Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal
This cinnamon apple baked oatmeal recipe is my favorite meal prep breakfast for fall! I make some variation of oatmeal every week, rotating through options like my zucchini bread baked oatmeal, banana baked oatmeal, or even lemon blueberry overnight oats, but this apple baked oatmeal is my favorite when the weather starts to cool. With warm spices and crisp, sweet apples, it’s the perfect way to celebrate seasonal produce, and the flavor is reminsicent of apple pie. However, unlike apple pie, it’s refined sugar-free, made with complex carbs, fruit, and protein for a well-balanced, fiber-filled option that leaves you feeling full and energized all morning long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: All the ingredients combine in one bowl and bake in about an hour. Just mix, pour, and let the oven do the rest.
- Nutritious: With fresh fruit, complex carbs, and protein, this apple baked oatmeal is a well-rounded option full of fiber and nutrients.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Leftovers store, freeze, and reheat well. So, I almost always make a double batch to keep on hand.
Key Ingredients and Notes
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete ingredient list and instructions!
- Protein Powder: I recommend using either a vanilla or plain flavored protein powder to really let the apple flavor shine through. I’ve tested this recipe with both vegan and whey protein powders, and both work well. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the liquid depending on what you use.
- Oats: Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats and steel-cut oats won’t absorb liquid or bake the same way. Look for certified gluten-free oats if you need to keep your apple oatmeal gluten-free.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt infuse the oatmeal bake with the perfect warm, spiced taste. I’m a huge fan of spice and typically add extra nutmeg, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. So, I keep it dialed down when prepping for my family.
- Milk: Unsweeteened almond milk is my go-to for baked oats, but any regular or plant-based milk will work.
- Eggs: These act as a binder, holding the oatmeal together.
- Sweeteners: Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and sweetness to the oats, replacing the need for a fat while enhancing the fruity taste. Then, I add maple syrup for extra sweetness and depth. Honey also works, but the flavor isn’t quite the same.
- Apples: Any apple you have on hand will work, but I recommend using a sweet baking apple such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Braeburn for the best taste.
Tip: Want more crunch? Fold in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans!
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal
One of my favorite things about baked oatmeal of all kinds is how easy it is to make! Here’s an overview of the process:
- Combine ingredients: Whisk the dry ingredients in a large bowl, add the wet ingredients, and fold in the apples.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, and bake just until the oatmeal is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean!
- Cool: Let the oatmeal cool slightly in the pan. This helps it hold its shape once sliced. Then, slice it into bars, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This apple baked oatmeal is truly filling enough to enjoy on its own, with a warm cup of coffee, of course. However, I can never resist adding toppings. Some of my favorite additions include extra chopped apples, Greek yogurt, walnuts, pecans, or a drizzle of almond butter.
If you really want to go all out, serve these oats as part of a breakfast spread alongside hard-boiled eggs or an asparagus mushroom frittata.
Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9×9" baking dish
- 1 Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 60 grams vanilla protein powder whey or vegan
- 2 cups 160 grams old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg*
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 90 grams unsweetened applesauce
- 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 large apples diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F, and grease a 9×9 baking pan with cooking spray.
- Whisk the dry ingredients in a large bowl.60 grams vanilla protein powder whey or vegan, 2 cups 160 grams old-fashioned rolled oats, 3 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg*, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt
- Add the wet ingredients to the same bowl and whisk until well combined.1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 90 grams unsweetened applesauce, 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Fold in the chopped apples.2 large apples
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake at 350F for about 50-55 minutes, until the oats are set, lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool slightly. Then, slice, and getcha some of that!
Notes
Nutrition
More Meal Prep Oatmeal Recipes
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