There’s something special about the combination of cinnamon and apples—it’s warm, cozy, and instantly makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a soft blanket on a crisp morning. This single-serving cinnamon apple baked oats recipe takes those comforting flavors and turns them into a healthy breakfast that tastes just like dessert.
If you love the idea of apple pie but want something wholesome and nutritious, this recipe is for you. It features tender, caramelized apples layered between a fluffy oat batter, lightly sweetened with maple syrup and cinnamon applesauce. Everything is blended and baked to create a soft, cake-like texture, making it feel like you’re eating a warm muffin straight from the oven—but with all the health benefits of oats!
This dish is packed with fiber, natural sweetness, and warming spices, making it the perfect indulgent yet nutritious breakfast. Plus, it’s made in a single-serving portion, so there’s no need to share—unless you want to!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes like dessert – A warm, cinnamon-spiced apple flavor in every bite.
- Nutritious and balanced – Made with oats, apples, and natural sweeteners.
- Single-serving – Perfect for when you want a cozy breakfast just for yourself.
- Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your preferences and dietary needs.
- Super easy to make – Just blend, layer, and bake!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sautéed Apples – The Caramelized Fruit Filling
The apples in this recipe are lightly caramelized with butter, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Best apples to use: A mix of green apple (for tartness) and Honeycrisp apple (for sweetness) creates the perfect balance.
- Butter or coconut oil: A little butter (or dairy-free alternative) helps soften and caramelize the apples.
- Lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and enhances their flavor.
- Cinnamon and vanilla extract: Essential for that classic warm, spiced apple flavor.
- Optional swaps: If you prefer, swap apples for pears or bananas for a different fruit twist.
Baked Oat Batter – The Fluffy, Cake-Like Base
Instead of just mixing oats and liquid, we blend the batter to create a smooth, muffin-like texture when baked.
- Rolled oats (¼ cup): Blending these creates a soft and airy oat flour texture. If you’re using quick oats, the baking time may be slightly shorter.
- Egg: Helps give structure and rise. If making it vegan, replace with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
- Unsweetened cinnamon applesauce: Adds moisture and extra apple flavor while reducing the need for extra sugar. If you don’t have cinnamon applesauce, use regular applesauce with an extra ¼ tsp cinnamon.
- Milk (2% or dairy-free alternative): Keeps the oats soft and creamy. Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work well.
- Maple syrup (1 tbsp): A natural sweetener that complements the apple and cinnamon flavors. Swap with honey or agave syrup if needed.
- Baking powder (½ tsp): Helps the baked oats rise and stay fluffy.
- Cinnamon & salt: Enhances the overall warmth and balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon Sugar – The Sweet Spiced Layer
A simple mix of cinnamon and sugar is sprinkled between layers and on top before baking, adding extra warmth and a slight caramelized crunch.
- Coconut sugar, brown sugar, or granulated sugar work perfectly here.
- If you prefer a sugar-free option, use monk fruit sweetener or just extra cinnamon.
How to Make Single-Serving Cinnamon Apple Baked Oats
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 4-inch ramekin or small baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Apples
- In a small skillet, melt ½ tsp butter over medium heat.
- Add ¼ cup diced apples, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp lemon juice, and ½ tsp vanilla extract.
- Stir occasionally, cooking for 3-4 minutes, until the apples soften and caramelize slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Blend the Oat Batter
- In a blender or food processor, combine:
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- 1 egg (or flaxseed egg for a vegan version)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon applesauce
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Blend until smooth, creating a pancake-like batter.
4. Assemble the Layers
- Pour half the oat batter into the greased ramekin.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of cinnamon sugar over the batter.
- Add the cooked cinnamon apples as a middle layer.
- Pour the remaining oat batter on top, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle another pinch of cinnamon sugar for a sweet topping.
5. Bake Until Golden & Fluffy
- Place the ramekin in the oven and bake for 26-28 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool for a few minutes before digging in—it will be very hot!
Serving Suggestions & Toppings
This baked oat dish is delicious on its own, but adding toppings takes it to the next level!
- Drizzle with warm maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness.
- Top with Greek yogurt or whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
- Add chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) for a crunchy texture.
- Sprinkle with extra cinnamon or nutmeg for more warmth.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or nut butter for added nutrients.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Since this is a single-serving recipe, it’s best enjoyed fresh from the oven. However, if you want to prepare ahead:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30-40 seconds.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and warm before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe without a blender?
Yes! Simply use oat flour instead of rolled oats and whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the egg for a flaxseed egg and use non-dairy milk.
3. Can I use quick oats or steel-cut oats?
Quick oats work, but steel-cut oats won’t blend properly for this texture.
4. How can I make this recipe high-protein?
Add 1 tbsp protein powder to the batter or top with Greek yogurt.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just bake in a larger dish and increase the baking time by 5-8 minutes.
Final Thoughts – The Ultimate Cozy Breakfast for One
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting breakfast that feels indulgent but is actually healthy, this Single-Serving Cinnamon Apple Baked Oats is the perfect choice. It’s easy to make, packed with natural sweetness from apples and maple syrup, and has a soft, cake-like texture that makes every bite feel like a treat. Plus, it’s a nutritious way to start the day, filled with fiber, protein, and healthy carbohydrates to keep you full and energized.
This recipe is also versatile and customizable, allowing you to swap in your favorite ingredients to match your dietary needs or preferences. Whether you add a handful of chopped nuts for crunch, drizzle it with almond butter for extra richness, or serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt, there are so many ways to enjoy this dish.
Even though it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can easily make a batch ahead of time and warm it up when you’re ready to eat. If you’re meal prepping for a busy week, this single-serving baked oats recipe is perfect for quick mornings when you want something satisfying but don’t have time to cook.
So, if you love apple pie flavors but want a wholesome, nourishing breakfast, this Cinnamon Apple Baked Oats is the way to go. Try it today and see how delicious a healthy breakfast can be!
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Cinnamon Apple Baked Oats
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, fluffy, and nutritious baked oat recipe featuring cinnamon-glazed apples, blended oat batter, and a touch of maple syrup. Perfect for a cozy breakfast.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- ¼ cup diced apple (mix of green and Honeycrisp)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon applesauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp butter (or coconut oil)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp coconut sugar or brown sugar (optional, for cinnamon sugar topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4-inch ramekin.
- Prepare apples: Sauté apples with butter, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Blend oat batter: In a blender, combine oats, egg, applesauce, maple syrup, milk, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Assemble: Pour half the batter into the ramekin, layer with sautéed apples, then top with the remaining batter. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top.
- Bake: Bake for 26-28 minutes, or until golden and fluffy. Let cool slightly and enjoy!
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- For a sugar-free version, omit the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Swap apples for pears, bananas, or berries for a flavor variation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American