Wholesome & Easy Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon: Your Perfect Breakfast

Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of warm apples and spicy cinnamon wafting from your oven. That’s the magic of this **Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon** recipe. It’s not just a breakfast; it’s a creamy, wholesome, and utterly delicious experience I find myself making week after week. The best part? It practically cooks itself, leaving you free to prepare for your day or simply savor your morning coffee and a good book on a leisurely weekend.

This recipe features crisp, tart Granny Smith apples, softened and sweetened within a bed of old-fashioned rolled oats, infused with aromatic cinnamon. Once baked to perfection, it transforms into a wonderfully creamy and satisfying dish. But the journey doesn’t end there! This baked oatmeal is a blank canvas for customization. Finish your bowl with a drizzle of maple syrup, a splash of your favorite milk (whether it’s creamy vanilla almond milk, oat milk, or classic dairy), and a handful of crunchy nuts. It’s a versatile, family-friendly breakfast that promises to be a delightful addition to your morning routine.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

That irresistible scent of apple pie baking in the oven? That moment when the sweet, tart apples intermingle with warm cinnamon and sugar, creating an aroma that promises pure comfort? This **baked oatmeal with apples and cinnamon** offers a remarkably similar, soul-satisfying experience, but for breakfast! It’s the perfect dish to awaken your senses in the morning, filling your kitchen with an inviting fragrance that signals a cozy start to your day.

Beyond its delightful aroma, this recipe stands out for its incredible versatility. It’s effortlessly customizable to suit any palate or dietary preference. Whether you prefer the deep, caramel notes of brown sugar, the natural sweetness of maple syrup or honey, or want to experiment with different nuts (think crunchy walnuts, pecans, or almonds), seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin), or dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped dates), the possibilities are endless. And to achieve that super creamy, dreamy texture, a splash of milk, cream, or your favorite plant-based milk is the ideal finishing touch. This adaptability ensures that every bowl can be a unique creation, making it a breakfast your entire family will eagerly anticipate.

The Incredible Benefits of Eating Oatmeal

Oatmeal is truly a powerhouse food, celebrated globally as a superfood for all the right reasons. It’s no surprise that simple yet nutritious preparations like overnight oats and **baked oatmeal** have soared in popularity! A single serving of oatmeal (without toppings) typically provides around 140 calories and a significant 4 grams of dietary fiber. This fiber is crucial for digestive health, helping to regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and promote a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management. Oats are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, and B vitamins, contributing to sustained energy throughout your morning.

Adding crisp Granny Smith apples to your baked oatmeal boosts the fiber content by nearly 2 more grams and introduces a wealth of other benefits. Granny Smith apples, known for their tartness and firm texture, are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which bolster immunity. They also contain prebiotics that feed beneficial gut bacteria, further enhancing digestive wellness. Then there’s cinnamon – this fragrant spice is more than just a flavor enhancer. It’s an anti-inflammatory hidden gem, boasting a high concentration of antioxidants and compounds known to help regulate blood sugar levels. Its delightful taste and scent are certainly a plus, but its contribution to gut health and overall well-being makes this **apple cinnamon oatmeal** a truly wholesome and significant breakfast choice for a healthy lifestyle.

Choosing the Best Oatmeal for Baking

When you’re browsing the cereal aisle, you’ll typically find three common types of oatmeal, each offering a distinct texture and cooking time. Understanding these differences is key to achieving the perfect **baked oatmeal** consistency:

• Quick-Cooking Oats: These are the most processed type of oats, having been steamed, rolled thin, and often cut into smaller pieces. They cook very quickly (hence the name) but tend to result in a softer, almost mushy texture when baked, sometimes lacking the satisfying chewiness desired in baked oatmeal. While convenient for stovetop preparation, they might not be the ideal choice if you prefer a more robust texture in your baked dishes.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats are steamed and then rolled flat. They are less processed than quick oats and retain more of their shape and texture after cooking. Old-fashioned rolled oats are the gold standard for **baked oatmeal** recipes like this one. They absorb liquids beautifully, creating a wonderfully creamy interior while still holding their form, providing a delightful chewiness that quick oats often lack. Their longer cooking time is perfect for the slow, gentle bake in this recipe.
• Steel-Cut Oats: Also known as Irish or Scottish oats, these are the least processed type. They are whole oat groats that have been cut into two or three pieces, rather than rolled. Steel-cut oats have a firm, chewy texture and a nutty flavor. However, they require a significantly longer cooking time (often 20-30 minutes on the stovetop, even longer in the oven) and more liquid than rolled oats. While delicious in their own right, they are generally not recommended for a quick baked oatmeal recipe unless pre-soaked or partially cooked, as they might remain too firm otherwise.

