Name: Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 ¼ cups milk of choice; 1 large egg; ¼ cup maple syrup or honey; 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups finely diced apple (about 1 large apple); ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Nothing says cozy morning quite like the smell of freshly baked Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups wafting through your kitchen. These delightful little cups capture all the best parts of apple-cinnamon oatmeal—warm spices, chunks of tender apple, a hint of sweetness—in an easy, portable, and perfectly portioned form. Whether you’re meal-prepping breakfasts for a busy week or seeking a wholesome snack, this recipe brings comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients together for a treat you’ll keep coming back to.

Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups is refreshingly simple, yet each item is essential for creating the right mix of flavor, texture, and heartiness. Don’t overlook the little details; every component plays a starring role!

Rolled oats: The backbone of the recipe, offering a chewy bite and that classic oatmeal texture we love.
Baking powder: Gives each cup a bit of lift and lightness.
Ground cinnamon: Warm and fragrant, this spice is the flavor focus and pairs beautifully with apple.
Ground nutmeg: A pinch brings even more coziness and depth to every bite.
Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
Milk of choice: Keeps everything moist—use dairy or any plant-based milk for a custom fit.
Large egg: Holds everything together and adds a bit of protein.
Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweetness and a touch of golden flavor that melds seamlessly with the apples and spice.
Melted coconut oil or butter: Adds richness, moisture, and a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle sweetness.
Finely diced apple: Fresh, juicy apple chunks make these baked oatmeal cups shine—go tart with Granny Smith or sweet with Honeycrisp.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For added crunch, warmth, and nutty goodness in every bite.

How to Make Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper muffin liners; this will make removing and cleaning up your Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined—this helps distribute the baking powder and spices evenly, so every cup is perfectly flavored.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your milk of choice, the egg, maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well blended and glossy. This ensures no streaks of egg and that the maple syrup (or honey) is fully incorporated for even sweetness throughout all your cups.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—just make sure the oats are evenly coated. Fold in the finely diced apple and, if you’re a fan of a little extra crunch, the chopped walnuts or pecans. Each fold distributes the juicy apple pieces so every cup is loaded with fresh fruit flavor.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon the mixture evenly into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top. This recipe is designed to make precisely 12 oatmeal cups. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are set and lightly golden. The kitchen will smell like heavenly autumn while they bake up!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups cool in the pan for about five minutes. This rest helps them firm up, making them easier to remove. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy them while still warm for the coziest treat.

How to Serve Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or even a dollop of creamy yogurt makes these Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups feel extra special. For a touch of color and crunch, sprinkle a few chopped nuts on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your oatmeal cups with seasonal fresh fruit, a mug of coffee, or even a smoothie for a balanced breakfast. They also play nicely alongside savory brunch favorites like eggs or breakfast sausage, creating a satisfying spread with something for everyone.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of the classic muffin tin shape, try baking these in mini muffin tins for bite-sized snacks, or arrange them on a platter with honey sticks and fruit for a crowd-pleasing brunch board. You can even slice them in half and spread on a little nut butter for a super-charged snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stash any leftover Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to five days, making them perfect for grab-and-go weekday breakfasts or snacking.

Freezing

These oatmeal cups freeze wonderfully! Arrange cooled cups in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months—just grab one whenever you need a quick breakfast fix.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a cold or frozen oatmeal cup in the microwave for 20 to 40 seconds (depending on your microwave and whether it’s refrigerated or frozen). They come out soft, warm, and ready to be enjoyed just like freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Steel-cut oats are much firmer and will not fully cook through with this baking method. Stick with rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) for the best texture and consistency in your Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups.

How do I make these Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups vegan?

Simply swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use your favorite non-dairy milk. Choose maple syrup for sweetness and coconut oil for fat. They turn out wonderfully!

What kind of apples work best?

Both tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) apples work well. Tart apples offer more pronounced apple flavor, while sweet apples add natural sweetness. You can mix varieties for even more depth.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Try adding dried fruit like cranberries or raisins, seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower, or switch up the nuts for different textures. Just don’t overload the batter—stick to around 1/2 cup total mix-ins for best results.

Are these suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups are a meal prep superstar. They store and freeze excellently, making weekday breakfasts convenient, healthy, and utterly delicious.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste just how warm, flavorful, and nourishing these Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups are, I have a hunch you’ll be making them on repeat! Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, an after-school snack, or a wholesome dessert, they’re sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. Give them a try soon—and enjoy every cozy bite!

Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 oatmeal cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups are a delightful and convenient way to enjoy a wholesome breakfast on the go. Packed with comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon, these oatmeal cups are perfect for meal prep or a quick morning bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 ¼ cups milk of choice
1 large egg
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional:

1 ½ cups finely diced apple (about 1 large apple)
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla.
Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
Add Apples and Nuts: Fold in diced apples and nuts, if desired.
Bake: Divide the mixture into muffin cups and bake for 25-30 minutes until set and golden.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool before serving warm or at room temperature.