Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a cozy fall breakfast with tender apples, warm cinnamon, and fiber-rich oats and flaxseed in every bite. Bake it once, slice it into squares, and pair it with Greek yogurt, eggs, or a protein coffee for a balanced breakfast that’s ready when you are.
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Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Perfect for meal prep – Bake one pan, slice it into squares, and breakfast is ready to grab on busy mornings.
- Fiber-rich ingredients – Oats, flaxseed, and apples add fiber to help keep you satisfied until lunch.
- Easy to pair with protein – Enjoy a square with Greek yogurt, eggs, a protein shake, or protein coffee for a breakfast with 30+ grams of protein.
- Lightly sweetened – A touch of honey and sweet baked apples keep the flavor cozy without being overly sugary.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults both love it, and it’s easy to warm up or eat straight from the fridge.
- Freezer friendly – Freeze individual squares so you always have a ready-made breakfast on hand for the weeks ahead.
Ingredients & Substitutions:
For a full ingredient list with quantities, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess, moisture, and a little extra protein. Plain or vanilla both work, and a dairy-free yogurt can be swapped in.
- Milk – Any milk you have on hand works here, including unsweetened plant-based milk.
- Eggs – Help bind everything together so the oatmeal slices into clean squares.
- Honey – Adds just enough sweetness. Maple syrup works as a one-to-one swap.
- Vanilla bean paste or extract – Either works, but vanilla bean paste gives those pretty little vanilla flecks.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – Give the best hearty texture. Quick oats will make it softer, and steel-cut oats won’t work here. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Ground flaxseed – Adds fiber and healthy fats. Chia seeds can be used instead.
- Cinnamon – Brings the cozy fall flavor. Swap in apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice for a twist.
- Baking powder – Gives the oatmeal a little lift so it’s tender, not dense.
- Kosher salt – Balances the sweetness. If using table salt, use a little less.
- Apples – Any variety works, but firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady hold their shape best. Peeling is optional. Diced pears are a great swap too.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
For complete instructions, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prep the pan – Preheat the oven and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix the wet ingredients – Whisk the Greek yogurt, milk, eggs, honey, and vanilla together in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients – Stir in the oats, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until everything is combined.
- Fold in the apples – Gently stir in the diced apples so they’re evenly spread throughout the batter.
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the edges are golden brown and the center is gently set.
- Cool and slice – Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice into squares and enjoy.
Tips and Variations
- Check for doneness – Look for golden brown edges and a center that’s set but not firm. It shouldn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
- Pair with protein – Round out your breakfast by topping a square with Greek yogurt or serving it alongside scrambled eggs, a protein shake, or a protein coffee.
- Add some crunch – Stir in or sprinkle on chopped pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for extra texture and healthy fats.
- Top it off – A drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter, a spoonful of Greek yogurt, or a little extra cinnamon makes each square feel extra cozy.
- Mix up the fruit – Swap half the apples for diced pears, or toss in a handful of dried cranberries for a festive fall twist.
- Dice the apples small – Smaller pieces soften evenly and make the squares easier to slice cleanly.
Meal Prep & Storage
- Fridge – Store sliced squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Freeze individual squares in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month.
- Thawing – Thaw frozen squares overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Microwave – Reheat for about 1 minute, though exact times will vary based on your microwave.
- Air fryer – For crispy edges, reheat at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, adjusting based on the size and strength of your air fryer.
- Enjoy cold – It’s also delicious straight from the fridge for a true grab-and-go breakfast.
Recipe FAQs
Nope! You’re welcome to peel them if you prefer a softer texture, but I leave the peel on for a little extra fiber and less prep work.
Firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Gala hold their shape best while baking. Softer apples will still work but can turn a bit mushy.
Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for recipe accuracy. Quick oats and steel-cut oats need different liquid ratios and bake times, so the texture won’t turn out the same.
Oats are naturally gluten-free but are often processed alongside wheat. Use certified gluten-free oats if you need this recipe to be fully gluten-free.
Yes! Swap in your favorite dairy-free yogurt and an unsweetened plant-based milk.
Pair a square with a protein-packed side like Greek yogurt, eggs, a protein shake, or a protein coffee to build a balanced, satisfying breakfast.
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More Breakfast Recipes to Love
- Blackberry Baked Oatmeal
- Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
- High Protein Overnight Oats
- Protein Chia Seed Pudding
- Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal
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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups diced apples
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and spray an 8×8" square baking pan with nonstick spray or lightly grease with butter.
- To a large bowl, add all of the wet ingredients and whisk until combined.1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup honey, 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
- Add the dry ingredients, stir, and then gently stir in the diced apples.2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/4 cup ground flaxseed, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 2 cups diced apples
- Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the baked oats are golden brown on the edges and gently set in the middle.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing, then slice and enjoy!