A simple apple cinnamon oatmeal that requires just 8 ingredients and comes together in the baking dish for a low effort, fuss-free breakfast in under 30 minutes. This TikTok-inspired one pan baked oatmeal recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, refined sugar-free, and vegan!
TikTok One Pan Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Recently, ‘one pan oatmeal’ has taken TikTok by storm (almost a year after the original ‘TikTok baked oats’ started trending). And while the main recipes use mixed berries, there was no way I could try this trend without getting apples involved! Unlike baked oatmeal of the past, this apple cinnamon baked oatmeal uses just one pan to dump, mix, and bake – for the ultimate fuss-free breakfast or dessert!
With apple cinnamon pancakes and crepes, or apple crisp, and apple streusel pie already on my blog, it should probably come as no surprise that this flavor is a favorite of mine. Combined with raisins, oats, and chia seeds, this apple-baked oatmeal recipe is packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Furthermore, this healthy breakfast recipe is perfect for busy mornings, requiring just a few minutes to prep and then hands-off baking time. You can even make it ahead to reheat over several days. Add that to the fact that this recipe is also highly versatile and only dirties one dish, and we have a budget and pantry-friendly winner!
Once baked, enjoy these filling and nutritious baked oats alone or with optional toppings like yogurt or cream. It will easily keep you satisfied until your next meal. Enjoy a portion for breakfast, a pre-or post-workout snack, or even dessert. It’s warming, cozy, comforting, and truly delicious!
The Ingredients
All you need is 8 ingredients for this apple cinnamon baked oatmeal recipe. Most of which are budget and pantry friendly.
- Applesauce: You can use either unsweetened applesauce (for baked oats with no banana) OR a ripe mashed banana.
- Oats: Use gluten-free oats if necessary. You can use quick oats or old-fashioned rolled oats.
- Chia seeds: Will boost the fiber, protein, omegas, and nutrients in the oatmeal bake recipe.
- Cinnamon: This warming spice is a must in all things apple. Apple pie spice would also work.
- Apple: Use your favorite variety of apple. I recommend using a crisp apple that’s fairly sweet rather than tart, but use what you have to hand (Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith, etc.).
- Raisins: Technically optional, but I love the little burst of sweetness they add to the apple oatmeal.
- Plant-based milk: Any should work (almond milk, oat milk, soy, coconut, cashew, etc.).
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the various flavors in the apple pie oatmeal.
- Coconut sugar: To sprinkle, though this is totally optional. Any granulated sugar will work, including a sugar-free option like granulated Erythritol.
Optional add-ins:
There are several simple ways to boost the flavor and nutrients of this apple cinnamon oatmeal further. My top recommendations include:
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for the best (non-artificial) flavor. Just a small splash will do.
- Chopped nuts: Add a handful of finely chopped raw or toasted nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, etc.) for extra texture and protein. For a nut-free option, add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Dairy-free chocolate: Add a sprinkle of vegan white chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Berries: Boost the fruity flavor with fresh or frozen mixed berries.
- Nutmeg: Just a teeny pinch pairs well with the cinnamon in this apple oatmeal.
- Shredded coconut: Unsweetened, to add taste and texture.
Please read the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information (calories).
How to Make One Pan Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal?
The simplicity of this baked oatmeal recipe rivals that of even traditional oatmeal and requires just a handful of steps, including:
- First, preheat the oven to 350 °F/180 °C and lightly grease (with cooking spray, vegan butter, or oil – like coconut oil) a 7×7-inch (18×18 cm) baking dish.
- Then, pour the applesauce into the pan (or mash a banana directly in the pan) and add the oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt, raisins, and dairy-free milk.
- Stir to combine, then top with the chopped apples and bake for 22 minutes, or until the oatmeal has set.
- Remove the baked oats from the oven, sprinkle with coconut sugar (and optionally some additional cinnamon), serve, and enjoy!
Storing Instructions
Store: Allow the apple baked oatmeal to cool and then store it covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freeze: It should freeze fine for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Use either a microwave (in 20-30 second increments) or the stovetop to reheat. Add an extra splash of milk if needed to bring it back to the correct consistency.
How to Serve?
Usually, I’ll just dig right in. However, there are several optional ways you can further dress up the dish, including:
- Spoon over some dairy-free yogurt (unsweetened or vanilla)
- Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or another vegan cream
- A scoop of ice cream (vanilla, caramel, PB nicecream, etc.)
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the one pan apple oatmeal
- Or perhaps a drizzle of maple syrup
FAQs
Can I make one bowl baked oatmeal in the microwave?
Yes, but use a high-sided large microwave-safe bowl; otherwise, you’ll end up with a LOT of mess. To use the microwave, simply cook it on high for 2-3 minutes. The texture won’t be identical to baked oatmeal, but it’s quick, simple, and delicious.
Can I use quick oats?
Yes, though, the texture will differ (creamier and softer), which some people aren’t a fan of.
Can I use steel-cut oats?
No, they won’t work for this recipe, as they require much longer to cook.
Can I omit the chia seeds?
Probably, but then I also recommend significantly reducing the amount of milk.
Recipe Notes and Top Tips
- Sweeten to taste: Depending on whether you use applesauce or banana and how ripe the banana is, the dish’s sweetness will vary. So just sweeten to taste.
- Adjust the consistency: Use slightly less milk if you want firmer baked oats. Likewise, the baking time will also affect how ‘set’ the apple baked oatmeal is.
- Experiment with fruits: You can use all sorts of fresh or frozen fruits for this one pan oatmeal recipe.
- Apple peel: You can make this baked apple pie oatmeal recipe with or without peeling the apples. It’s up to you.
- To make baked oatmeal for one: Simply reduce the ingredient to just one serving and bake in a ramekin. Reduce the time by a few minutes, too.
More Easy Vegan Oat Recipes
- Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
- Vegan Baked Banana Oatmeal
- Raspberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
- Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
- Oat Breakfast Bars With Chocolate
- Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
If you try this easy one pan apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan #elavegan—I love seeing them.
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup (80 g) applesauce (or 1 mashed banana)
- 1 cup (90 g) oats (gluten-free if needed) see notes
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
- ¼ cup (36 g) raisins
- 1 cup (240 g) dairy-free milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 (200 g) apple chopped
- Coconut sugar to sprinkle (optional)
Instructions
- You can watch the short video for visual instructions.Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C) and lightly grease a 7x7-inch (18x18 cm) baking dish.
- Pour the applesauce into the baking dish (or mash a small banana in the pan).
- Add the oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt, raisins, dairy-free milk, and vanilla extract.
- Stir to combine, then top with chopped apples and bake for 22 minutes or a few minutes longer for a firmer baked oatmeal.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with coconut sugar, serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats.
- Sweeten to taste: Depending on whether you use applesauce or banana and how ripe the banana is, the dish's sweetness will vary. So just sweeten to taste.
- Experiment with fruits: You can use all sorts of fresh or frozen fruits for this one pan oatmeal recipe.
Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically
Simple and Delicious Vegan Cookbook by ElaVeganCLICK HERE to order!
Can you make this ahead of time? In the evening to eat the morning after?
Yes, that should be totally fine. 🙂
Would it work with coconut instead of apple sauce or banana? Many thanks
Do you mean coconut cream? I think that should be fine.
Awesome !!!
Glad you like it, Dipti! 🙂