If you’re searching for a breakfast that’s as comforting as it is convenient, Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups will win your heart. Imagine the warmth of baked apples, the cozy aroma of cinnamon, and a tender, golden oat base all tucked into portable cups. They’re not only perfect for meal prep but make busy mornings a delight—just grab and go! Packed with nourishing ingredients, a touch of maple sweetness, and a hint of crunch from nuts, these cups have become a staple in my kitchen and I promise, they’ll quickly become one of your favorites too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups come together with a handful of simple staples, but each one truly shines in making these breakfast treats as flavorful and satisfying as possible. Here’s why every ingredient matters and how you can tweak them to suit your tastes:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Provide a chewy, hearty base that soaks up all the flavors without turning mushy.
- Baking powder: Helps the cups rise a bit, keeping them light instead of dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers cozy, unmistakable warmth that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and sharpens all the flavors.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds moisture and creaminess—use your favorite kind!
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together, giving each cup structure.
- Maple syrup or honey: Naturally sweetens the oatmeal cups and adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the aroma and brings out the apple and cinnamon notes.
- Melted coconut oil or butter: Creates a tender, moist crumb—choose coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor or butter for classic richness.
- Diced apple (peeled): Offers juicy sweetness in every bite; tart or sweet varieties both work well.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): If you love crunch and a little nuttiness, these are a must-add!
How to Make Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners—either works well, but greasing gives a slightly softer edge to the cups. This quick prep ensures your oatmeal cups pop out cleanly and bake evenly.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This simple step distributes all your dry flavors evenly from the very beginning, giving you a consistent taste in every bite of those irresistible Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine milk, eggs, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil or butter. Whisk until everything is smooth. This blend brings natural sweetness, a little fat for moisture, and the right binding power to hold your cups together.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. Don’t overmix—just enough to ensure everything is moistened. Then gently fold in the diced apples and, if you’re using them, the nuts. Every stir adds more anticipation for those little pockets of juicy apple you’ll soon discover.
Step 5: Portion and Bake
Divide the oatmeal mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each right to the top. These cups don’t rise much, so don’t worry about overfilling! Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tops are golden and set. Your kitchen will start to smell like a cozy fall afternoon.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the baked oatmeal cups to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they finish cooling, just enough to hold together perfectly when you pick one up—no fork required!
How to Serve Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups with an extra pinch of cinnamon, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup for an inviting, bakery-style finish. For a little sparkle and crunch, try adding a few chopped nuts or even a tiny swirl of almond butter on top before serving.
Side Dishes
For a complete breakfast, pair these oatmeal cups with Greek yogurt, a bowl of fresh berries, or crispy turkey bacon. They’re also fantastic alongside a smoothie or your favorite latte. You can keep the meal light or build it up for extra staying power depending on your morning routine.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving a crowd? Stack the oatmeal cups on a rustic cake stand and let guests help themselves, or tuck them into parchment muffin sleeves for grab-and-go style. For a fun brunch, offer a “topping bar” with bowls of chopped fruit, yogurt, nut butters, and extra syrup so everyone can customize their Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups their own way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stash any leftover oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and moist for up to 5 days, making them ideal for meal prep or quick weekday breakfasts. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
Freezing
Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When hunger strikes, just thaw overnight in the fridge or pop a cup straight in the microwave for a speedy breakfast.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave a cup for 20–30 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also warm several at once in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes—perfect for feeding a group or enjoying that “just-baked” taste any day of the week.
FAQs
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats give the cups their perfect texture, but instant oats can work in a pinch—just know the cups may be a bit softer and less chewy. For best results, stick to old-fashioned rolled oats as called for in the Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups recipe.
Which type Breakfast
You can use any apples you love! Tart apples like Granny Smith bring a tangy, fresh bite, while sweeter apples such as Honeycrisp or Fuji lend dessert-like sweetness. Mixing varieties also adds exciting depth to the flavor.
Are these cups gluten-free?
Yes, Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making these a safe and delicious option for gluten-sensitive guests.
How can I make these vegan?
It’s easy—replace the two eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk along with coconut oil or vegan butter. Swap honey for maple syrup, and you’re set!
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
If you don’t have a muffin tin, bake the mixture in a greased 8×8-inch square baking dish. Cut into squares once baked; the texture will be just as delightful, though you’ll lose a bit of that portable charm.
Final Thoughts
Ready to embrace cozy mornings and on-the-go breakfasts? Give these Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups a spot in your weekly lineup. There’s nothing like opening the fridge and knowing a batch of home-baked goodness is ready to jump-start your day. Happy baking!
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Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 oatmeal cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups are a wholesome and convenient breakfast option that can be made ahead of time. Packed with oats, apples, and warm spices, these individual cups are perfect for a quick and satisfying morning meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
Additional:
- 1 ½ cups diced apple (peeled)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil.
- Blend wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
- Add apples and nuts: Fold in diced apples and nuts, if using.
- Fill muffin cups: Divide the mixture among 12 muffin cups, filling each to the top.
- Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until set and golden.
- Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- These oatmeal cups are ideal for meal prep and can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Reheat in the microwave before serving for a quick breakfast option.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangy flavor or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp for a sweeter taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oatmeal cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
