Zen Zucchini

Apple cinnamon oatmeal bake is the kind of cozy, feel-good dish that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm apples and sweet spice. Each bite tastes like a lighter, wholesome twist on classic apple crisp—comforting, gently sweet, and satisfyingly hearty. It’s low in sugar, easy to whip together, and just as perfect for a nourishing breakfast as it is for a mid-day treat.

Made with simple, nourishing ingredients—rolled oats, juicy apples, fragrant cinnamon, creamy almond butter, chia seeds, oat milk, a touch of coconut sugar or maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt—this bake brings big flavor with minimal effort. I often bake it with a sprinkle of sliced almonds for subtle crunch, though it’s just as delicious without. Swap in any nut or seed butter you like (sunflower butter works beautifully for a nut-free version), and thanks to the apples and cinnamon, the flavor stays wonderfully warm and familiar.

Enjoy it warm and cozy from the oven or chilled straight from the fridge—its versatility is part of its charm. In my home, it’s a breakfast favorite, especially paired with a spoonful of creamy, plain plant-based yogurt that melts right into the baked oats. This oatmeal bake will last in the fridge for 3 to 5 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to slice it before freezing. Individually packed portions make for a quick and healthly breakfast on busy mornings.

One of the best things about oatmeal bakes is how customizable they are. Mix in your favorite fruit—fresh, frozen, or dried—or even add a handful of chocolate chips when you want a little extra indulgence (a guaranteed kid-pleaser!).

I’ve experimented with countless variations, but I always return to this apple cinnamon classic. There’s something magical about tender apples and warm spice that feels like a hug in a bowl—comforting, nostalgic, and impossible to resist.

Print Recipe

Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Bake

Like apple pie for breakfast!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Keyword: vegan, gluten-free, quick and easy breakfast, oatmeal, nut-free option,

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups oats – note 1
• 1/2 cup almond butter – note 2
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon optional
• 1 1/2 cups oat milk or other non-dairy milk
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
• 1 apple cut into small cubes – note 3

Instructions

• Pre-heat oven to 350 and Line a 9 x 9 baking dish with parchment paper.
• Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add all the wet ingredients on top and mix well.
• Stir in the apples and pour into the baking dish.
• Let it sit for at least 5 minutes before baking. This allows the chia seeds to absorb some of the moisture.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top starts to brown.
• Let it cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing. The more you let it cool, the more it will retain its shape when cut.
• This will last in the fridge for 3-5 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Notes

 

Note 1: Make sure you choose gluten-free oats to keep it gluten-free. This recipe also works with quick oats. 

Note 2: You can try a different nut butter or use sunflower butter to make it nut-free.

Note 3: 1/2 to 1 cup of fruit works well. You can put the apple in peeled or leave the skin on. 

Variations:

• use fresh or frozen berries instead of apples
• add 1/4 of slivered almonds on top before baking