If you have been searching for a warm and wholesome treat that brightens your mornings, you have to try this Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe. Imagine tender oats mingling with the comforting spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, all wrapped around sweet, juicy chunks of apple. These oatmeal cups are the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, delivering a cozy breakfast that feels both nourishing and indulgent. They are easy to make, portable, and just right for those busy days when you want something delicious and satisfying to fuel your energy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe comes alive through a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and a golden hue that’s sure to please your eyes as much as your palate.
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: They provide hearty texture and slow-burning energy.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cups a light, fluffy lift.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy spice essential for apple desserts.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers subtle depth and earthiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: Brings moisture and natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Adds rich sweetness with a hint of caramel.
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy): Provides creaminess and helps bind everything together.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds protein.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Offers a lovely aromatic lift.
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or butter: Adds richness and keeps the cups moist.
- 1 cup finely chopped apple (peeled if desired): The star component, giving bursts of fresh apple flavor.
How to Make Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by either lightly greasing it with butter or coconut oil or lining it with paper muffin cups. This step ensures your oatmeal cups will release easily once baked, and you’ll get a nice texture on the outside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these first allows the spices and leavening to distribute evenly throughout the batter, so every bite is perfectly spiced and has the right fluffiness.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil or butter. This liquid mixture not only binds everything together but also infuses sweetness and moisture that make the oatmeal cups tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry oat mixture and stir gently until they come together well. Be careful not to overmix; you want everything incorporated but still a nice, light texture in the final cups.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Carefully fold the finely chopped apples into the batter. These add delightful texture and bursts of freshness that perfectly complement the cinnamon and nutmeg flavors throughout the oatmeal cups.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Divide the mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each one right up to the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are set and lightly golden. The aroma filling your kitchen is an amazing preview of the deliciousness to come!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the oatmeal cups cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They are delicious warm but also fantastic at room temperature, making them a versatile breakfast or snack option.
How to Serve Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your baked apple cinnamon oatmeal cups, try sprinkling some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top, or a light drizzle of maple syrup or honey. You can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a smear of nut butter to add richness and contrast.
Side Dishes
These oatmeal cups pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, a hard-boiled egg, or a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a more substantial breakfast, serve alongside a green smoothie or a handful of protein-rich nuts.
Creative Ways to Present
Place these oatmeal cups on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a stunning autumn-inspired brunch presentation. Wrap a few to-go cups in parchment paper tied with twine for portable breakfasts that feel homemade and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover baked apple cinnamon oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes them ideal for a quick, grab-and-go breakfast or snack throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious oatmeal cups longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will store well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you need a fast nutritious bite.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed oatmeal cups in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds until warm. You can also warm them in a low oven for a few minutes if you prefer a crispier exterior. They reheat beautifully without losing any of their cozy charm.
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats have a chewier texture and take longer to cook, so they are not recommended for this recipe. Rolled oats provide the ideal texture and tenderness that makes these oatmeal cups so delightful.
What can I substitute for applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce on hand, mashed banana or pumpkin puree can work as a substitute, though they will slightly alter the flavor profile. Applesauce uniquely adds moisture without overpowering the cinnamon and apple flavors.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the egg for a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use non-dairy milk and coconut oil for a fully vegan version that tastes just as amazing.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the oatmeal cups?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins add delightful texture and flavor variety. Just fold them in when you add the apples to ensure even distribution.
How sweet are these oatmeal cups?
They have a gentle, natural sweetness from the maple syrup and applesauce, balanced by the tartness of the apple pieces and warm spices. You can adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding a little more syrup or leaving it out for a more subtle taste.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend this Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe enough for anyone who appreciates a nourishing breakfast that feels like a comforting hug in every bite. It’s simple to make, delightfully flavorful, and versatile enough to fit into any morning routine or meal prep plan. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite start to the day!
Print
Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 oatmeal cups
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups are a wholesome and delicious breakfast option packed with warm spices, tender apples, and hearty oats. Perfect for meal prep, they bake up moist and lightly golden, making them an ideal grab-and-go morning treat that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or butter
Add-ins
- 1 cup finely chopped apple (peeled if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil or butter until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry oat mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined and the oats are fully coated.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the finely chopped apples into the oatmeal mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup to the top for nicely shaped oatmeal cups.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The oatmeal cups are done when their tops are set and have a light golden color.
- Cool: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the oatmeal cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, or serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store oatmeal cups in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat individual cups in the microwave for a quick and warm breakfast option.
- For added texture and flavor, try mixing in chopped nuts, raisins, or your favorite dried fruits.
