If you’re looking for a wholesome, cozy breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, this Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Packed with tender oats, sweet cinnamon, and tender apples, these oatmeal cups are not only easy to make but also perfect for on-the-go mornings or a comforting snack. Each bite offers a beautiful blend of textures and flavors that bring a little joy to your day, making breakfast something to truly look forward to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, everyday ingredients is the first step to creating these delicious oatmeal cups. Each element plays an essential role in building the flavors, moisture, and texture that make this recipe irresistible.
- Rolled oats: The hearty base that provides fiber and chewiness, making these cups filling and nutritious.
- Diced apples: Bringing fresh sweetness and a slight crispness, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add perfect contrast.
- Almond milk: This dairy-free milk keeps the mixture moist without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Maple syrup or honey: Natural sweeteners that lend a gentle caramel undertone for cozy warmth.
- Applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness, keeping the cups tender and soft.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that infuses every bite with that classic apple-cinnamon magic.
- Nutmeg: A subtle hint of warmth and depth to elevate the cinnamon’s flavor.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a crunchy texture and a nutty finish, though totally optional if you prefer them plain.
How to Make Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to let it warm up while you prep the ingredients. Next, grease your muffin tin with a little cooking spray or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and if you’re using nuts, toss them in now. This ensures your spices and nuts are evenly distributed throughout every oatmeal cup for consistent flavor and crunch.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the almond milk, maple syrup, and applesauce until smooth. This wet mixture binds everything together and infuses sweetness and moisture to the oats.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently but thoroughly to coat every oat with that lovely cinnamon-spiced milk blend. This creates the perfect batter that will bake into soft yet structured cups.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Carefully fold the diced apples into the oatmeal batter. This step is key so the apples don’t get mashed but remain in tender chunks, offering bursts of fresh apple flavor in each bite.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin cups, pressing down lightly to settle the batter. Filling each cup generously helps ensure you get that perfectly baked golden top and the right texture throughout.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the oatmeal cups for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden brown color and a toothpick coming out clean—this means the centers are set but still wonderfully moist.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cups cool for about 5 minutes in the tin before carefully removing them. This brief rest helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to handle without falling apart.
How to Serve Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Top these oatmeal cups with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of warm maple syrup for added richness. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few chopped nuts on top adds a lovely finishing touch and boosts the visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside fresh fruit or a hot cup of tea or coffee to round out your morning meal. These oatmeal cups also pair beautifully with a side of scrambled eggs or a fresh green smoothie if you’re looking for something a bit more substantial.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the baked oatmeal cups with yogurt and fruit in a mason jar for an inviting breakfast parfait. Alternatively, slice one in half and serve it as a mini sandwich with nut butter or cream cheese for an unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, making weekday breakfasts and snacks a breeze.
Freezing
These cups freeze wonderfully! Pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When you need a quick bite, just pull out a few and thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost gently in the microwave.
Reheating
To enjoy warm oatmeal cups, microwave them for about 30 to 60 seconds. If you’d like a crispier exterior, a quick toast in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes works beautifully too.
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats work best here since they absorb liquid quickly and bake with the right texture. Steel-cut oats are much harder and would require longer cooking or soaking to achieve a similar result.
Are these oatmeal cups gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make these oatmeal cups vegan?
Absolutely! Just use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and swap honey for maple syrup to keep it fully vegan.
How sweet are these oatmeal cups?
They have a gentle sweetness thanks to the maple syrup and applesauce, balanced perfectly by tart apples and warm spices—not too sugary but pleasantly sweet.
Can I add other fruits or mix-ins?
Definitely! Blueberries, raisins, or chopped dried fruit can be stirred in with the apples, and seeds like chia or flax add a nutritional boost without altering the flavor much.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe is a breakfast game changer. It holds the perfect balance of comfort, nutrition, and convenience that makes mornings brighter. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or treating yourself on a slow weekend, these cups deliver warmth and happiness in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever started the day without them!
Print
Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups are a wholesome and delicious breakfast treat perfect for meal prep. Made with rolled oats, juicy diced apples, warming cinnamon and nutmeg, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup and applesauce, they bake into handy, portable cups that are perfect for a nourishing start to your day or a healthy snack. With optional nuts for added texture and nutrition, these oatmeal cups offer a balanced combination of fiber, protein, and natural sweetness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 cup applesauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line with paper liners to ensure the oatmeal cups don’t stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and nuts.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup (or honey), and applesauce until smooth and well blended.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry oats mixture and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the oats are evenly coated.
- Add diced apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the oat mixture, ensuring they are evenly dispersed without breaking them up too much.
- Fill muffin cups: Spoon the oatmeal mixture into the prepared muffin tin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Press down gently to compact the mixture slightly for better shape retention when baked.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the baked oatmeal cups to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use any type of milk you prefer; dairy or plant-based work well.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or agave nectar for sweetness.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or pecans.
- These oatmeal cups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before eating.
- Feel free to add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
