This baked apple oatmeal is the ultimate cozy breakfast for chilly mornings.

Warm spices, juicy apples, hearty oats, and a soft custardy center make it a comforting, nourishing way to start the day—and it’s make-ahead friendly too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for meal prep – Make once and enjoy for days.

Naturally sweetened – Easy to adapt with maple syrup or coconut sugar.

Warm, spiced comfort – Like apple pie in breakfast form.

Easy and flexible – Use any milk, and swap in your favorite fruit or nuts.

Kid-approved – Soft, lightly sweet, and satisfying.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Old-fashioned oats – Heartier texture than quick oats.

Apples – Honeycrisp or Gala are sweet and hold shape when baked.

Milk – Any type—dairy or plant-based like almond or oat.

Eggs – Help set the oatmeal into soft slices.

Brown sugar – Deep flavor; or use maple syrup for a natural alternative.

Warm spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, salt—fall flavors at their best.

Butter or coconut oil – Adds richness and helps brown the top.

Optional mix-ins – Chopped nuts, raisins, or even a swirl of caramel!

Pro Tips Before You Start

Dice apples small – For even cooking and soft bites.

Use parchment paper – For easy removal and cleanup.

Don’t overbake – It should be set but still moist.

Add toppings after baking – Like yogurt, syrup, or extra fruit.

Let it cool slightly – Helps it firm up and slice cleanly.

How to Make Baked Apple Oatmeal

Step 1: Prep the Pan
Lightly grease a 9×13″ (or 9×9″ for thicker pieces) baking dish.

Line with parchment for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Stir It All Together
Pour the wet mixture over the dry.

Add melted butter or coconut oil and mix well—it should be a bit soupy.

Step 5: Layer and Bake
Scatter diced apples in the bottom of your dish.

Pour oatmeal mixture on top. Optionally, cover and refrigerate overnight.

Bake at 325°F for 35–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.

What to Serve It With

Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess and protein.

Maple syrup – For a sweet drizzle.

Fresh fruit – Berries, banana slices, or more apples.

Nut butter – Almond or peanut butter for a rich topping.

Whipped cream – For a treat-like breakfast!

Variations / Substitutions

Vegan version – Use flax eggs and plant-based milk.

Make it nutty – Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans.

Add berries – Mix in blueberries or cranberries.

Use pears – A sweet and juicy substitute for apples.

Spice it up – Try pumpkin pie spice or cardamom.

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer – Freeze in slices for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave.

Meal prep – Portion into containers for grab-and-go breakfast.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy.

Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional, but it makes for a softer texture.

Can I make this the night before?
Absolutely! Prep and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.

Can I skip the sugar?
You can use a natural sweetener or omit it entirely for a more savory version.

What apples work best?
Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith for a tart contrast.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a larger pan and add a few more minutes to the bake time.

Is this good cold?
Yes! It’s delicious chilled or reheated.

Final Thoughts

This baked apple oatmeal is a cozy, make-ahead breakfast full of flavor and feel-good ingredients.

Whether you’re prepping for the week or serving a crowd, it’s a simple recipe that brings warm, nostalgic comfort to any morning.