Baked Apple Pie Oatmeal (Cozy Make Ahead Breakfast)
If you’re looking for an easy apple baked oatmeal that feels a little more special, this apple pie baked oatmeal is exactly that. It has all the warm flavors of apple pie, cinnamon, nutmeg, and tender baked apples, mixed into a soft, lightly sweet oatmeal that’s perfect for fall. It’s simple to make, great for meal prep, and works for both breakfast and snacks throughout the week.
I created this recipe after dialing in my baked oatmeal base and wanting something that captured those classic fall flavors. Apple pie has always been one of my favorites, so I wanted a version I could enjoy for breakfast without a lot of extra work. Since the base recipe was already solid, this one came together quickly with just a small tweak to the spice balance. It’s one I come back to every fall because it’s easy, reliable, and has just the right amount of sweetness.
If you enjoy this apple pie baked oatmeal, there are a few other baked oatmeal recipes you might want to try. My chocolate chip baked oats, banana bread baked oatmeal or zucchini bread baked oatmeal all use a similar base with different flavors, making it easy to switch things up if you want another flavor of baked oats next time.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Maple Syrup – Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor, not pancake syrup. You can also substitute honey or your favorite liquid sweetener if needed.
- Rolled Oats – Rolled oats, also called old-fashioned oats, give the best texture in baked oatmeal. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but the final result will be softer.
- Apples – Choose firm baking apples like Fuji, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith so they hold their shape while baking. Sweeter varieties like Fuji or Pink Lady will give a more classic apple pie flavor.
- Apple Pie Spices – This recipe uses a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a small amount of ground cloves. The cloves add depth and enhance the sweetness, while the cinnamon and nutmeg bring that warm, familiar apple pie flavor. If needed, you can use just cinnamon.
How to make apple pie baked oatmeal
Add dairy free milk, maple syrup and ground flax to a large bowl and stir well to ensure the flax doesn’t clump together. Add the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, salt and vanilla extract to the bow. Stir well. Peel and chop the apples Add them directly to the bowl with the oatmeal. Spray and 8X8 casserole dish and add the apple oatmeal. Bake at 350F for 45 minutes. Enjoy immediately or allow to cool and slice into squares.
Tips for success
- Use certified gluten-free oats if needed – Oats are naturally gluten-free but can be cross-contaminated. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Adjust sweetness to your preference – This recipe is lightly sweetened. For a more dessert-style bake, increase the maple syrup to ½ cup and reduce the milk by 2 tablespoons.
Easy Apple Baked Oatmeal Recipe (Make Ahead Breakfast)
Ingredients
- 2 cups dairy free milk
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons ground flax
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups rolled oats
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- pinch sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 medium apples
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- In a large bowl combine the dairy free milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract and ground flax. Stir well to ensure the flax doesn't clump together.2 cups dairy free milk, ⅓ cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons ground flax
- Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, and salt to the liquid mixture.1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2.5 cups rolled oats, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves, pinch sea salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Peel and chop the apples into 1/2 inch cubes. Add the apples to the oatmeal mixture.2 medium apples
- Spray a casserole dish with olive oil or avocado oil spray the add the oatmeal mixture.
- Bake in 350F oven for 45 minutes.
- Enjoy immediately out of the oven or allow to cool completely and cut into bars.
Recipe Notes
- Cut apples into small cubes – Cut apples into about ½ inch pieces so they soften while baking but still hold their shape in the oatmeal.
- Let it cool before slicing – If you want to cut this into bars, let it cool completely. Since this recipe is egg-free, it will be soft right out of the oven and firms up as it cools.
- Use the right pan when doubling – If doubling, use a 9×13 casserole dish and increase baking time by 5 to 10 minutes to ensure it cooks through.
- Stir in the flax right away – Mix the ground flax into the wet ingredients immediately to prevent clumping.
- Fridge: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information
Other additions
Want to change it up or use what you have on hand? Here are a few simple additions:
- Add some sweetness – Raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped pitted dates all work well with the apple pie flavors.
- Add crunch – Chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, pistachios, or sliced almonds add great texture. You can also use pumpkin seeds or dried coconut flakes.
- Add a protein boost – Stir in hemp hearts or collagen peptides for an easy way to make this more satisfying without changing the flavor.
Favorite Toppings for Apple Baked Oatmeal
I love adding a little something on top of this apple pie baked oatmeal to make it even more satisfying. A spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter is always a great option and pairs really well with the apple and spice flavors.
Another favorite is a simple maple yogurt topping. Just mix about ¼ cup of Greek yogurt with a tablespoon of maple syrup and spoon it over each slice right before serving. It adds a creamy texture and is an easy way to increase the protein.ing ideas
Common questions
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, this apple baked oatmeal is great for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat the entire dish at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or warm individual portions in the microwave or toaster oven.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, allow the baked apple oatmeal to cool completely then cut into squares. Put a piece of parchment paper between each square and freeze in a freezer safe bag for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight or in the microwave using 30 second intervals until defrosted.
Can this be made ahead? Could I store in the fridge overnight and bake in the morning?
Hey Dori! That is a great question. Yes you can make it ahead and bake in the morning. Hope you enjoy it! Happy cooking – Sam