These Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups are a cozy twist on your classic morning bowl of oats made in muffin form for ultimate convenience and portion control. They’re warm, fragrant, and packed with hearty whole grains, subtly sweetened with maple syrup, and enhanced by the comforting notes of apple and cinnamon. Whether you’re in a rush to work or sipping coffee slowly at home, they’re your new breakfast best friend.
Ideal for prepping ahead of a busy week, these oatmeal cups keep well in the fridge and reheat beautifully. You can dress them up with yogurt and a drizzle of nut butter or enjoy them just as they are. Each bite brings nostalgia, warmth, and nourishment, making them a reliable go-to for families, students, and anyone wanting a fuss-free breakfast.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups rolled oats
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
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1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
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1/4 cup maple syrup
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 apple, finely diced
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Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for topping
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with silicone liners.
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In a large bowl, mix oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together almond milk, applesauce, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
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Fold in the diced apple gently.
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Divide mixture evenly into the muffin cups. Top with nuts if using.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, until set and lightly golden on top.
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Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 130 kcal per cup | Servings: 12 oatmeal cups
Baked oatmeal cups are an innovative way to turn classic oatmeal into a portable, fuss-free breakfast option and when you add the warm flavors of apple and cinnamon, you create something truly special. Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups are not just convenient and tasty they’re a breakfast that hits all the right notes: nutritious, comforting, and family-friendly. Whether you’re looking for an easy breakfast meal prep option or a cozy autumn-inspired treat, these oatmeal cups deliver wholesome goodness in every bite.
With their muffin-like shape and soft, chewy texture, these cups are easy to eat on the go or serve as part of a sit-down breakfast. They combine the heartiness of oats with naturally sweet apples, the warm spice of cinnamon, and a hint of maple syrup. Plus, they’re gluten-free and refined sugar-free, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
Why Apple Cinnamon Is the Ultimate Flavor Duo
There’s something inherently comforting about the pairing of apples and cinnamon. This flavor combination has stood the test of time, from apple pies to spiced cider, and in this recipe, it lends a naturally sweet, aromatic depth that transforms simple oats into something cozy and crave-worthy.
The apples add moisture and natural sweetness, while the cinnamon adds a warming spice that balances and enhances the oats’ earthy flavor. Together, they create a breakfast that feels indulgent, yet is healthy and nutrient-dense.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Busy Lifestyles
These baked oatmeal cups are a lifesaver for anyone with a busy schedule. Because they are baked in muffin tins, they are pre-portioned and easy to store. You can make a batch at the beginning of the week and have a healthy breakfast or snack ready to go each morning.
They can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for longer shelf life. Just pop one in the microwave or toaster oven for a quick, satisfying breakfast. Kids love them, adults rely on them, and everyone benefits from their wholesome ingredients.
Nutritional Benefits and Dietary-Friendly Features
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups are not only delicious they’re packed with nutrition. The base of rolled oats provides whole grains and fiber that help with digestion and keep you full longer. The recipe is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and applesauce, avoiding refined sugars and allowing for a low-glycemic index meal.
Using unsweetened almond milk makes these oatmeal cups dairy-free, and they can easily be adapted for vegan diets by substituting the egg with a flax egg or mashed banana. The addition of fresh apples introduces fiber and vitamin C, and cinnamon provides antioxidants and blood sugar-stabilizing properties.
These benefits make them an ideal option for people managing blood sugar levels, those following gluten-free or dairy-free diets, or anyone simply looking to clean up their eating habits.
Kid-Friendly, Lunchbox-Approved
Parents love this recipe because it’s something even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. The sweet aroma and soft texture are familiar and comforting, especially for children who may be reluctant to eat traditional oatmeal. Because they’re handheld and mess-free, they’re perfect for lunchboxes, school snacks, or after-school bites.
Adding a few chopped nuts on top can increase the protein and healthy fat content, while including raisins or cranberries can turn the cups into a fun, fruity variation. You can even stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips to turn them into a sweet treat without going overboard on sugar.
Customizable and Versatile
Another reason to love these oatmeal cups is how easy they are to adapt to your taste and pantry staples. Don’t have apples? Try using mashed banana or shredded carrot. Want more texture? Toss in chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, or coconut flakes. Prefer a little tang? Add dried cranberries or blueberries to the mix.
Spice-wise, cinnamon is the star here, but don’t hesitate to add nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a more complex flavor. You can also play with sweeteners agave, honey, or date syrup are great substitutes for maple syrup.
This recipe’s flexibility makes it ideal for seasonal variations or catering to dietary restrictions. You’ll never get bored, and it’s easy to make these your own.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Pairings
These oatmeal cups are satisfying on their own, but you can easily elevate them for a more elaborate meal. Try serving them warm with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of nut butter for added protein and richness. They pair beautifully with chai or herbal tea, and make a great sidekick to a smoothie or a protein shake.
For brunch gatherings, stack them on a platter with a bowl of yogurt dip and some fresh fruit on the side. Their muffin-like presentation makes them visually appealing and perfect for potlucks, baby showers, or weekend breakfast spreads.
You can even crumble them over a bowl of yogurt or smoothie for a deconstructed parfait experience.
Great for All Seasons
Although apple and cinnamon give these oatmeal cups an autumnal vibe, they are delicious all year round. In the colder months, they warm you up and satisfy your craving for cozy foods. In the warmer months, you can serve them chilled straight from the fridge or pack them for road trips and picnics.
Their adaptability to fresh produce makes them a go-to for any season sub in fresh berries during spring and summer, or use canned pumpkin puree and warming spices in winter for a festive variation.
Why These Oatmeal Cups Should Be a Weekly Staple
It’s rare to find a breakfast option that is fast, nourishing, adaptable, and kid-approved all at once. These Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups meet all those criteria and more. They are simple to prepare, easy to store, and endlessly customizable. From busy professionals to active parents to fitness enthusiasts, this recipe fits effortlessly into every lifestyle.
Instead of reaching for a sugary cereal bar or skipping breakfast entirely, these cups allow you to prioritize your health without sacrificing time or taste.
Conclusion: A Comforting, Nutrient-Dense Breakfast You’ll Return To
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups are a comforting blend of hearty oats, warm spices, and juicy apple bites baked into a convenient muffin shape. Their versatility, nourishing ingredients, and grab-and-go nature make them a standout choice for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a brunch, or just need a cozy pick-me-up to start the day, these oatmeal cups deliver on every front. They are easy to make, kid-friendly, and suitable for a variety of dietary needs. This is the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your kitchen the one you memorize, remix, and return to again and again.
Ready to simplify your mornings while treating yourself to something wholesome and delicious? Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups are the way to go.