Pin It This warm and comforting baked oatmeal combines tender rolled oats with sweet, spiced apples for a cozy breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl. The oats bake until golden and set, while diced apples soften beautifully with cinnamon and brown sugar. A generous dollop of sweetened Greek yogurt adds cool creaminess that balances the warm, spiced base perfectly. Toasted walnuts or pecans provide a satisfying crunch, though the dish stands well without them. This dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or busy weekday mornings. Simply reheat individual portions and add a fresh scoop of yogurt for a quick, wholesome breakfast that tastes like it took hours to make.
My apartment smelled like fall had taken over the entire kitchen last Sunday when I decided to bake this oatmeal instead of cooking it on the stove. The way the cinnamon and apples filled every corner of the space made even my neighbor text me asking what I was making.
Last winter my sister stayed over and woke up to the scent of this baking. She took one bite and asked me to make it every weekend for the rest of her visit. Now she texts me from three states away whenever she makes it herself.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These hold their texture better than instant oats and give you that satisfying chew
- Milk: I use whole milk for creaminess but any milk works beautifully
- Eggs: They bind everything together and add protein that keeps you full
- Maple syrup or honey: This subtle sweetness balances the tart apples perfectly
- Melted butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and helps the edges get crispy and golden
- Vanilla extract: Dont skip this it pulls all the flavors together
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: These warm spices make the kitchen smell amazing
- Baking powder: Gives the oatmeal a slight lift so its not dense
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the other flavors
- Apples: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best for holding their shape
- Lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds brightness
- Brown sugar: Optional but creates this lovely caramelized coating on the apples
- Greek yogurt: Cool tangy contrast to the warm spiced oatmeal
- Toasted nuts: Walnuts or pecans add the perfect crunch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Get it to 350°F and grease an 8x8 baking dish with butter
- Whisk the wet ingredients:
- Beat eggs milk melted butter maple syrup and vanilla until smooth
- Combine the base:
- Stir in oats baking powder cinnamon nutmeg and salt until everything is coated
- Prep the apples:
- Toss diced apples with lemon juice brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon
- Fold together:
- Gently mix the apples into the oat mixture
- Bake:
- Pour into your dish and bake 35 to 40 minutes until golden and set in the center
- Rest before serving:
- Let it cool 5 to 10 minutes so it sets up nicely
- Make the topping:
- Stir Greek yogurt with maple syrup until smooth
- Serve it up:
- Cut into squares and top with yogurt and nuts
Pin It My dad who claims to not like oatmeal tried this once and asked for seconds. Now its his go to request whenever he visits. Something about the baked texture changes everything for skeptics.
Make It Your Own
I have swapped pears for apples in the spring and it is just as lovely. Dried cranberries or raisins add these little bursts of sweetness that make each bite interesting.
Meal Prep Magic
This is one of those breakfasts that actually improves overnight. The oats absorb more moisture and the flavors deepen making it perfect for busy mornings.
Serving Ideas
Sometimes I skip the yogurt and drizzle with warm milk instead. A cup of Earl Grey tea alongside makes the whole experience feel like a cozy cafe breakfast at home.
- Try swapping walnuts for pecans for a deeper buttery flavor
- Add a scoop of protein powder to the wet mixture for extra staying power
- Freeze individual portions and reheat for a quick weekday breakfast
Pin It There is something so grounding about starting the day with a warm homemade breakfast. This one has become my favorite way to slow down a hectic morning.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I make this baked oatmeal dairy-free?
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Yes, simply use non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk, replace butter with coconut oil, and use a plant-based yogurt alternative for the topping. The texture and flavor remain delicious.
- → What type of apples work best?
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Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape well during baking. Softer varieties like Fuji or Gala also work nicely if you prefer a more tender fruit texture.
- → Can I prepare this the night before?
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Absolutely. Assemble the mixture the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
- → How should I store leftovers?
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Store cooled squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Add fresh yogurt when serving.
- → Can I use steel-cut oats instead?
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Steel-cut oats require more liquid and longer cooking time, so they're not recommended for this recipe. Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the perfect tender texture and proper consistency.
- → What other fruits can I use?
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Pears work beautifully as a direct substitute for apples. You can also add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates to the oat mixture, or try fresh berries when in season.
