Tasty Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe

Introduction

These tasty baked apple cinnamon oatmeal cups are a wholesome and delicious way to start your day. Packed with oats, warm spices, and fresh apples, they make a convenient breakfast or snack that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

The image shows small round oat tarts, each with three layers: the bottom layer is a rough, textured base made of baked oats with a golden brown color, the middle layer appears to be a soft cinnamon-spiced filling with a slightly glossy finish, and the top layer has four thin slices of pale yellow apple with red edges evenly placed in a flower shape. A sprinkling of coarse white sugar crystals is scattered on top of the apples, adding a sparkling look. The tarts are arranged on a white marbled surface in a grid pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 and 1/2 cups milk (360ml, either dairy or non-dairy)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (120ml)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (120g)
  • 3 cups old-fashioned whole oats (255g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 generous cup chopped peeled apple (120g)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (50g)
  • Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Generously spray a muffin pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. If using muffin liners, spray them as well, but note that oatmeal cups tend to stick to liners, so it’s best to skip them if possible.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup, applesauce, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Once well combined, gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts if using. The batter will be slightly liquidy, which is normal.
  3. Step 3: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each all the way to the top to ensure full muffins. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar over the tops for extra sweetness and crunch.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 28-30 minutes until the edges are lightly browned and the tops are set. If the tops brown too quickly, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  5. Step 5: Allow the oatmeal cups to cool in the muffin pan for 5-10 minutes before removing and serving. This helps improve their texture and makes them easier to handle.
  6. Step 6: Store any leftovers by covering tightly and refrigerating. They stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, try adding a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter.
  • Use almond or oat milk to keep this recipe dairy-free.
  • If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the maple syrup to 1/4 cup.
  • Substitute the apples with chopped pears or berries for a different twist.
  • To make these vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).

Storage

Store leftover oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until heated through. They also freeze well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a single oat muffin with visible layers and textures. The base layer is a golden brown muffin, surrounded by slightly darker brown ridges from the muffin paper liner. The top layer is covered with rolled oats and cinnamon, giving a rough texture, with thin slices of cooked apple arranged in the center and sprinkled with coarse sugar crystals that glisten under the light. The muffin is placed on a white marbled surface, and two more similar oat muffins are blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned oats are preferred for texture, but you can use quick oats if necessary. The cups might be softer and less chewy with quick oats.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Print

Tasty Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe

Delicious and wholesome baked apple cinnamon oatmeal cups made with oats, applesauce, fresh apples, and warm spices. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack, these oatmeal cups are easy to prepare, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and baked to golden perfection for a comforting start to your day.

  • Author: Lena
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 oatmeal cups 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 and 1/2 cups milk (360ml, either dairy or non-dairy)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (120ml)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (120g)
  • 3 cups old-fashioned whole oats (255g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 generous cup chopped peeled apple (120g)

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (50g)
  • Coarse sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Generously spray a muffin pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. If using muffin liners, spray them as well, but keep in mind oatmeal cups tend to stick to liners, so it’s recommended to skip liners if possible.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup, applesauce, oats, baking powder, cinnamon powder, nutmeg powder, vanilla essence, and salt until combined. Gently fold in the chopped peeled apples and nuts if using. The batter will be slightly liquidy; this is normal.
  3. Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each all the way to the top to ensure full muffin shapes once baked. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar on top of each for extra sweetness and crunch.
  4. Bake the Oatmeal Cups: Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 30 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the tops are set. If the tops brown too quickly, tent the pan with foil to prevent burning and achieve an even bake.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the baked oatmeal cups to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before removing and serving. This resting time improves texture and makes handling easier.
  6. Store Leftovers: Cover any leftover oatmeal cups tightly and refrigerate. They will remain fresh for up to one week and make a convenient, nutritious breakfast or snack throughout the week.

Notes

  • You can use any type of milk you prefer, including dairy, almond, oat, or soy milk.
  • Skipping muffin liners is recommended as oatmeal cups tend to stick to them even when sprayed.
  • For added texture and flavor, walnuts or pecans can be included but can be omitted to keep it nut-free.
  • Coarse sugar sprinkled on top is optional but adds a nice crunchy contrast.
  • Ensure apples are peeled and chopped for better texture inside the oatmeal cups.
  • Leftover oatmeal cups reheat well in the microwave or oven for a quick meal.

Keywords: baked oatmeal cups, apple cinnamon oatmeal, healthy breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, oatmeal muffins, maple syrup sweetened, easy breakfast recipe

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