Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Oatmeal Squares
Warm and hearty baked oatmeal squares infused with cinnamon and tender chunks of apple, perfect for a wholesome breakfast or snack. This american-inspired breakfast ready in about 50 minutes combines old-fashioned rolled oats, milk, large eggs into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 9, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups milk, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Add the wet ingredients to the oat mixture and stir until combined. Gently fold in 2 peeled and diced medium apples.
- Step 4: Pour the mixture into a greased 8x8-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Step 5: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Let cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Oatmeal Squares take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.
How do I store leftover Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Oatmeal Squares?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Oatmeal Squares?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Oatmeal Squares for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 9 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 9). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Oatmeal Squares?
American breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.