There’s something so cozy about the combination of warm apples, cinnamon, and fluffy oats. It’s like a hug in a bowl, but even better because it’s baked into a soft, cake-like texture. If you love the idea of dessert for breakfast but still want something healthy and nourishing, this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oats recipe is just for you!
The best part? It’s single-serving, meaning you get the perfect portion every time without any leftovers tempting you later. Plus, everything comes together easily in a blender, so no fancy equipment or multiple bowls are needed. Just blend, bake, and enjoy!
I first discovered baked oats during a cold winter morning when I was craving something more indulgent than my usual oatmeal but still wanted to stay on track with my healthy eating. I experimented with a few variations, and this cinnamon apple version quickly became my favorite. The soft, caramelized apples layered between the sweet, fluffy oats make every bite taste like a warm apple pie—without all the sugar and butter.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Baked Oats Recipe
This baked oats recipe is a game-changer for breakfast. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Healthy and filling – Made with whole-grain oats, protein-rich egg, and natural sweeteners like applesauce and maple syrup, this meal keeps you energized without a sugar crash.
- Tastes like dessert – The warm cinnamon-spiced apples add a comforting, pie-like flavor without being overly sweet.
- Single-serving – Perfect for portion control and those days when you just want something special for yourself.
- Super easy to make – Everything goes into a blender, making the batter smooth and fluffy. No extra bowls or mixers needed!
- Versatile and customizable – Whether you want to add extra protein, make it vegan, or switch up the flavors, this recipe is super adaptable.
Preparation Time & Servings
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 26-28 minutes
- Total time: 30-33 minutes
- Servings: 1
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Apples
- 1.5 tsp butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp diced green apple (adds a tart contrast)
- 2 tbsp diced honey crisp apple (for natural sweetness)
- ½ tsp all-purpose flour (helps create a caramelized texture)
- ½ tsp cane sugar
- ½ tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ⅛ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp vanilla extract
For the Baked Oats
- ½ cup rolled oats (old-fashioned for the best texture)
- 1 large egg (helps bind everything together)
- ¼ cup cinnamon applesauce (keeps it moist and naturally sweet)
- 2.5 tbsp milk (use dairy or a plant-based alternative)
- 1.5 tbsp maple syrup (for a touch of natural sweetness)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (the key spice for that warm, cozy flavor)
- ¼ tsp baking powder (for a fluffy texture)
- ⅛ tsp salt (balances out the sweetness)
- ½ tsp cinnamon sugar mixture (for layering)
Step-by-Step Instructions to make Cinnamon Apple Baked Oats
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4-inch ramekin or an oven-safe mug with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Apples
- In a small bowl, toss diced apples with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and become caramelized. Set aside.
Step 3: Blend the Oat Batter
- In a blender, add oats, egg, applesauce, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined (about 20-30 seconds). If the batter seems too thick, add an extra splash of milk.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared ramekin.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top, then layer in the cooked cinnamon apples.
- Pour the remaining batter over the apples and finish with another sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 26-28 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the baked oats cool for a minute or two before digging in. Serve warm and enjoy that cinnamon-apple goodness!
Tips & Variations
- Make it vegan – Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy.
- Boost the protein – Add 1 tbsp of protein powder or mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Add crunch – Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or granola on top before baking for added texture.
- Try a different fruit – Swap the apples for pears, bananas, or blueberries for a fresh twist.
- No oven? No problem! – Microwave the batter in a greased mug for 90 seconds for a quick and easy version.
How to Serve this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oats
This baked oats recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to make it extra special, here are some serving ideas:
- Top with Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess and extra protein.
- Drizzle with almond butter – For a nutty, rich flavor.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit – Berries or sliced bananas work beautifully.
- Dust with powdered sugar – For a café-style finish.
Storage & Meal Prep
Since this is a single-serving recipe, it’s best enjoyed fresh. However, if you want to prep ahead:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat in the microwave for 30-40 seconds before serving.
- Freeze: You can freeze the baked oats (without toppings) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before eating.
Special Equipment
- While this recipe is simple and doesn’t require any fancy tools, a few kitchen essentials can help you achieve the best results:
- Blender or Food Processor – This is the key to getting that smooth, cake-like texture. Blending the oats helps break them down into a fine flour, making the baked oats light and fluffy. If you don’t have a blender, you can use store-bought oat flour and mix everything by hand.
- 4-Inch Ramekin or Oven-Safe Dish – A small ramekin is perfect for single-serving baked oats, ensuring even baking and a soft, cake-like center. If you don’t have a ramekin, you can use a small oven-safe bowl or a muffin tin (for mini portions).
- Small Skillet or Nonstick Pan – This is used to lightly caramelize the apples before adding them to the batter. Sautéing them with cinnamon and butter enhances their sweetness and adds a richer, deeper flavor to the baked oats.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Since this is a small-batch recipe, accurate measurements are important. A set of measuring spoons ensures you get the right balance of sweetness and spice.
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula – Helpful for stirring the apples while they cook and scraping down the sides of the blender to ensure everything is well combined.
- Toothpick or Cake Tester – To check if your baked oats are done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your oats are fully cooked and ready to enjoy!
If you’re making the microwave version, you’ll also need a microwave-safe mug or bowl. Just be sure it’s deep enough to allow the oats to rise without overflowing!
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes! Quick oats work fine, but they may create a slightly different texture.
What if I don’t have a blender?
You can use oat flour instead of rolled oats and whisk the batter by hand.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just bake in a larger dish and increase the baking time by a few minutes.
How can I make this sugar-free?
Use mashed banana instead of maple syrup and skip the cane sugar.
What’s the best way to reheat baked oats?
Microwave for 30-40 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Baked Oats recipe is the perfect way to start your day with something warm, comforting, and nutritious. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and tastes just like a cozy apple dessert—but in a healthy, satisfying breakfast form.
What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to keep it classic, add extra protein, or experiment with different flavors, there’s always a way to make it your own. Plus, it’s a great way to use up extra apples, especially in the fall when they’re at their peak sweetness and flavor.
If you’re meal prepping, you can even make two or three servings at once and store them in the fridge for quick breakfasts throughout the week. And if you’re short on time, the microwave version is a lifesaver for busy mornings!
So, go ahead and give it a try! And if you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Snap a pic, tag me on Instagram, and let me know if you made any fun variations. Did you add nuts? Swap the apples for another fruit? Drizzle with extra maple syrup? Whatever you did, I hope you loved it as much as I do! 😊
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Cinnamon Apple Baked Oats – Easy & Healthy Breakfast Recipe
- Total Time: 30-33 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This single-serving Cinnamon Apple Baked Oats is a warm, nutritious breakfast that feels like a cozy apple pie but is naturally sweetened and packed with wholesome ingredients. Made with rolled oats, cinnamon, applesauce, and maple syrup, this easy recipe is blended for a smooth, cake-like texture and baked to perfection. Ideal for busy mornings or a healthy treat!
Ingredients
- For the Cinnamon Apples: butter, diced apples (green & honey crisp), all-purpose flour, cane sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract
- For the Baked Oats: rolled oats, egg, cinnamon applesauce, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, cinnamon sugar mixture
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a ramekin.
- Sauté diced apples with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla in melted butter until soft.
- Blend oats, egg, applesauce, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
- Layer batter, cinnamon sugar, and cooked apples in the ramekin. Top with more batter and cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 26-28 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
Can be made dairy-free by swapping butter and milk with plant-based alternatives. Microwave option available for a quicker version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American