Description

Delicious and wholesome baked apple cinnamon oatmeal cups that make a perfect breakfast or snack. These baked treats combine oats, apples, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness for a comforting and nutritious start to your day or anytime bite. Easy to prepare and packed with cozy flavors, they’re great for batch baking and storing throughout the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet 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)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence

Dry Ingredients

3 cups old-fashioned whole oats (255g)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Add-ins

1 generous cup chopped peeled apple (120g)
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (50g)
Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Generously spray a muffin pan with nonstick spray to ensure the oatmeal cups don’t stick. If using muffin liners, spray them as well, but note that liners can cause sticking, so it’s best to skip them if possible.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup, applesauce, vanilla essence, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using) with a spoon or silicone spatula. The batter will be slightly liquidy—this is expected.
Fill the Muffin Cups: Evenly spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each one to the top to ensure full oatmeal cups after baking. If desired, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar to add a crunchy sweetness.
Bake the Oatmeal Cups: Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 30 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden brown and the tops are set. If the tops brown too quickly, tent the pan with aluminum foil to prevent burning and allow even baking.
Cool and Serve: Remove the muffin pan from the oven and let the oatmeal cups cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps set their texture and makes them easier to remove and eat.
Store Leftovers: Cover any leftover oatmeal cups tightly and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week, making them convenient for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.

Notes

You can use any milk you prefer, including dairy or plant-based options like almond or oat milk.
For nut-free options, omit the walnuts or pecans.
Coarse sugar topping is optional but adds a nice crunch and sweetness to the tops.
Make sure not to overfill the muffin cups to prevent overflow while baking.
To reheat, microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a toaster oven for a soft, freshly baked feel.
These oatmeal cups can be frozen; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked oatmeal cups, apple cinnamon oatmeal, healthy breakfast, easy baked oats, meal prep breakfast, snack cups, maple syrup oatmeal