Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked oatmeal combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the delicious flavors of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a breakfast that feels both comforting and indulgent. It's easy to prepare, especially if you make it ahead of time and bake it in the morning. The recipe is also customizable—add nuts or raisins if you like, or adjust the sweetness to your taste. Plus, it’s a filling and nutritious way to start your day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 cups (300 g) old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup (106 g) lightly packed brown sugar, more to taste if you like things a bit sweeter

• 2 ½ cups milk

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 4 tablespoons butter or coconut oil, melted

• 2-3 large tart sweet apples (like Honey Crisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease an 8x12-inch, 9x13-inch, or 9x9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. If you plan to make it ahead, you can skip preheating the oven for now and refrigerate the dish overnight.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar.

3. In a separate bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.

4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir in the melted butter or coconut oil until fully combined.

5. Arrange the diced apples evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Pour the oatmeal mixture over the apples.

6. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate overnight. If baking right away, uncover the dish before placing it in the oven.

7. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the oatmeal is set and no longer jiggly in the center.

8. Serve warm or at room temperature. You can add a splash of milk on top for extra creaminess.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 8 servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 40 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add-ins: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins to customize the flavor. Nuts, raisins, or even dried cranberries would complement the apples and cinnamon nicely. Stir them into the dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients.

• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preference. You can even use maple syrup or honey for a different sweetener.

• Pan size: If you prefer a thicker oatmeal, use a smaller pan like a 9x9-inch baking dish. If you’re using a larger pan, you may need to reduce the baking time slightly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover baked oatmeal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make Amish-style apple baked oatmeal ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it in the morning, and enjoy a warm breakfast in no time!

What type of apples should I use in this recipe?

Tart apples like Honey Crisp or Gala are ideal for this dish because they balance the sweetness of the oatmeal. However, any variety of apple will work depending on your preference.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover baked oatmeal for up to 3 months. Just cut it into individual servings, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store it in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy.

How do I make this oatmeal dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats.

Can I use a different type of sweetener?

Yes! You can substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute of your choice. Just be sure to adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly if using a liquid sweetener.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! If you're serving a larger group, simply double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a bit longer.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the dry ingredients before mixing in the wet ingredients. They’ll add a nice crunch and extra flavor to the dish.

Can I omit the apples?

Yes, if you prefer a more traditional Amish-style baked oatmeal, you can omit the apples and still have a delicious dish.

Can I bake this in a glass baking dish?

Yes, you can use a glass baking dish instead of a metal one. Just ensure that the pan is greased and that you monitor the baking time as glass dishes may cook slightly faster.

Conclusion

Amish-style apple and cinnamon baked oatmeal is a perfect comfort food breakfast or brunch, especially when you're looking for something hearty and warm. It's incredibly easy to make and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Whether you prepare it in advance or bake it fresh, this dish is guaranteed to please the whole family and keep everyone coming back for more.