Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups: Healthy & Delicious Make-Ahead Breakfast

Jumpstart your mornings with these delightful Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups, a healthy and convenient make-ahead breakfast solution from Healthy Dish Daily. These perfectly portioned cups offer natural sweetness and fiber, significantly reducing added sugars compared to many store-bought options. They are ideal for busy weekdays, offering a comforting and nutritious start that replaces sugary cereals with a wholesome alternative.

Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

Jumpstart your mornings with these delightful Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups, a healthy and convenient make-ahead breakfast solution.

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

25-30 mins

Total Time

40-45 mins

Servings: 12 cupsCourse: BreakfastCuisine: American

Ingredients

2 cups Rolled Oats
1 ½ cups Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 large Egg
1 medium Apple, diced
¼ cup Maple Syrup (or honey)
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
½ tsp Baking Powder
½ tsp Vanilla Extract
Pinch of Salt
Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Method

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, diced apple, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Pour wet ingredients into the dry oat mixture and stir until just combined.
Divide mixture evenly among muffin cups, filling each almost to the brim. Sprinkle with nuts if desired.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool in the muffin tin for 5-10 minutes before carefully removing.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Hero shot of baked apple cinnamon oatmeal cups in a muffin tin, garnished with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon, warm natural light, 45-degree angle, cozy kitchen background, professional food photography style.

Why You'll Love Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

Perfectly Portable: Ideal for busy mornings, grab-and-go breakfasts, or healthy snacks.
Nutrient-Packed: Full of fiber from oats and vitamins from fresh apples, keeping you full and energized.
Naturally Sweetened: Uses the inherent sweetness of apples and a touch of maple syrup, reducing reliance on refined sugars.
Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices for endless flavor combinations.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare a batch on Sunday and enjoy healthy breakfasts all week long.

Ingredients for Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

2 cups Rolled Oats: Provides a hearty, fiber-rich base that holds the cups together.
1 ½ cups Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients, creating a creamy texture.
1 large Egg: Acts as a binder, giving the oatmeal cups structure and preventing them from crumbling.
1 medium Apple, diced (e.g., Honeycrisp, Granny Smith): Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and delightful chunks of fruit.
¼ cup Maple Syrup (or honey): A natural sweetener that complements the apple and cinnamon flavors.
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that warm, comforting apple pie-like flavor.
½ tsp Baking Powder: Helps the oatmeal cups rise slightly, giving them a lighter, less dense texture.
½ tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a sweet, aromatic note.
Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and healthy fats.

How to Make Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking. This ensures easy removal of your baked oatmeal cups.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, diced apple, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This creates the liquid base for your oatmeal cups.

Hands mixing oatmeal cup batter in a bowl with a whisk, showing the apple and oat mixture, clean kitchen counter, bright natural light.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry oat mixture and stir until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.

Collage of 4 images: 1. Dry ingredients in bowl. 2. Wet ingredients being poured into dry. 3. Batter being scooped into muffin tin. 4. Muffin tin ready for oven. Consistent natural lighting, overhead and 45-degree angles, shallow depth of field, cozy kitchen setting.

5. Divide the mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each almost to the brim. If using, sprinkle the optional chopped nuts on top of each cup.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cups should feel firm to the touch.
7. Let the oatmeal cups cool in the muffin tin for 5-10 minutes before carefully removing them. This allows them to set and prevents them from breaking apart.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy immediately or store for later!

Expert Tips

Don't Rush Cooling: Allow the cups to cool in the muffin tin to prevent them from falling apart when removed.
Grease Generously: Even with non-stick tins, a light grease or paper liners ensure easy release.
Texture Control: For chewier cups, use old-fashioned rolled oats. For a softer texture, quick-cooking oats can be used, but avoid instant oats. For another delicious and easy breakfast option, try our Overnight Oats with Berries & Nuts.
Storage Savvy: Store cooled oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a toaster oven until warmed through.

Recipe Variations

Berry Burst: Swap apples for mixed berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.
Pumpkin Spice: Replace half the milk with pumpkin puree and add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal treat.
Chocolate Chip: Fold in a handful of dark chocolate chips for a decadent touch.
Nut Butter Swirl: Drizzle a teaspoon of peanut or almond butter on top before baking for added flavor and protein.

How to Serve Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

These versatile oatmeal cups are delicious on their own, but truly shine when paired with a few simple additions. Serve them warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. They also complement a fresh fruit salad beautifully. For other quick and healthy meal ideas, consider our Chickpea Salad Sandwiches or a refreshing Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl.

Two baked apple cinnamon oatmeal cups on a white plate with a side of Greek yogurt and fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, cozy morning setting, bright and clean food photography.

How Long to Cook Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

Bake these oatmeal cups for 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). You'll know they're perfectly done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They should feel firm to the touch, indicating they are fully set and ready to be enjoyed.

Is Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Healthy?

Absolutely! These Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups are packed with wholesome ingredients like fiber-rich oats and fresh apples. They offer a balanced start to your day, providing sustained energy without excessive added sugars, aligning perfectly with Healthy Dish Daily's mission to promote nourishing meals.