Imagine waking up to the scent of cinnamon sugar slowly drifting through the air. You shuffle into the kitchen, still wrapped in a blanket, and there it is: a bubbling dish of baked oatmeal fresh from the oven. The top is golden brown, the apples are tender, and the aroma? Think spiced apple scent meets cinnamon roll heaven.
Let me tell you how I stumbled on this little gem. My cousin Sarah from Lancaster—yes, where the Amish know how to do breakfast right—made this for me on a chilly November visit. One bite and I was sold. It tasted like dessert but felt wholesome enough to have two servings without guilt. I had to make it my own, and now I’m sharing it with you.
This isn’t just any oatmeal. This is Amish-style baked oatmeal with soft apple chunks, warm spices, and that magical cinnamon sugar topping that makes mornings worth waking up for.
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Why This Baked Oatmeal Works Like a Charm
Here’s the thing—you need recipes that actually work for real life. This one checks all the boxes:
- It’s a make-ahead breakfast, perfect for those chaotic mornings when you need something warm and comforting without the scramble.
- The texture? Think creamy meets chewy, with tender apple cinnamon goodness in every bite.
- Kid-friendly oatmeal that tricks your little ones into thinking they’re eating apple pie for breakfast (shh, we won’t tell).
- Totally customizable depending on what you’ve got in the pantry. Want to go vegan or low-sugar? No problem.
- It’s equally at home on a holiday brunch dish lineup or as a trusty back-to-school breakfast.
The Flavor Combo You’ll Fall For: Cinnamon, Apple & Oats
There’s a reason cinnamon and apple are a dream team. When they get together, they throw a little party in your mouth. The apples soften in the oven, giving off that rich apple spice aroma that says, “Fall is here!”
The oats soak up all the flavor, turning creamy and cozy while keeping a slight bite. But it’s the cinnamon sugar topping that really brings it all home. It caramelizes slightly during baking, forming a sweet crust that mimics the swirl of a cinnamon roll.
This is what I call a cozy winter breakfast staple. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery and your stomach rumble in anticipation.
If you’re already a fan of recipes where cinnamon roll meets apple pie, you’re going to love this one too.
Ingredient Lineup & Easy Swaps
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups rolled oats (not steel-cut)
- 2 apples, peeled and diced (use a combo of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for max flavor)
- 2 eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a natural sweetener)
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 2 tsp aromatic cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional but Delicious:
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- A handful of raisins or dried cranberries
- A swirl of maple syrup or a caramel drizzle over the top
This recipe can also double as a low-sugar apple oatmeal if you reduce the sweetener. It’s a perfect base for a vegan apple cinnamon bake, and yes—it’s a naturally gluten-free cinnamon recipe if you use certified oats.
For more easy, cozy desserts, check out this simple apple dessert with cinnamon aroma.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a big bowl, stir together oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and any nuts or dried fruit.
- Whisk the wet: In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter/oil, vanilla, and sugar until combined.
- Combine: Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Layer it up: Scatter half of the apples into the greased dish, pour the oat mixture on top, and then sprinkle the remaining apples evenly across the surface.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden and the center is just set.
- Optional Overnight Method: Prep it all, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning while you sip coffee.
If you love nourishing ideas like this, pair it with these healthy snack ideas with apples and spice.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
- Apple tip: Use a combo of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Fuji or Gala) for a layered flavor.
- Want a crusty top? Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar and broil the last 2 minutes.
- Freeze like a pro: Cut into squares, wrap, and freeze. Just reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk.
- This also makes a great morning meal with apples for road trips or busy weekdays.
FAQs
Nope—not unless you parboil them first. Stick with rolled oats for the perfect texture.
Try using a wider baking dish and bake until the center is fully set. Let it cool slightly before cutting.
Try pears, blueberries, or even shredded zucchini for a twist.
Absolutely. Just use a 9×13 dish and bake for an extra 10-15 minutes.
Delicious Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt for a fiber-rich breakfast.
- Top with ice cream and caramel for a cheeky dessert.
- Cut into squares for a grab-and-go portable breakfast.
Planning a brunch? Add this to a table with our classic Dutch apple pie with cinnamon spice and thank me later.
Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy baked oatmeal dish with tender apples, warm spices, and a cinnamon sugar topping that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)
- 2 eggs or flax eggs
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: A handful of raisins or dried cranberries
- Optional: A swirl of maple syrup or caramel drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and optional nuts or dried fruit.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter or oil, vanilla, and sugar until well combined.
- Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
- Scatter half of the apples in the baking dish, pour the oat mixture on top, and sprinkle the rest of the apples evenly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and center is set.
- Optional: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar and broil for 2 minutes for a crusty top.
- Optional overnight method: Prepare, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning.
Notes
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor. Let cool before cutting for cleaner slices. Freeze leftovers in squares for easy reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Amish-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. A hearty oatmeal bake that tastes like comfort in a dish. It’s simple, wholesome, and bursting with fall flavors. Perfect for busy mornings, lazy Sundays, or anytime you need a little warm hug from your oven.
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, snap a photo, or share it with someone who needs breakfast inspiration. And if you’re craving more cinnamon magic, check out this churro-inspired dessert with cinnamon layers.
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