This baked apple oatmeal is the ultimate cozy breakfast for chilly mornings.
Warm spices, juicy apples, hearty oats, and a soft custardy center make it a comforting, nourishing way to start the day—and it’s make-ahead friendly too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for meal prep – Make once and enjoy for days.
Naturally sweetened – Easy to adapt with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
Warm, spiced comfort – Like apple pie in breakfast form.
Easy and flexible – Use any milk, and swap in your favorite fruit or nuts.
Kid-approved – Soft, lightly sweet, and satisfying.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Old-fashioned oats – Heartier texture than quick oats.
Apples – Honeycrisp or Gala are sweet and hold shape when baked.
Milk – Any type—dairy or plant-based like almond or oat.
Eggs – Help set the oatmeal into soft slices.
Brown sugar – Deep flavor; or use maple syrup for a natural alternative.
Warm spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, salt—fall flavors at their best.
Butter or coconut oil – Adds richness and helps brown the top.
Optional mix-ins – Chopped nuts, raisins, or even a swirl of caramel!
Pro Tips Before You Start
Dice apples small – For even cooking and soft bites.
Use parchment paper – For easy removal and cleanup.
Don’t overbake – It should be set but still moist.
Add toppings after baking – Like yogurt, syrup, or extra fruit.
Let it cool slightly – Helps it firm up and slice cleanly.
How to Make Baked Apple Oatmeal
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Lightly grease a 9×13″ (or 9×9″ for thicker pieces) baking dish.
Line with parchment for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Stir It All Together
Pour the wet mixture over the dry.
Add melted butter or coconut oil and mix well—it should be a bit soupy.
Step 5: Layer and Bake
Scatter diced apples in the bottom of your dish.
Pour oatmeal mixture on top. Optionally, cover and refrigerate overnight.
Bake at 325°F for 35–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
What to Serve It With
Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess and protein.
Maple syrup – For a sweet drizzle.
Fresh fruit – Berries, banana slices, or more apples.
Nut butter – Almond or peanut butter for a rich topping.
Whipped cream – For a treat-like breakfast!
Variations / Substitutions
Vegan version – Use flax eggs and plant-based milk.
Make it nutty – Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans.
Add berries – Mix in blueberries or cranberries.
Use pears – A sweet and juicy substitute for apples.
Spice it up – Try pumpkin pie spice or cardamom.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer – Freeze in slices for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave.
Meal prep – Portion into containers for grab-and-go breakfast.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional, but it makes for a softer texture.
Can I make this the night before?
Absolutely! Prep and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.
Can I skip the sugar?
You can use a natural sweetener or omit it entirely for a more savory version.
What apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith for a tart contrast.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a larger pan and add a few more minutes to the bake time.
Is this good cold?
Yes! It’s delicious chilled or reheated.
Final Thoughts
This baked apple oatmeal is a cozy, make-ahead breakfast full of flavor and feel-good ingredients.
Whether you’re prepping for the week or serving a crowd, it’s a simple recipe that brings warm, nostalgic comfort to any morning.
