Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

I’ve always been drawn to the comforting simplicity of traditional Amish recipes, and this Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is one that brings warmth and coziness to my kitchen every time. The first time I made it, I was looking for something hearty yet wholesome to serve for breakfast on a crisp autumn morning. I had a few apples sitting on the counter, and the smell of cinnamon always reminds me of childhood. That’s when I decided to recreate an Amish-inspired baked oatmeal dish that’s rich in texture, mildly sweet, and full of flavor.

What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms basic pantry staples into a delicious, filling breakfast. The oats bake up soft yet chewy, the apples become tender and slightly caramelized, and the cinnamon infuses everything with a warm, inviting aroma. It’s the kind of breakfast that doesn’t just feed the body—it nourishes the soul.

You’ll love this recipe for so many reasons. It’s not just a cozy breakfast—it’s a wholesome meal prep option that stores beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing brunch for friends, or just want a warm slice with your morning coffee, this baked oatmeal is incredibly satisfying. It’s nutritious without feeling like a compromise and sweet enough to feel indulgent, but without refined sugar overload.

This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can use any type of apple you have on hand, and it pairs well with add-ins like chopped nuts, raisins, or even a few banana slices. It can be made dairy-free or gluten-free with a couple of easy swaps, making it a perfect option for various dietary needs.

Another reason I love this recipe is how affordable it is. Oats, apples, cinnamon—these are ingredients most of us already keep at home. With a few additional items like milk, eggs, and a natural sweetener, you’ve got a wholesome dish that feeds a family without breaking the budget.

Ingredients for the Recipe:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)

• 1 large egg

• ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey

• 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped

• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or raisins

How to Prepare This Recipe

Part 2: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing this Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is both quick and rewarding. The steps are simple, the ingredients are straightforward, and the result is a hearty, nourishing dish that fills your home with the scent of cinnamon and baked apples. You don’t need to be an expert baker to get this right—it’s a beginner-friendly recipe that always impresses.

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with butter or a little oil to prevent sticking. This size is perfect for a family-sized portion and helps the oatmeal bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir everything together until evenly blended. Using rolled oats gives the dish its signature texture—they hold their shape and create a hearty base.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, maple syrup (or honey), melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract. Make sure the melted butter isn’t too hot, or it may scramble the egg. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Apples

Peel and chop the apples into small cubes, about ½ inch in size. You want the pieces small enough to cook through but large enough to hold texture. Tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully here, though sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp also taste amazing.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until fully incorporated. Fold in the chopped apples and any optional add-ins like walnuts or raisins. Mix gently to distribute them evenly without over-stirring.

Step 6: Pour into the Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the oatmeal evenly across the surface. You can lightly press it down to ensure a uniform texture as it bakes. If you like a slightly crispier top, drizzle a small amount of melted butter over the surface before baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the center of your oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the oatmeal is set. You’ll know it’s done when the center feels firm to the touch and the edges are slightly browned. For a softer texture, bake on the shorter side. For a firmer, more sliceable square, let it bake closer to 40 minutes.

Step 8: Let It Cool Slightly Before Serving

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the oatmeal set completely and makes serving easier. You can enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled the next day.

Quick and Easy for Busy Mornings

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores. You can make it the night before and reheat slices in the microwave for a warm, ready-made breakfast. It saves time and ensures your mornings start with something nourishing. It also freezes beautifully—just cut into portions, wrap individually, and freeze.

Customizable to Your Taste

This baked oatmeal is endlessly customizable. If you like added crunch, fold in chopped almonds or pecans. For more sweetness, add a few spoonfuls of brown sugar sprinkled on top before baking. You can also swap the apples for pears or berries when in season. Prefer a dairy-free version? Use almond milk or oat milk. Avoiding eggs? A flax egg works great as a substitute.

Popular with Many People

This recipe has become a favorite with both kids and adults. The familiar flavors of apple and cinnamon are comforting and well-loved. It’s a great way to encourage healthy eating habits, especially for those who shy away from plain oatmeal. Served with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of extra maple syrup, it turns into a breakfast treat everyone looks forward to.

Whether you serve it on a quiet weekday or bring it to a brunch table on the weekend, Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is always a welcome dish. It’s cozy, wholesome, and feels just like something out of a farmhouse kitchen.

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FAQs

Part 3: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this baked oatmeal ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can bake it the night before, let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. In the morning, reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Can I freeze Amish-Style Baked Oatmeal?
Yes, it freezes very well. After baking, allow the oatmeal to cool, then cut into individual portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or store in airtight containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave directly from frozen.

Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and rested for 5 minutes). It holds the oatmeal together well and works for vegan or egg-free diets.

Which apples work best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith give a balanced flavor, while sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji add more natural sweetness. You can use whatever you prefer or have on hand.

Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Yes. Blueberries, chopped pears, raisins, walnuts, almonds, or pecans all make great additions. Just keep the total volume of add-ins around ½ to 1 cup to maintain balance.