Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

This apple cinnamon baked oatmeal is a cozy, naturally sweet breakfast bake filled with tender chunks of apple, raisins, and warm cinnamon flavor. It’s vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free (using non-dairy milk), and ideal for making ahead for easy breakfasts during the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The apple + cinnamon combo is comforting and perfect for chilly mornings.

• It’s made in one bowl — minimal mess.

• Great for meal prep: bake once and reheat portions during the week.

• Flexible with substitutions (milk type, sweeteners, add-ins).

• It’s naturally wholesome and free of eggs, dairy, and gluten (when using certified gluten-free oats).

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups rolled old-fashioned oats

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• 2 cups non-dairy milk (such as unsweetened vanilla almond milk)

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup diced apple (peeled or unpeeled, as you prefer)

• ½ cup raisins

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease or spray an 8×8-inch (or similar) baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.

3. To that bowl, add the non-dairy milk, applesauce, maple syrup, ground flaxseed, melted coconut oil, and vanilla. Stir until well combined.

4. Fold in ¾ cup of the diced apple and all the raisins.

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, and top with the remaining ¼ cup of diced apple.

6. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).

7. Remove from the oven and let the baked oatmeal cool slightly before serving.

Serve slices with extra non-dairy milk, a drizzle of maple syrup, nut butter, or fresh fruit as desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: ~15 minutes

• Bake time: ~40 minutes

• Total time: ~55 minutes

Variations

• Nut version: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

• Different dried fruit: Swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chopped apricots.

• Spice twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for extra warmth.

• Lower sugar: Reduce maple syrup, or omit raisins (they add sweetness).

• Use dairy milk: If not avoiding dairy, regular milk works fine.

• Add protein: Stir in a scoop of plant-based protein powder or Greek yogurt (if not vegan) — you may need a splash more milk if it becomes thick.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: After baking, allow to cool. Cover the baking dish or transfer portions to airtight containers. It stays fresh for up to 4–5 days.

• Freezer: Slice into squares, wrap or store portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheat whole pan: Cover with foil and warm in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for ~20 minutes (until heated through).

• Reheat individual portions: Use a toaster oven or regular oven at 350 °F for 5–10 minutes, or microwave ~1 minute (adjust based on your microwave).

FAQs

What kind of oats should I use?

Use rolled old-fashioned oats. They absorb liquid well and bake evenly. Quick oats tend to get mushy, and steel-cut oats require adjustments in baking time and liquid.

Can I make this without applesauce?

Yes — you can replace applesauce with more non-dairy milk or mashed banana, but the texture might be slightly less moist.

Can I use cow’s milk instead of non-dairy milk?

Absolutely. Regular dairy milk works just as well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes — just ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats and that all other ingredients (e.g. raisins) are gluten-free.

Is it okay to skip the flaxseed?

Yes, though flaxseed helps with texture and binding (especially in vegan baking). If omitted, the bake may be a bit more fragile.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes — you can double it and bake in a larger dish (for example a 9×13 inch). Adjust baking time as needed (it may take a little longer).

Can I bake it in muffin tins?

Yes — divide the batter into greased muffin tins, and bake at 375 °F for about 20–25 minutes (check for doneness).

Can I add fresh or frozen berries?

Yes — fresh or thawed berries can be folded in. Be cautious with too much extra moisture. You may reduce some liquid slightly.

Why does my baked oatmeal seem too wet in the center?

It likely needs a few more minutes of baking. Also check your oven temperature (sometimes ovens run cooler). A toothpick test helps: center should have only a few moist crumbs, not raw batter.

Can I prepare the batter ahead and bake later?

Yes — you can mix dry and wet ingredients separately, store in the fridge, then combine and bake in the morning. Or you can mix everything and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning (you may need a few extra minutes).

Conclusion

This apple cinnamon baked oatmeal is a comforting, wholesome breakfast that’s easy to pull together and perfect for busy mornings. It combines simple ingredients into a nourishing bake with natural sweetness and fall flavors. Try customizing with your favorite add-ins or toppings, and enjoy warm slices throughout the week.