There’s something comforting about a quiet morning, the scent of apples and cinnamon drifting through the house. I first made this oatmeal apple breakfast bake on a rainy Saturday when we needed a warm, no-fuss start. This oatmeal apple breakfast bake has been a go-to ever since. Simple, cozy, and satisfying.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake
Perfect for Meal Prep and Busy Mornings
You can make it ahead, slice it into squares, and reheat it all week. It saves time and feels like a fresh, homemade breakfast every single morning. Plus, the texture holds beautifully whether you’re enjoying it hot from the oven or warmed up in a rush.
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake That’s Allergen-Friendly and Family-Approved
This oatmeal apple breakfast bake is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free. That means no stress over who can eat what. Everyone at the table gets a hearty, safe, and nourishing breakfast.
Naturally Sweetened with Apple and Maple Syrup
The apples add soft bites of sweetness, while maple syrup brings a gentle caramel note. It’s just sweet enough without being sugary. No refined sugar here, just cozy, real ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients and Their Role
- Rolled oats: They give this bake its tender, chewy base. Don’t swap for quick or steel-cut oats.
- Cinnamon: Adds that warm, spiced aroma we all crave in apple breakfasts.
- Baking powder: A small lift for a better, lighter texture.
- Applesauce: Works as a binder and gives natural sweetness.
- Non-dairy milk: Keeps it creamy and moist. Almond, oat, soy—your call.
- Maple syrup: Sweetens and deepens flavor.
- Ground flaxseed: Adds fiber and acts as an egg replacement.
- Coconut oil: Keeps it from drying out and adds a soft richness.
- Diced apples: The star of the show. Tender, juicy, and flavorful.
- Raisins: Little bursts of sweetness in every bite.
Simple Substitutions and Add-Ons
- No maple syrup? Try honey or agave.
- Swapping raisins? Use chopped dried apricots or cranberries.
- For more warmth, stir in a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice.
- Want crunch? Add pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts (if no nut allergy).
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease an 8×8 baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, applesauce, maple syrup, flaxseed, oil, and vanilla. Stir well.
- Fold in raisins and ¾ cup of the diced apple.
- Pour into the baking dish. Scatter the rest of the diced apples on top.
- Bake for 40 minutes. It should be set in the center and golden at the edges.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips for Best Texture and Flavor
- Dice your apples small so they soften as they bake.
- Don’t overbake—it should still be moist inside.
- Use unsweetened applesauce to keep flavors balanced.
- Let it rest after baking. It sets up better that way.
Serving Suggestions
Breakfast Toppings
Drizzle with extra maple syrup, spoon on some almond butter, or pour over a splash of warm non-dairy milk. Add berries or banana slices for brightness.
Turn It Into Dessert
Top it with a scoop of vanilla dairy-free ice cream or coconut whipped cream. You can even crumble some over your favorite yogurt for a sweet snack.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Meal Prep Options
Bake this oatmeal apple breakfast bake on Sunday, slice it into six portions, and you’re set for weekday breakfasts. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer.
How to Store and Reheat
- Fridge: Keeps well for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Bake individual slices at 350°F for 5–10 minutes or microwave for about 60 seconds. If reheating the whole dish, cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe (Recipe Card)
Print
Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Bake – Cozy & Vegan Delight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6
Description
This cozy oatmeal apple breakfast bake is vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep. Naturally sweetened and full of warm cinnamon flavor.
Ingredients
2 cups rolled old-fashioned oats
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp sea salt
2 cups non-dairy milk (e.g., unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup maple syrup
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup diced apple (¾ cup mixed in, ¼ cup for topping)
½ cup raisins
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and spray 8×8 baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Mix oats, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, milk, applesauce, maple syrup, flaxseed, coconut oil, and vanilla in a large bowl.
3. Fold in raisins and ¾ cup diced apple.
4. Pour mixture into baking dish and top with remaining ¼ cup diced apples.
5. Bake for 40 minutes or until center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool slightly and serve with almond butter, almond milk, or maple syrup.
Notes
Use only rolled oats for best texture.
Swap raisins for cranberries, chopped apricots, or omit altogether.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
To reheat individual portions, microwave for 1 minute or bake at 350°F for 5–10 minutes.
Make it nut-free, dairy-free, and completely vegan with the listed ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 229
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 291mg
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
More Such Recipes
If you love this cozy bake, you might also enjoy my Amish Apple Fritter Bread for a cozy fall treat or try Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal as a seasonal breakfast alternative. For something sweeter, Maple Glazed Apple Blondies are a favorite. Or grab a handful of Peach Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies for a fruity bite on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oatmeal and an apple a good breakfast?
Yes! It’s a balanced mix of fiber, slow-digesting carbs, and natural sweetness. This recipe combines both for a filling and satisfying start.
Is baked oatmeal a good breakfast?
Absolutely. Baked oatmeal is hearty, easy to prep ahead, and full of whole grains. It’s great for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend.
Can I eat apples with oatmeal?
You sure can—and should! Apples add moisture, texture, and flavor. Baked into the oats, they become soft and comforting.
What to pair with an apple for breakfast?
Apples go well with oats, nut butters, yogurt, cinnamon, or warm spices. This bake includes several of those combos in one.
Final Thoughts
This oatmeal apple breakfast bake makes mornings easier and warmer. It’s a comforting, one-bowl wonder that fits into real life. Vegan, gluten-free, and meal prep–friendly what more do we need? Give it a try, save it for later, or share it with someone who needs a cozy breakfast idea.
Find more everyday recipe inspiration on Pinterest and Facebook.