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There’s something about the scent of cinnamon and baked apples that feels like a soft invitation to pause and savor the moment. This healthier version of Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal (Cozy Fall Breakfast Bake) is your ticket to easy, comforting mornings infused with fall feels. I hope it becomes a beloved tradition on your table too.


apple cinnamon oatmeal bake topped with yogurt frosting served in a white plate

I actually created this apple cinnamon baked oatmeal after an early summer morning at the beach. The heat and humidity had me craving a good fall breeze. In the spirit of fall, I wanted something comforting but light, nourishing but not heavy. This bake was the answer to that craving. It’s the perfect go-to for ushering in the fall (even if it still feels early).

Baking this on a cool morning, with that cinnamon-apple aroma enveloping the house, feels like a warm embrace—made even more special with a light drizzle of yogurt frosting on top.

Add this minimal-effort, make-ahead apple cinnamon baked oatmeal to your fall morning routine—you’ll likely find it becoming a cozy family ritual too. Other yummy fall breakfast/dessert options to try include Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins, Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts, or Classic Apple Crisp.



Recipe Overview

Flavor Profile: warmly spiced, apple-sweet with caramel undertones from coconut sugar or maple syrup

Method: one-bowl mixing, oven-baked, no stovetop required

Skill Level: easy and family-friendly

Seasonal Vibe: perfect for back-to-school mornings, chilly weekdays, or relaxed weekend brunches

Diet-Friendly: can be made dairy-free and free of refined sugar

close up of a piece of cinnamon apple baked oatmeal served in a white plate topped with yogurt frosting

Ingredients You’ll Need

Oatmeal Bake:

• rolled oats
• milk (your choice—dairy or non-dairy)
• eggs
• coconut brown sugar (or maple syrup or honey)
• apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
• baking powder
• ground cinnamon
• ground nutmeg
• vanilla extract
• salt

Yogurt Frosting:

  • plain or Greek yogurt
  • a touch of honey
  • a sprinkle of cinnamon

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Then, in a large bowl, whisk rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.

2.	In a large bowl, whisk rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt

Step 2:

In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, your chosen sweetener, and vanilla.

Next, pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring until just combined.

4.	Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring until just combined.

Step 3:

Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil spray. Pour oatmeal mixture into the pan and gently fold in diced apples, scattering them evenly.

Optionally, drizzle maple syrup or honey across the top to encourage caramelization.

Step 4:

Place in oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, until set and golden on top.

Before Baking:

apple cinnamon oatmeal bake before going in oven

After Baking:

cinnamon apple baked oatmeal after baking

Final Step:

Let cool slightly before slicing; serve warm.

close up of a piece of cinnamon apple baked oatmeal served in a white plate topped with yogurt frosting

Ingredient Spotlight: Apples

Apples bring the unmistakable essence of fall, natural sweetness, and handfuls of fiber and antioxidants to this dish.

For best results, use crisp and slightly tart varieties such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith—they stay firm during baking and add wonderful texture to the softness of the oats.


Yogurt Frosting

This simple yogurt drizzle brightens the bake with its tang, sweetness, and creaminess—think of it as a lighter, fresher alternative to a sugary glaze.

Flavor
• a subtle tang that offsets the warming spices
• just enough honey to enhance without overwhelming
• a dash of cinnamon to echo the fall flavors

Texture
• silky and light—not thick or heavy
• when warm, it seeps into the oats for rich moisture
• served cold, it adds a refreshing, creamy contrast

It makes this oat bake feel brunch-worthy without extra fuss.

Just stir your ingredients and drizzle over slices before serving.

two slices of cinnamon apple baked oatmeal served with yogurt drizzle on top in two separate white plates with tray in background

Top Tips for a Successful Bake

Use rolled oats—not quick—for the best chew.

Resist overmixing—stir until just combined for a fluffier texture.

Cool slightly before slicing so it holds together.

Make ahead: it reheats beautifully and eases busy mornings.

Amp up fall feels with a topping of apple slices and cinnamon sugar before baking.

Substitutions & Variations

Dairy-Free: swap in almond, oat, or coconut milk.

Vegan Option: use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp water).

Adjust sweetness: reduce sweetener to ½ cup if desired.

Mix-ins: walnuts, raisins, or chocolate chips add texture.

Fall Twist: stir in pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice to create a pumpkin‑apple version.

Serve as Dessert: serve the apple cinnamon baked oatmeal with yogurt frosting and a toppings buffet including bowls of slivered or crushed nuts, sprinkles, diced fruits of your choice, and sauces/syrups.


Storage Tips

Fridge: keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer: slice, freeze in portions, wrap well, and reheat as needed.

Reheat: microwave for 30–45 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

serving cinnamon apple baked oatmeal with spatula from tray

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use steel-cut oats?

No, they need more liquid and longer baking—stick with rolled oats for this version.

Can I prep this the night before?

Absolutely. Assemble, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.

Can I swap applesauce for diced apples?

Yes, up to half (½ cup), but keep at least one diced apple for texture.

Is this gluten-free?

If you make it with certified gluten-free oats, yes it can be gluten-free.

Can it double as dessert?

Definitely—top with ice cream or whipped cream for a wholesome dessert twist.

How can I reheat it?

The best way to reheat the Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is in a pan sprayed with cooking oil spray on medium high heat. After a few minutes, flip to heat the other side for warm caramelized results!


Other Fall Dishes to Try:

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Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal (Fall Breakfast Bake)

By: Lama
A simple and nourishing apple‑spiced baked oat breakfast that brings comforting fall flavors to your table with minimal effort and maximum warmth.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 generous portions

Ingredients 

Oatmeal Bake

  • 3 cups Rolled oats
  • 3 cups Milk , (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 2 large Eggs
  • ½ cup Coconut brown sugar, or maple syrup or honey
  • 2 large Apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt

Yogurt Frosting

  • ½ cup Plain or Greek yogurt
  • ½ tablespoon Honey
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon

Instructions 

Oatmeal Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, coconut sugar (or substitutes), and vanilla.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
  • Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the diced apples evenly over the top, then lightly fold them in.
  • (Optional) Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top for extra sweetness and caramelization.
  • Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is set and golden brown.
  • Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Yogurt Frosting

  • Combine ingredients in bowl and mix. Pour on top of apple cinnamon oatmeal bake after it's been cooled or right before serving.

Notes

I love reheating piece by piece in a skillet on medium heat.  I sprinkle a little water for moisture.  I cook it for 3-5 minutes until its warm.
Use rolled oats—not quick—for the best chew.
Resist over mixing—stir until just combined for a fluffier texture.
Cool slightly before slicing so it holds together.
Make ahead: it reheats beautifully and eases busy mornings.
Amp up fall feels with a topping of apple slices and cinnamon sugar before baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 287kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 189mg | Potassium: 367mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 249IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 204mg | Iron: 2mg
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About Lama

I'm Lama, welcome to my blog where you will find simple and diverse recipes your entire family will enjoy. I am honored to connect with you through the recipes I prepare!

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