Let me paint you a picture: It’s a crisp fall morning, the house smells like cinnamon and apples, and you’re curled up with a warm bowl of baked oatmeal that’s crispy on top, creamy in the middle, and packed with cozy flavors. This Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is my go-to for busy mornings, lazy weekends, and even breakfast-for-dinner nights.
I first stumbled on this recipe when my cousin Julianne emailed it to me. I made it that same afternoon (yes, at 3:53 PM—don’t judge), and it’s been a family favorite ever since. The best part? You can prep it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and still hit snooze twice.
Why This Recipe Works
- Make-ahead magic: Assemble the night before, bake in the morning. Breakfast hero status unlocked.
- Customizable: Skip the apples, add nuts or raisins—make it your own.
- Kid-approved: My picky eater calls it “apple pie oatmeal.” Sold.
Ingredients & Swaps
(Quantities in the recipe card!)
- Oats: 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats work, but texture will be softer.
- Apples: 2-3 large tart-sweet varieties (Honeycrisp or Gala). Peeled and diced for even baking.
- Milk: 2½ cups. Dairy or plant-based—your call.
- Eggs: 2 large. Flax eggs for a vegan twist.
- Sweetener: ½ cup brown sugar. Maple syrup or coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Pumpkin pie spice for extra warmth.
- Fat: 4 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil. Adds richness and helps crisp the top.
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- A drizzle of caramel sauce for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pan
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or 9×9 for thicker oatmeal). Pro tip: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups oats, 1½ tsp baking powder, 2 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¾ tsp salt, and ½ cup brown sugar. This is your flavor base—don’t skimp on the spices!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk 2½ cups milk, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla. Whisk until smooth—no eggy streaks!
4. Bring It All Together
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Add 4 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil. Stir until fully combined. It’ll look soupy—that’s okay!
5. Layer & Bake
- Scatter diced apples evenly across the bottom of the dish. Pour the oatmeal mixture over the top. Cover and refrigerate overnight if prepping ahead.
- Bake at 325°F for 35-45 mins until golden and set. A little jiggle is fine—it’ll firm up as it cools.
Pro Tips
- Apple prep: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor. Granny Smith + Honeycrisp = perfection.
- Crispy top: Broil for 1-2 mins at the end for extra crunch. Watch closely—it burns fast!
- Freeze it: Bake, cool, and slice into portions. Freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
FAQ
Can I use steel-cut oats?
Nope—they won’t soften enough. Stick with old-fashioned or quick oats.
Why is my oatmeal soggy?
Too much liquid or underbaking. Use a smaller pan for thicker oatmeal, and bake until the center is set.
Can I skip the apples?
Absolutely! This works as a plain baked oatmeal too. Add berries or bananas for variety.
Serving Ideas
- Breakfast bar: Set out toppings like yogurt, nuts, and maple syrup.
- Dessert twist: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Breakfast-for-dessert? Yes, please.
- On-the-go: Slice into squares and wrap individually for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 285 | Carbs: 42g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g
Stats vary based on milk and sweetener choices.
Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 2½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
- 2-3 large apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled and diced
Instructions
- Prep: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar in a large bowl.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and vanilla.
- Assemble: Pour wet ingredients into dry. Stir in melted butter.
- Layer: Scatter apples in the dish. Pour oatmeal mixture over top.
- Bake: 35-45 mins until golden and set. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.
- Storage: Keep leftovers airtight in the fridge 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