The good news, according to health experts, is that all varieties of oats offer similar nutritional benefits. So, your choice ultimately comes down to your preferred texture and the demands of your recipe. For this creamy yet satisfying **Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon**, old-fashioned rolled oats are highly recommended for their perfect balance of creaminess and chew.

Essential Ingredients for Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful breakfast. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few helpful notes:

• 1 cup of Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: As discussed, these are crucial for the ideal texture. Avoid quick oats for this recipe unless you prefer a very soft consistency.
• 2 cups Water: This forms the base liquid, allowing the oats to cook thoroughly and the apples to soften.
• 1 large Granny Smith Apple: Cored and chopped into ½-inch pieces. Granny Smith apples are fantastic for baking due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the dish, and their ability to hold their shape during cooking without turning to mush.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: A generous amount for that signature warm, aromatic flavor. Ensure your cinnamon is fresh for the best impact.
• 1 pinch of Kosher Salt: Don’t skip this! Salt is a flavor enhancer that brings out the sweetness of the apples and rounds out the overall taste profile.
• Brown Sugar (optional): Start with 1-2 tablespoons if you like a sweeter oatmeal, or omit if you plan to rely solely on maple syrup or honey later.
• Raisins, Currants, or Craisins (optional): About 1/4 cup. These add bursts of sweetness and a chewy texture. You can also try chopped dried apricots, dates, or cherries.
• Add-ons & Toppings (for serving):
  • Milk, Cream, or Nut Milk of Choice: A splash added at serving time creates extra creaminess. Creamy vanilla almond milk, oat milk, or rice milk are excellent choices, complementing the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully.
  • Walnuts: Or pecans, almonds, or any preferred nut, chopped for a delightful crunch and healthy fats.
  • Maple Syrup: Or honey, for an extra touch of natural sweetness. Agave syrup is another great vegan option.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Simplicity is key with this recipe, extending to the equipment needed. You’ll only require a few basic items:

• A 2-quart Dutch oven: This is the ideal vessel. Its heavy bottom and tight-fitting lid ensure even cooking and retain moisture, resulting in perfectly tender oats and apples.
• Alternatively, any oven-safe casserole or baking dish with a tight-fitting lid: If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a sturdy baking dish covered tightly with aluminum foil will work just as well. The key is to keep the steam trapped inside to cook the oats thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• A sharp knife and cutting board: For preparing the apple.
• Serving bowls and spoons: For enjoying your delicious creation!

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

Get ready for an incredibly simple and rewarding cooking experience. This **baked apple oatmeal** recipe is truly easy to master!

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even cooking.
2. Combine Ingredients: In your 2-quart Dutch oven or oven-safe baking dish, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, chopped Granny Smith apple, ground cinnamon, optional currants (or other dried fruit), optional brown sugar, a pinch of kosher salt, and water. Stir everything gently to ensure the ingredients are well distributed.
3. Bake to Perfection: Place the lid securely on your pot or cover your baking dish tightly with foil. Transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling around the edges, and the apple pieces are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Remove the lid, stir the oatmeal gently, and spoon generous portions into individual serving bowls.
5. Personalize Your Bowl: This is where the fun begins! Top your warm, creamy **baked oatmeal** with your favorite additions. A splash of milk (oat, almond, or dairy), a sprinkle of crunchy walnuts (or other nuts), and a swirl of rich maple syrup (or honey) will elevate your breakfast to gourmet status.

Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Customizing Your Baked Oatmeal: Endless Possibilities

