatures vary—start checking at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking, which dries it out.

How to Serve Healthy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a swirl of almond butter or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for crunch. A little extra cinnamon or a touch of coconut yogurt can elevate it nicely as well.

Side Dishes

Pair with fresh fruit like berries or a side of crispy turkey bacon if you're not keeping it vegan. A hot cup of chai or cinnamon-spiced coffee also pairs beautifully for that cozy vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, I bake this in smaller ramekins and top with caramelized apple slices and a sprinkle of chopped nuts—makes for a delightful individual serving everyone appreciates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover baked oatmeal tightly covered in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to four days and makes an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! Slice into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When you want one, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, I like warming in the oven at 350°F for about 5–10 minutes if reheating a slice, which keeps it nicely textured. Microwave works in a pinch but can sometimes make it a bit gummy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use quick oats or steel-cut oats in this recipe?

This recipe specifically calls for rolled old-fashioned oats because they absorb liquid the right amount and develop the perfect baked oatmeal texture. Quick oats tend to become mushy when baked, and steel-cut oats need much longer cooking times and higher liquid ratios. If you prefer steel-cut oats, consider trying a dedicated recipe designed for them to get the best result.

What non-dairy milk works best?

Any non-dairy milk you enjoy will work well. Unsweetened vanilla almond milk is my favorite because it adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess without overpowering the other flavors. You can also use oat, soy, or coconut milk depending on your dietary preferences and what you have on hand.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as written when you use non-dairy milk and coconut oil. Ground flaxseed acts as the binder instead of eggs, making it a perfect plant-based breakfast option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 5–10 minutes to maintain texture, or microwave for a quick option though it may change the texture slightly. You can also freeze individual portions wrapped well and thaw as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable, satisfying, and full of natural flavors that never get boring. I honestly enjoy making it as much as eating it, especially knowing it fuels me with wholesome ingredients. I hope you give it a try and make it your own—it just might become your new favorite breakfast too.