This is breakfast the old-fashioned way—nourishing, warm, and deeply comforting. Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal takes simple pantry ingredients and turns them into something that feels both rustic and luxurious. Crisp apples, cozy cinnamon, hearty oats, and just the right touch of sweetness come together in a custard-like bake that’s perfect for lazy mornings, meal prep, or brunch tables alike. It’s a make-ahead marvel with farmhouse soul.
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Base:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Custard Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 1⅔ cups milk (whole, almond, or oat milk all work)
- ¼ cup melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Apples:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith preferred)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ⅓ cup raisins or dried cranberries
Toppings (Optional but recommended):
- Greek yogurt or whipped cream
- Extra maple syrup
- Chopped nuts
- Powdered sugar
Equipment Needed:
- 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk and spatula
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or butter your baking dish.
- Prepare Apples: In a small bowl, toss diced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Let sit while you prepare the rest—this draws out natural sweetness and keeps apples from browning.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Stir to distribute evenly.
- Whisk Custard: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble Oatmeal: Add the wet mixture to the dry oat mixture. Stir until fully combined. Fold in the spiced apples and any optional nuts or dried fruit.
- Bake: Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set and edges are golden. Let cool 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve Warm: Cut into squares and serve with your favorite toppings. Leftovers reheat beautifully throughout the week.
Recipe Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
- Calories: ~280 per serving (without toppings)
Why Baked Oatmeal?
Unlike stovetop oatmeal, baked oatmeal holds its shape and delivers a unique texture—somewhere between a soft granola bar and bread pudding. It’s ideal for meal prep because it slices neatly and stores beautifully. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable.
The Amish origin of this dish emphasizes frugality and wholesomeness: simple ingredients used wisely to create a warm, nourishing meal meant to feed a crowd.
Apple & Cinnamon: A Timeless Pair
Few flavor combinations say “comfort” quite like apples and cinnamon. In this baked oatmeal, the apples soften just enough to become tender and jammy, but still maintain their structure. The cinnamon permeates the entire dish, tying everything together with a warm, fragrant hug.
Using a mix of sweet and tart apples (like Honeycrisp + Granny Smith) adds complexity and prevents the bake from being overly sweet. Pre-tossing them with lemon juice and maple syrup enhances natural flavor and caramelization.
Variations and Upgrades
Make it dairy-free: Use coconut oil instead of butter, and almond or oat milk.
Add protein: Stir in a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder to the custard mix.
Berry twist: Swap apples for blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries.
Banana bread vibes: Mash 1 ripe banana into the custard base and reduce maple syrup slightly.
Crunchy top: Sprinkle the top with brown sugar and nuts before baking for a crisp, golden crust.
Indulgent version: Add a handful of chocolate chips or swirl in peanut butter.
Meal Prep & Storage
Baked oatmeal is the ultimate prep-ahead breakfast:
- Fridge: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds or warm in oven at 300°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Freezer: Slice and wrap portions individually, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it moist.
Serving Suggestions
Amish-Style Baked Oatmeal is hearty enough to serve solo, but it also shines with toppings like:
- A dollop of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- Warmed milk poured over top
- A drizzle of maple syrup or honey
- Chopped toasted nuts for crunch
- Sautéed apples or a scoop of fruit compote
It’s perfect for:
- Weekend brunches
- Cozy holiday breakfasts
- School mornings
- Breakfast-for-dinner nights
Budget-Friendly and Nutritious
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients—no obscure flours or expensive sweeteners. Oats are rich in fiber and complex carbs, and apples add vitamin C and antioxidants. At less than $1 per serving, it’s a breakfast that satisfies both body and budget.
Final Thoughts
Amish-Style Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is more than breakfast—it’s a warm, spiced slice of comfort that fills your kitchen with the scent of love and tradition. It honors its humble roots while inviting modern flexibility, proving that the simplest meals often bring the deepest joy. Bake once, eat all week, and start your mornings with a dish that tastes like home.