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This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake is a cozy, wholesome, easy-to-make breakfast perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends. Packed with sweet apples, warming cinnamon, and heart-healthy oats, it’s vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, making it a nutritious and delicious choice for the whole family. Simply mix, bake, and enjoy!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of cinnamon and apples wafting through your kitchen on a cool morning. It feels like home, comfort, and a little touch of fall all rolled into one.
If you’re looking for a simple, hearty, and wholesome breakfast that nourishes your body and warms your soul, then this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake is just the thing.
It’s vegan, oil-free, refined sugar-free, and gluten-free (if needed), making it a recipe everyone can enjoy.
Irresistible and easy recipe
This breakfast option is wonderfully easy to make, with minimal prep and basic ingredients that come together in no time—perfect even for beginner bakers.
The taste is a delicious combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of maple, giving it that cozy, homestyle flavor everyone loves.
The texture strikes the perfect balance: soft and tender on the inside, with slightly crispy edges. Adding walnuts or pecans gives you a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy oats and juicy apples. It’s a satisfying, hearty dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly wholesome.
Every time I make this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake at home, it disappears in minutes! My family loves it so much that I have to double the recipe to ensure there’s some extra for our busy weekday mornings. It’s comforting to know we have a delicious, wholesome breakfast ready to reheat and enjoy, even on our busiest days.
I really recommend trying this recipe. It’s super easy to make, packed with flavor, and great for sharing with loved ones. I’d love to hear how your family likes it!
WHAT ALLERGENS IS FREE FROM?
This recipe is not only vegan, but it’s also:
- Dairy-Free
- Egg-Free
- Can be easy Nut-Free (omit walnuts or pecans if needed)
- Refined sugar-free.
- Oil-Free
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS AND WHY IS GOOD FOR YOU
The Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake is not just delicious, it’s also good for you.
The oats provide heart-healthy fiber and keep you full longer. Apples offer natural sweetness, fiber, and a dash of antioxidants.
The maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness without any refined sugar, while cinnamon and nutmeg give it that comforting, warming flavor.
This bake is the perfect make-ahead breakfast that you can store and enjoy for a few days. It’s portable, great for busy mornings, or can be a cozy weekend treat shared with loved ones. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make—you just mix, bake, and enjoy.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS OATMEAL BAKE
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
To prepare this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake, simply mix rolled oats, almond milk, apples, and warm spices, then bake until golden and set.
The ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation is simple, making it a quick and wholesome breakfast that anyone can enjoy!
Let’s explore kitchen tools, the required ingredients, and the steps with helpful pictures if needed.
USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this oatmeal bake recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls: These are used to combine dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure the dry ingredients are well-mixed.
- An 8×8 inch baking dish (or a similar size)
- Parchment paper (optional but helps with easy removal)
Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this delicious breakfast:
- Rolled oats (Use organic. Gluten-Free if needed): The base of the bake, providing fiber and a hearty texture.
- Unsweetened plant-based milk: Adds moisture and creaminess without any added sugar. Any plant-based milk works.
- Unsweetened applesauce: A natural sweetener and binder, replacing oil or eggs. This is my recipe.
Sub: Mashed bananas or pureed pumpkin can be used for a different flavor.
- Diced apples: Add sweet, juicy bites and enhance the flavor with natural fruit sweetness.
Sub: Pears or berries can be swapped in for variety.
- Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the cinnamon and apples.
Sub: date syrup can be used for similar sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides a warm, cozy flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and flavor depth.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy warmth to the bake.
- Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal bake rise and fluff up slightly.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Sub: You can omit if you need a completely salt-free version.
Optional add-ins:
- Ground flaxseed (optional): Adds fiber and helps bind the ingredients.
Sub: Chia seeds, or you can skip this if preferred.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a crunchy texture and healthy fats.
Sub: Skip the nuts for a nut-free version, or use seeds like sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Date sugar (optional): Adds an extra hint of natural sweetness to the topping.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake, follow these steps:
1- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 baking dish.
2- Mix oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, flaxseed (optional), and salt in a large bowl.
3- In another bowl, whisk plant-based milk, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla.
4- Fold diced apples into the wet mixture.
5- Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir well.
6- Transfer to the baking dish, top with walnuts or pecans, date sugar, and apple pieces (optional).
7- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and set.
8- Let cool slightly, then serve warm with maple syrup if desired.
WHAT WILL YOU LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE?
Well, you will find that it is:
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, this bake is easy enough for a weekday breakfast and impressive enough for weekend brunch.
- Great to Make Ahead: Bake it on a Sunday and enjoy a grab-and-go breakfast throughout the week.
- Versatile: You can swap in pears for the apples, add raisins or cranberries, or change up the spices based on what you love.
- Nutritious: Packed with fiber, healthy fats (if you add nuts), and natural sweetness, this breakfast will keep you satisfied and energized.
Let’s prepare this delicious oatmeal bake!
MORE HEALTHY OPTIONS TO BAKE USING OATS!
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PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
HEALTHY AND COMFORTING APPLE CINNAMON OATMEAL BAKE- GF
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls
- 1 Baking dish (8×8 or similar)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups rolled oats (220g organic oats, gluten-free if necessary)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (5.2g)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (0.55g)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (2.3g)
- 1/4 tsp salt (1.5g)
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed (7g ground flaxseed, optional for extra fiber)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (480g)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (245g)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (80g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (4.2g)
- 2 medium apples (cored and diced, about 1 ½ cups or 150g)
Toppings (Optional)
- 1 extra apple (thinly sliced or cubed for decoration)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (30g)
- 2 tsp date sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish (around 8×8 inches or a similar size).
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking powder, ground flaxseed (if using), and salt. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the unsweetened plant-based milk, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Add the apples: Fold in the diced apples into the wet mixture.
- Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Transfer: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. If desired, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans, apple pieces, and date sugar on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden and the oatmeal is set.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, either on its own or with maple syrup.
Notes
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure a completely gluten-free recipe.
- Sweetness: The baked goods have a natural sweetness from the applesauce and maple syrup. If you prefer it to be sweeter, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or sprinkle some date sugar on top.
- Texture Options: Add chopped walnuts or pecans as a topping for a crunchier texture. If you prefer a softer bake, skip the nuts.
- Fruit Swaps: For a different fruit flavor, you can swap apples for pears, berries, or even peaches.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or frozen in individual portions for 2-3 months.
- Serving Tip: This bake is best served warm. Reheat in the microwave or oven and enjoy with a splash of plant-based milk for extra creaminess.
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS RECIPE
- Warm with Plant-Based Milk: For a comforting breakfast, serve a slice warm with a splash of almond, oat, or soy milk.
- Topped with Yogurt: For a creamy, tangy contrast, add a dollop of plant-based yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- With Fresh Fruit: Top with fresh berries, sliced bananas, apples, or pears for a burst of freshness and added nutrients.
- As a Snack: Enjoy it on its own as a satisfying snack that’s easy to take on the go.
- With Nut Butter: Drizzle almond or peanut butter on top for extra protein and richness.
- Sweet Treat: Warm up a slice and add a small maple or date syrup drizzle for a naturally sweet dessert-like treat. This is my favorite way!
- Make individual portions: simply divide the mixture evenly into a muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are golden and set.
DID YOU MAKE THIS APPLE CINNAMON OATMEAL BAKE?
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