One of the greatest joys of this **baked oatmeal with apples and cinnamon** is its incredible adaptability. It’s a fantastic foundation that can be tweaked to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are even more ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Fruit Variations: While Granny Smith apples are fantastic, feel free to experiment with other fruits. Pears, peaches (fresh or frozen), berries (blueberries, raspberries, mixed berries), or even mashed banana can be incorporated. If using sweeter fruits, you might reduce the added sugar.
• Spice It Up: Beyond cinnamon, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, or a pumpkin pie spice blend for different flavor profiles, especially during autumn.
• Nut & Seed Boosts: Elevate the crunch and nutrition with a variety of nuts and seeds. Pecans, slivered almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds are all excellent choices. For extra omega-3s, stir in some chia seeds or ground flaxseed.
• Sweetener Alternatives: Instead of brown sugar or maple syrup, try honey, agave nectar, coconut sugar, or date syrup. Adjust quantities to your desired sweetness level.
• Protein Power-Up: For an extra protein kick, stir in a scoop of protein powder (unflavored or vanilla works best) after baking, along with your milk. You can also mix in a tablespoon or two of nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew) with your toppings.
• Creamier Textures: For an even richer baked oatmeal, you can substitute half of the water with milk (dairy or plant-based) in the initial baking step. This will result in a denser, creamier texture from the start.
• Citrus Zest: A little orange or lemon zest can brighten the flavors, especially complementing the apples and cinnamon.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! This recipe is designed to be a flexible base that you can make your own, ensuring a delicious and satisfying breakfast every time.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This **baked apple cinnamon oatmeal** is not just delicious; it’s also an excellent choice for meal prepping. Having a healthy breakfast ready to go can save you time and stress on busy mornings. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the mixture the night before! Simply combine all the ingredients (except toppings) in your Dutch oven or baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it into the preheated oven and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and softens the oats even more, reducing the active morning prep to zero.
• Storing Leftovers: Once the baked oatmeal has cooled completely, cover the dish tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also divide individual portions into airtight containers for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: For individual servings, place in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of milk (this helps retain moisture) and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
  • Oven: To reheat a larger portion, place it back in an oven-safe dish (add a splash of milk or water if it seems dry), cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot.
• Freezing: Baked oatmeal freezes surprisingly well! Once completely cooled, you can freeze individual portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

With these meal prep and storage tips, you can enjoy the wholesome goodness of this **healthy baked oatmeal** even on your busiest days!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions you might have about making this **baked apple cinnamon oatmeal**:

• Q: Can I use a different type of apple?
  A: Yes, while Granny Smith is recommended for its tartness and texture retention, you can use other baking apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. Keep in mind that sweeter apples might require a reduction in added sugar.
• Q: My baked oatmeal turned out too dry/too watery. What went wrong?
  A: If it’s too dry, your lid might not have been tight enough, allowing too much steam to escape. Try adding a little more liquid next time or ensure a tighter seal. If it’s too watery, it might need a few more minutes in the oven, or your apples released more moisture than anticipated. You can also slightly reduce the water next time.
• Q: Can I make this vegan?
  A: Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan if you use plant-based milk for serving (like oat milk or almond milk) and ensure your brown sugar (if using) is vegan-certified (some are processed with bone char). Maple syrup is already vegan.
• Q: How can I add more protein?
  A: Stir in a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder after the oatmeal bakes, or add a tablespoon of nut butter (peanut, almond) as a topping. Greek yogurt is also a great high-protein topping if you’re not strictly vegan.
• Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
  A: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can be cross-contaminated during processing. If you have a gluten intolerance or allergy, ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
• Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
  A: Yes! The brown sugar is optional. You can adjust the amount or rely solely on the natural sweetness of the apples and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for serving.

Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon

Ana | Claudia’s Table

December 13, 2023

This creamy, delicious, and healthy baked oatmeal with apples and cinnamon cooks while you are getting ready for work or enjoying your coffee and paper on the weekends. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast!

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American, Healthy

Servings 2

Calories 346 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Dutch oven or oven safe baking dish with lid 2 quart

Ingredients

  

Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups water
• 1 whole large Granny Smith apple cored and chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup currants raisins or craisins optional
• 1 pinch of kosher salt
• brown sugar optional, to taste

Toppings

• Milk cream, or nut milk of choice
• Walnuts chopped, or other nuts/seeds
• Maple syrup or honey, to taste

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Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven.
• In the Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, add the old-fashioned rolled oats, chopped Granny Smith apple, ground cinnamon, currants (optional), brown sugar (optional), pinch of salt, and water. Stir gently to combine.
• Place the lid securely on the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 20 minutes or until the mixture is bubbling and the apple is tender.
• Remove from the oven, stir gently, and spoon into individual serving bowls.
• Top the cooked oatmeal with your choice of nuts, a splash of milk, and a drizzle of maple syrup to finish. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cupCalories: 346kcal

Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.

Keyword apple cinnamon oatmeal, baked oatmeal, healthy baked oatmeal, easy baked oatmeal

All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com

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