Why You’ll Love this Baked Oatmeal
While pumpkin spice might steal the show during fall, there’s more to seasonal flavor than that! The apple-cinnamon duo brings a subtle warmth that’s equally satisfying year-round. This Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is the perfect way to start your morning, and here’s why it’s bound to become your new breakfast favorite!
Flavor – The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked apples is a classic, comforting combination. Healthy – This dish is naturally sweetened with fruit and packed with whole grains. Versatile – Ingredients can be easily swapped. Dietary adjustments can easily be made. You can customize toppings to your liking! Easy One-Pan Dish – This simple recipe requires minimal prep—just mix all the ingredients in a greased pan, bake, and enjoy! No extra bowls to clean! Kid-Friendly – It’s perfect for cooking with kids—let them help dump ingredients and stir! Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare it ahead for a quick grab-and-go meal. Serving Options – Serve warm as a breakfast dish or cooled and cut into bars for a convenient snack.
And if you’re looking for more, try this strawberry banana baked oatmeal too!
Ingredients
Oats – Rolled or old-fashioned oats will work best. Apple – Any variety will work! Our favorites are fuji and honey crisp (perfect apples for homemade unsweetened applesauce). If you are using a tart apple, you will need to add banana or maple syrup to help balance the tartness. Chia seeds – For a boost of protein, fiber, and omega 3 fatty acids. Will also help thicken the oatmeal, like in this chia pudding. Milk – Use any milk of choice. My personal favorite is canned, full fat coconut milk. Cinnamon – Enhances the flavor of the dish Banana, maple syrup, walnuts (optional) – I wanted to keep the recipe as simple as possible, but you may certainly add these in if you desire a sweet oatmeal. See below for tips.
Substitions
Feel free to mix and match these substitutions based on your preferences and dietary needs:
Use quick oats for a softer texture and shorter baking time, or substitute with steel-cut oats, which will require longer cooking time and possibly additional liquid. You can replace chia seeds with an equal amount of ground flax seeds for added nutrition, or simply omit them if they’re unavailable. You can substitute cinnamon with ground nutmeg for a different spice profile or use pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Grease the baking dish. First, add the applesauce followed by the rest of the ingredients (minus the chopped apples). Stir to combine. Top with apples and walnuts, if using. Bake! It’s seriously as easy as that!
Serving Suggestions
Take this Baked Oatmeal to the next level with these creative serving suggestions:
For Babies and Toddlers – Use finely chopped or grated apples. Once baked, slice into strips or bite-sized pieces based on age. Serve in a bowl with a splash of milk for a porridge-style option. Top it with yogurt – Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein. Add crunch – Sprinkle with your favorite nuts, like chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds on top for added texture. Drizzle with nut butter – Almond, peanut, cashew or seed butter pairs beautifully with the apples and adds a rich, nutty flavor. Serve with fruit: Try topping your oatmeal with fresh strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or extra apple slices for a burst of freshness.
Variations
These variations allow you to customize the dish to suit your preferences and make it a new experience each time!
Berry Oatmeal: Swap the apples for fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Banana-Nut: Replace apples with sliced bananas, and add a handful of walnuts or pecans for a twist. Pumpkin Spice: In the fall, substitute the apples with pumpkin puree and add a dash of pumpkin pie spice.
The Ultimate Guide to Apples for Babies
Storage and Reheating Tips
Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.To freeze, cut into individual slices, wrap in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag. It will be good for up to 3 months.You can reheat in the microwave (at 30 second intervals) or on the stove with a splash of milk. Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
