If you love cozy, comforting breakfasts that feel like a warm hug from the inside, you’re going to adore this Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering smells and your heart with nostalgia. I’ve made this recipe countless times on chilly mornings, and I promise you—it’s fan-freaking-tastic. Let me walk you through why it’s such a keeper and how you can make it perfectly at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome and Nourishing: Loaded with rolled oats and apples, it’s a fiber-rich breakfast that keeps you full and energized.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With pantry staples like cinnamon and nutmeg, the warm spices mingle beautifully for that classic cozy vibe.
- Easy Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare it the night before, making busy mornings a breeze without sacrificing homemade goodness.
- Family Favorite: My kids and guests alike always ask for seconds—and you’ll find that those sweet-tart apples are impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients create a deliciously tender baked oatmeal bursting with flavor and texture. I recommend choosing tart-sweet apples like Honey Crisp or Gala because they hold up well when baked and add natural sweetness.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: They give the best chewy texture and absorb the custardy liquid beautifully.
- Baking powder: A little lift to keep the oatmeal from feeling dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Essential for that signature warm spice note everyone loves.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds subtle depth—don’t skip it!
- Salt: It balances the sweetness and brightens flavors overall.
- Brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness and a slight molasses flavor; adjust if you prefer sweeter.
- Milk: I usually use whole milk for creaminess, but any milk works.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and give structure for the perfect set.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrant sweetness that complements the spices.
- Butter or coconut oil: Melted and mixed in for richness and a tender crumb.
- Tart sweet apples: Peeled, cored, and diced—this is the star that makes it truly Amish-style.
Variations
I love making this recipe my own by swapping in a few ingredients or additions here and there. Don’t hesitate to experiment to suit your taste or dietary needs—it’s super forgiving!
- Add nuts or raisins: I’m not usually a fan, but my sister swears by toasted pecans or plump raisins mixed in for extra texture and flavor.
- Use almond milk or oat milk: Perfect if you want a dairy-free version, and it doesn’t change the taste much.
- Mix up the fruit: Peach slices or fresh berries work beautifully in place of or alongside the apples for a seasonal twist.
- Make it thicker or thinner: Baking in a 9×9 pan makes a thick, hearty oatmeal, while a larger pan yields a thinner, lighter bake.
How to Make Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by greasing an 8×12-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray—this makes cleanup so much easier. If you like your baked oatmeal extra thick, go for a 9×9-inch pan. Peel, core, and dice your apples into bite-sized pieces; I usually pick Honey Crisp for their perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar until evenly mixed. This step ensures that every bite has a consistent flavor and texture. Don’t skip the stirring—it really makes a difference!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Blend
In another bowl or large liquid measuring cup, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour this liquid mixture over the dry ingredients, then add your melted butter or coconut oil. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine. The mixture will be thick but pourable, like a custardy batter.
Step 4: Layer Apples and Pour Batter
Spread the diced apples evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. Pour the oatmeal mixture over the apples and spread it out gently to cover them completely. If you’re making it ahead, cover and pop it into the fridge overnight; the apples may float slightly or brown a bit on top—that’s totally normal and won’t affect the taste.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the oatmeal feels set when you gently shake the pan. You don’t want it too jiggly; it should hold together like a firm custard. Keep an eye on it toward the end to avoid drying it out.
Pro Tips for Making Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Don’t Skip Soaking Time If You Can: Even 15 minutes before baking lets the oats soften for a creamier texture; overnight soaking makes it even better.
- Use Tart Apples: Sweet apples turn mushy fast; tart varieties hold their shape and add a nice tang balancing the sweetness.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Overbaking dries it out; test with a gentle shake and pull away from the sides to see if set.
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir until combined but don’t beat vigorously to keep a tender texture without toughness.
How to Serve Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
I love to drizzle a little maple syrup or honey on top just before eating, and a splash of milk keeps each bite luscious and soft. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or a dollop of Greek yogurt for richness and a tiny crunch. Fresh apple slices or a pinch of cinnamon on top makes it look as good as it tastes!
Side Dishes
Pair this baked oatmeal with fresh fruit salad or a simple side of scrambled eggs for a balanced breakfast. A cup of hot coffee or tea is my favorite companion, especially on slow weekend mornings when I savor every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I bake this in small ramekins for individual servings, topped with a sprinkle of nuts and a swirl of cream. It also makes a lovely brunch centerpiece served family-style in a rustic baking dish, paired with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple wedges for a charming touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be rare in my house!), cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they stay delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, so leftovers are a treat in their own right.
Freezing
This Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal freezes beautifully. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or wrap individual slices tightly. It will keep up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture, which is great for meal prepping or busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave for about 60-90 seconds or in a warm oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a splash of milk before warming helps restore that creamy softness I love. Avoid overheating, which can dry it out.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While quick oats will technically work, they tend to create a mushier texture after baking. Old-fashioned rolled oats hold their shape better and offer a heartier mouthfeel, which I prefer in this Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and swap the butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. The flavor remains just as comforting.
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Is it okay to bake this casserole in smaller pans?
Yes, using a smaller pan like a 9×9-inch will yield a thicker oatmeal bake. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it might need a little longer to cook through. Conversely, larger pans will make it thinner and slightly quicker to bake.
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Can I add other fruits besides apples?
Definitely! Pears, peaches, or berries can be delicious swaps or additions. Just consider the moisture content as it may slightly affect baking time and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe is a true comfort food classic that I never tire of. It’s easy enough for everyday mornings but special enough to impress brunch guests. What I love most is how it brings a warm, homemade feel without fussy prep. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to breakfast that fills your kitchen with cozy, cinnamon-scented happiness.
Print
Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast dish featuring rolled oats infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, layered with tender diced tart sweet apples, and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a nourishing start to the day, it offers a delicious combination of wholesome ingredients, cozy spices, and a delightful apple sweetness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 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
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons butter or coconut oil, melted
Produce
- 2-3 large tart sweet apples (like Honey Crisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Lightly grease an 8×12-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan, or a 9×9-inch pan for thicker oatmeal, with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. If baking immediately, preheat the oven to 325°F. Skip preheating if preparing to refrigerate overnight.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, add the melted butter or coconut oil, and stir or whisk thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Layer Apples and Oatmeal: Arrange the diced apples evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the oatmeal mixture evenly over the apples to cover them.
- Optional Refrigeration: At this point, you may cover and refrigerate the dish overnight if preparing ahead. Note that apples may float and brown slightly during refrigeration, which does not affect flavor. Remember to uncover before baking.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes at 325°F until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal mixture is set without excessive jiggle.
- Serve: Serve the baked oatmeal warm or at room temperature. Optionally, pour a little milk over the top when serving for added creaminess.
Notes
- Add-Ins: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding nuts or raisins to the dry ingredients before combining with the wet mixture.
- Make Ahead: Refrigerating the dish overnight is convenient; expect some apple browning on top which won’t affect taste.
- Apples: If you prefer a classic Amish-style baked oatmeal without apples, simply omit them. For smaller pans, use fewer apples (two for a 9×9-inch pan).
- Pan Size: Baking pan size affects oatmeal thickness and baking time. Smaller pans yield thicker oatmeal, so adjust baking time accordingly and watch closely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
