If you’re craving a cozy breakfast that’s packed with warm flavors and wholesome goodness, this Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how this recipe balances tender baked oats with the comforting spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, plus juicy chunks of apple that caramelize just right. Whether you’re serving up a weekend brunch or a make-ahead weekday morning, you’ll find this bake is exactly what you need to start your day happy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, wholesome ingredients: You’ll appreciate the straightforward pantry staples coming together in such a delicious way.
- Make-ahead magic: I love prepping it the night before so mornings are stress-free and still full of flavor.
- Family-friendly comfort food: My kids go crazy for this, and it’s perfect for satisfying picky eaters.
- Customizable and forgiving: You can easily swap apples for other fruits or add your favorite nuts – it’s a recipe that works for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe adds a unique layer of flavor or texture. Choosing good-quality apples and using fresh spices really elevates the dish, so don’t rush the shopping list!
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The heart of your bake – they soften beautifully without turning mushy.
- Baking powder: Helps the oatmeal rise and achieve a nice, fluffy texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Make sure it’s fresh for that punch of warm spice.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a touch adds depth and a subtle warmth.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness – you can adjust this based on your sweet tooth.
- Milk: Use your favorite variety; whole milk gives creaminess, but plant-based milks work great too.
- Eggs: Provide structure so your baked oatmeal holds together perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a lovely aromatic sweetness into every bite.
- Butter or coconut oil: Melted for richness and to keep the bake moist.
- Tart sweet apples (like Honey Crisp or Gala): Peeled, cored, and diced – their acidity and sweetness are essential to the classic flavor.
Variations
What’s fun about this Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve tried a few tweaks over time, and I encourage you to make it your own by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting flavors.
- Adding nuts or raisins: I’m not a nuts or raisins person, but a friend swears by tossing in chopped walnuts or golden raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Swapping fruits: Pears or even dried cranberries work well if you want to change things up or use what’s in season.
- Spice adjustments: If you love warm spices, feel free to increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of ginger for a cozy twist.
- Dairy-free tweaks: Use coconut oil and almond milk to make this recipe fit your dietary needs without losing flavor.
How to Make Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by lightly greasing an 8×12-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray – this helps your baked oatmeal lift out cleanly later. I sometimes use a smaller 9×9-inch pan when I want thick, custardy oatmeal, but just remember to keep an eye on the baking time. Preheat your oven to 325°F unless you’re making it ahead and refrigerating overnight (more on that later!).
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together your rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar in a large bowl. I always take a moment here to really mix everything well – I find it helps the spices spread evenly throughout the bake so you get that perfect cinnamon kick in every bite.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Pour in the melted butter or coconut oil, and whisk again. This mixture enriches the oats and binds everything as it bakes.
Step 4: Layer the Apples and Combine
Here’s a little trick I love: arrange the diced apples neatly on the bottom of your greased pan. Pour the oatmeal mixture evenly over the apples. Don’t worry if some apples pop up to the surface while baking—that’s part of the rustic charm. If you’re making this ahead, now’s the time to cover and refrigerate overnight.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the mixture is set (it should be slightly firm and not jiggly). I usually start checking around 35 minutes, especially if my pan is smaller and the oatmeal is thicker. If you like the very top a bit crispy, a minute or two under the broiler at the end works wonders.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Warm or Room Temp
Serve your Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal warm, with a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt. Leftovers are just as delicious at room temperature, making this a perfect grab-and-go option on busy mornings.
Pro Tips for Making Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Don’t skip softening the butter: Melted butter adds lovely richness and helps the oatmeal bake with a tender crumb.
- Use tart-sweet apples: Varieties like Honey Crisp or Gala bring the right balance of flavor without getting mushy during baking.
- Make ahead for busy mornings: Refrigerating overnight deepens the flavors and means all you have to do is pop it in the oven before breakfast.
- Avoid soggy spots: Arrange apples first to keep them from sinking unevenly and ensure each bite has perfectly cooked fruit.
How to Serve Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this baked oatmeal with a little extra cinnamon or some chopped toasted pecans for crunch. A drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a tiny bit of tang, which balances the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a simple scrambled egg on the side for a well-rounded breakfast. If I’m serving brunch, a cup of strong coffee or chai tea rounds it out perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to cut the baked oatmeal into squares and serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Plating individual portions with apple slices fanned on top makes for a warm, inviting presentation that guests always compliment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The texture softens a bit as it sits, but the flavors actually mellow and deepen, which I love. It’s nice reheated or cold, depending on your mood.
Freezing
This Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe freezes beautifully! I slice it into portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. It’s a lifesaver for quick breakfasts on hectic mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, I either microwave a slice for about 60 seconds or warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Adding a splash of milk before heating helps keep it moist.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
Quick oats absorb liquid faster and tend to get mushy when baked, so I recommend sticking with old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture and structure in this recipe.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based milk and coconut oil. It won’t be quite as custardy but still deliciously satisfying.
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How sweet is this baked oatmeal? Can I reduce the sugar?
This recipe strikes a balance with brown sugar, but if you prefer less sweetness, you can cut the sugar in half or substitute with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, adjusting to taste.
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What if my apples brown overnight when refrigerated?
Some softening and browning of the apples is normal when refrigerated overnight, but it doesn’t affect the flavor or safety of the bake. Baking it will soften and caramelize the apples perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe holds a special place in my breakfast rotation because it combines comforting traditional flavors with the ease of a make-ahead meal. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a lazy weekend, this recipe feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Give it a try—you’ll probably find yourself coming back to it again and again, just like my family does!
Print
Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a comforting, wholesome breakfast dish featuring rolled oats baked with warm spices, tender apples, and a touch of sweetness. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and enriched with eggs and milk, this baked oatmeal offers a hearty, cozy start to your day, served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (300 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (106 g) lightly packed brown sugar, more to taste
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons butter or coconut oil, melted
Fruit
- 2-3 large tart sweet apples (such as Honey Crisp or Gala), peeled, cored and diced
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease an 8×12-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan, or a 9×9-inch pan for thicker oatmeal, using nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) if baking immediately. If making ahead and refrigerating overnight, do not preheat yet.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract together until smooth and blended.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry oat mixture. Add the melted butter or coconut oil, then stir or whisk until everything is fully combined into a batter-like consistency.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Arrange the diced apples evenly over the bottom of the greased baking pan. Pour the oatmeal mixture on top of the apples, smoothing out the surface. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate overnight; otherwise, proceed to bake immediately.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture feels set without excessive jiggle.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, pour a little milk over the top before serving for extra creaminess.
Notes
- Add Ins: To customize, add nuts or raisins to the dry ingredients before mixing in the wet ingredients for extra texture and flavor.
- Make Ahead: When refrigerated overnight, some apples may rise to the surface and brown slightly, which does not affect the flavor.
- Apples: For a basic Amish-style baked oatmeal, you can omit apples. If using a smaller pan (like 9×9 inches), use 2 apples to avoid an overly thick dish.
- Pan Size: Smaller pans create thicker baked oatmeal; adjust baking time accordingly and watch for doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/8 of the recipe)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg