This easy Apple Baked Oatmeal recipe makes a large batch, perfect for entertaining guests or feeding large families throughout the week. It is perfect for meal prep, as it makes plenty of servings!
I made this apple oatmeal bake for the first time in 2012, and have enjoyed it countless times since.
It is worthy of family brunch and everyday meal prep, as it is packed with fresh, tasty ingredients for that wholesome bite of sweet bliss.
Perfect for those who enjoy sweet breakfasts, I find the baked oatmeal to be perfectly sweet as written, although you can easily adjust the sweetness up by adding some brown sugar or making the optional glaze.
Have a batch of Homemade Muesli that needs to be used up? Dump it in this versatile breakfast casserole instead of plain oats!
Let’s discuss the simple ingredients for apple baked oatmeal.
Ingredients for Apple Baked Oatmeal:
Old Fashioned Oats or Rolled Oats: The star of the show. For the best results, stick with old fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats, as the texture turns out better .
Fresh Apples: Pick your favorite kind of apples for baking. I like using honey crisp apples because they are both sweet and tangy and they hold up well during the baking process. Granny smith apples and pink lady apples work too.
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Brings a subtle creamy flavor and natural sweetness. The flavor is very light and almost imperceptible, but skip it if you aren’t into coconut.
Milk of Choice: Pick your favorite milk! I stick with a non-dairy milk like oat milk, almond milk, or cashew milk. Whole milk works great too.
Eggs: A few eggs help form a custard, which brings richness and creaminess to the apple baked oatmeal.
Granulated Sugar: Pick your favorite granulated sugar. I use coconut sugar, but white sugar or brown sugar work great too.
Ground Cinnamon: a generous amount of ground cinnamon enhances the experience with its warm flavor. Apples and cinnamon are the perfect duo in this apple cinnamon baked oatmeal!
Baking Powder: A little leavening agent always helps.
Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of warm flavor comes from a little vanilla extract.
Unsalted Butter: Butter provides richness and creaminess, which is simply unstoppable in this delicious breakfast recipe. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil, vegan butter spread, or unsweetened almond butter or any nut butter.
Lemon Juice: Offers a touch of tanginess, which is practically imperceptible, but oddly enhances the apple flavor.
Sea Salt: A pinch of salt brings out all that lovely apple cinnamon flavor. Don’t skip it!
Optional Glaze:
- Option 1: Combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of water.
- Option 2: Heat up 1 cup of full-fat canned coconut milk with ½ cup of powdered sugar.
Recipe Customizations:
- If you love warm spices, substitute the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice.
- To increase the protein content, substitute part of the milk for Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, or add protein powder.
- Add up to 1.5 cups of your favorite mix-ins, such as walnuts, crunchy pecans, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, raisins, or semisweet chocolate chips.
- While the apple baked oats are delicious on their own, I love making a simple coconut milk glaze to really enhance the whole experience. If you aren’t into coconut milk, no sweat. Simply make a classic powdered sugar glaze (as written above).
Now that we’ve covered the basic ingredients, let’s make this easy apple baked oatmeal recipe!
How to Make Apple Baked Oatmeal:
Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F and spraying a large casserole dish with cooking spray.
Combine all of the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Combine forces, then transfer the apple oat mixture to your prepared baking dish.
Bake on the center rack of the oven for 40-50 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden brown and the center has firmed up. Insert a digital thermometer into the center of the baked oatmeal. It is ready if it reads 190 degrees F or higher.
Allow the apple oatmeal bake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
To enhance the apple experience, you can make my Stewed Apples to serve on top while the oats are baking, or serve with fresh fruit.
Feel the need to serve it with vanilla ice cream? Go for it!
Make the Optional Glaze:
Transfer the full fat canned coconut milk and the powdered sugar to a saucepan and heat over medium heat, whisking consistently, until warm. Drizzle the glaze over the baked oatmeal for the ultimate treat.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and store on the counter for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Refrigerate covered in plastic wrap (or move leftovers to an airtight container) and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Cut the remaining batch of oatmeal into individual portions and transfer them to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
The next time you’re looking for a breakfast casserole to please the whole family, whip up this amazing apple cinnamon baked oatmeal! It is positively packed with cozy flavors for a delicious way start the day.
The best part about this easy recipe is it can be prepared ahead of time. Simply make the whole recipe and store it in your refrigerator covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours in advance. I love this tactic for holidays and chilly mornings when you’re craving warm comfort food.
If you love a hearty breakfast, also try some of these other cozy breakfast recipes!
More Breakfast Recipes:
- Apple Cider Donut Bread
- Pumpkin Coffee Cake
- Baked Apples with Cobbler Topping
- Pumpkin Waffles
- Ube Pancakes (Purple Sweet Potato Pancakes)
The perfect breakfast for apple season and beyond!
Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal:
- 4 cups rolled oats or old fashioned oats or muesli*
- 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut optional
- 2 large honey crisp apples peeled, cored and chopped into ½-inch chunks
- ½ cup coconut sugar or cane sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 large eggs lightly beaten
- 5 cups milk of choice I use oat milk**
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter melted***
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice optional
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For coconut milk glaze:
- 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk ****
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar or powdered maple sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients (oats, shredded coconut, chopped apple, coconut sugar, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder). Mix well to combine.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon juice and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry oat mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the mixture around so that the apples aren’t poking up too far and the mixture is evenly distributed.
- Bake in the oven for 40 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and all of the liquid appears to be absorbed. Insert a digital thermometer into the center of the baked oatmeal. It is ready if it reads 190 degrees F or higher.
- Allow the baked oatmeal to cool 15 minutes before slicing large portions and serving with coconut milk glaze on top (instructions below)!
Prepare the Coconut Milk Glaze:
- Add coconut milk and sugar to a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and allow the coconut mixture to continue cooking, whisking frequently, until the coconut milk begins to thicken and turns a slightly darker shade. This process should take about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove coconut milk glaze from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. The longer it cools, the thicker the mixture will become.
- Drizzle the glaze over the baked oatmeal and enjoy!
