Sweet Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Oatmeal Bake
A comforting baked oatmeal infused with cinnamon and sweet apple chunks, perfect for a wholesome breakfast or brunch. This american-inspired breakfast (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes combines rolled oats, whole or plant-based milk, medium, peeled and diced apple 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 280 calories and feeds 6, 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 rolled oats
- 2 cups, whole or plant-based milk
- 2 medium, peeled and diced apple
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup (optional) chopped walnuts
- 2 tbsp, melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with butter.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups rolled oats, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 2 cups milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp melted butter.
- Step 4: Pour the wet mixture into the dry oat mixture and stir until combined. Fold in 2 medium peeled and diced apples and 1/3 cup chopped walnuts if using.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Step 6: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm, optionally with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Oatmeal Bake 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 Sweet Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Oatmeal Bake?
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 Sweet Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Oatmeal Bake?
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 Sweet Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Oatmeal Bake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
Is Sweet Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Oatmeal Bake vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
