Apple Cinnamon Raisin Baked Oatmeal

This Apple Cinnamon Raisin Baked Oatmeal is an easy, healthy and delicious breakfast recipe to try. Made with gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients and it’s nut free-friendly!

If there’s one thing that gets me excited to get out of bed in the morning, it’s a cozy, nourishing, and easy breakfast and this apple cinnamon raisin baked oatmeal absolutely hits the spot. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week or just want to make something a little extra special on a crisp fall morning (or honestly, any time of year), this baked oatmeal is the kind of simple recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s warm, hearty, naturally sweetened, and filled with the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon, apples, and raisins. Total breakfast bliss.

And the best part? It comes together with pantry staples, requires one bowl, and is naturally sweetened with maple syrup (or honey if that’s your thing!). You can make it dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free – basically, whatever you and your fam need.

Let’s get into it.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Oatmeal

Baked oatmeal has become one of our favorite breakfast staples because it’s…

• Super customizable – Switch up the fruit, sweetener, or nuts based on what you have.

• Kid-friendly and adult-approved – Even my pickiest eater loves this.

• Great for meal prep – Make it once, eat it all week. You can even reheat it on busy mornings.

• Made with nourishing ingredients – Rolled oats, apples, raisins, eggs, and your milk of choice make this a well-rounded, wholesome option.

• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free – Just use gluten-free oats and dairy-free milk.

If you’re someone who needs a breakfast that you can grab, heat, and eat in minutes (hi, every parent ever), this is it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few simple, wholesome ingredients for this apple cinnamon raisin baked oatmeal. Here’s the breakdown:

• Milk of choice – Use whatever milk works for you. I love almond milk or oat milk, but cow’s milk, cashew, or coconut milk all work too.
• Eggs – This helps bind everything together and adds a bit of protein.
• Maple syrup or honey – For natural sweetness. I usually go with maple syrup, but honey adds a lovely depth too.
• Vanilla extract – Adds that perfect little flavor boost.
• Rolled oats – Be sure to use gluten-free certified oats if you need this to be GF.
• Cinnamon – Cinnamon + apples = cozy vibes all day.
• Small apple – Any apple will do here—Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith…use what you love.
• Raisins – Adds a chewy burst of sweetness in every bite.
• Optional: chopped nuts of choice (I used sliced almonds)

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Raisin Baked Oatmeal

Here’s how easy it is to throw this together:

1. Preheat & Prep:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar size (a 9-inch round dish works too!) with nonstick spray, butter, or a little coconut oil.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients:

Stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt (optional, but I like to add a tiny bit to balance the sweetness).

4. Fold in the Good Stuff:

Gently fold in your diced apples, raisins, and nuts (if using). Make sure everything is evenly distributed in the batter.

5. Pour and Bake:

Pour the oatmeal mixture into the greased baking dish and use a spatula or spoon to spread it out evenly.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges look slightly crispy and your kitchen smells like warm apple pie.

How to Serve It

You can slice it into squares and serve warm right out of the oven with a drizzle of nut butter, a splash of milk, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt. My kids love it with a little maple syrup on top, and I love mine with almond butter and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes. It’s also delicious cold straight from the fridge, which is a win on those extra busy mornings.

Substitution Ideas

The beauty of baked oatmeal is how forgiving and versatile it is. Here are a few swaps you can make:

• Egg-free – Try using two flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water) instead of regular eggs.

• No raisins? – Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chopped dried apricots are delicious here.

• No maple syrup? – Use honey or even mashed banana for a different kind of natural sweetness.

• Nut-free? – Just skip the almonds or any nut add-ins.

• More protein? – Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or serve with a side of yogurt.

Storage Tips

This apple cinnamon raisin baked oatmeal keeps really well, which makes it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead breakfasts.

• In the fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 30–45 seconds or pop the whole dish into a low oven (around 300°F) until warmed through.

• In the freezer – Let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices in parchment or foil and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen in the microwave.

Baked Oatmeal FAQ

Can I make this without baking powder?
Yes, you can leave it out—it just helps the oatmeal puff up a bit. Without it, the bake will be a little more dense and chewy, but still totally delish.

What kind of oats should I use?
Rolled oats are best here for texture. Quick oats will make it softer and more uniform. Steel-cut oats won’t work unless they’re pre-cooked first.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for closer to 40–45 minutes.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
100%! It’s sweet, soft, and packed with fruit. My kids love helping mix the ingredients and sprinkling the raisins on top.

Why This is a Go-To Breakfast in Our House

You know those mornings where you want something cozy but also nourishing and not full of sugar? This baked oatmeal is that exact kind of comfort food. It gives apple cinnamon toast vibes without the crash or the crumbs. Plus, it keeps everyone full until lunchtime. Whether I make it fresh in the morning or prep it on Sunday night, I know I have a breakfast option that we all actually want to eat.

I love slicing it into squares and storing them in the fridge so we can just grab and go. It’s great for breakfast, snacks, or even as a bedtime treat when you want something warm and sweet but still feel good about eating.

This apple cinnamon raisin baked oatmeal is the kind of recipe you’ll make once and come back to again and again. It’s wholesome, flavorful, super cozy, and so easy to make. Plus, you can tweak it to fit your dietary needs or just to use what you have in the pantry. Whether you’re fueling up the kids before school or prepping breakfast for yourself during a busy work week, this is a breakfast that checks all the boxes.

If you make this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Tag me on Instagram @rachlmansfield so I can see your delicious creations and how you make it your own. I absolutely love seeing what you’re baking in your kitchens.

A Few Other Breakfasts to Make

Healthy Chocolate Strawberry Muffins (gluten-free)

EASY Baked Oatmeal Cups (dairy-free gluten-free)

High Protein Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

The BEST Gluten-free Bagels (with protein!)