Name: Maple Apple Baked Oatmeal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (180 g) rolled oats, certified gluten-free if needed; 1 tsp (4 g) baking powder, check it's gluten-free; 1½ tsp (4 g) ground cinnamon; ½ tsp (3 g) fine salt; 1¾ cups (430 g) milk, dairy or unsweetened plant milk; ⅓ cup (107 g) pure maple syrup; 1 (50 g) large egg; 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted; 1 tsp (4 g) vanilla extract; 2 (340 g) medium apples, such as Honeycrisp or Braeburn, cored; 1 diced, 1 thinly sliced; ⅓ cup (38 g) pecans, chopped

Maple Apple Baked Oatmeal

Cozy baked oatmeal with tender apples, warm cinnamon, maple syrup and toasted pecans. It's sliceable, make-ahead and gluten-free when made with certified oats.

By Molly

Published September 19, 2026

Baked oatmeal is what happens when a bowl of porridge meets a coffee cake. It’s soft and custardy in the middle, golden on top, and firm enough to cut into squares you can reheat all week.

This fall version uses two apples in two ways. Diced apple softens into the oats underneath, and thin slices fan across the top and caramelize at the edges. Maple syrup sweetens it gently and a handful of pecans adds crunch.

It’s naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. See the FAQ below for why ordinary oats aren’t always safe for people avoiding gluten.

Why this recipe works

Rolled oats hold their shape

Rolled oats are flattened and steamed, so they absorb liquid evenly and stay chewy. Quick oats turn mushy and steel-cut oats stay crunchy in this short bake.

Baking powder for a lighter set

A teaspoon of baking powder makes small bubbles in the custard, so the oatmeal bakes up light and sliceable rather than dense.

Liquid poured last

Pouring the milk over dry oats, without stirring, makes even layers and stops the apples from floating.

Two kinds of apple

Diced apple on the bottom softens into the oats like a compote, and thin slices on top bake into tender, slightly caramelized fans.

Swaps & variations

Dairy-free

Use unsweetened oat or almond milk and coconut oil. The texture is just as good.

Egg-free

Replace the egg with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (7 g) mixed with 3 tablespoons water and rested for 5 minutes. The bake will be slightly softer.

Pears

Firm-ripe pears work in place of apples, gram for gram.

Make ahead, storage & reheating

Make ahead

Assemble the night before, cover and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5 minutes. Baked squares freeze individually for up to 3 months.

Store & reheat

Refrigerate in the dish, covered, for up to 5 days. Reheat squares in the microwave with a splash of milk for 45 to 60 seconds.

Frequently asked questions

Is baked oatmeal gluten-free?

Oats are naturally gluten-free but are often contaminated with wheat during growing and processing. Use oats labeled certified gluten-free, and check your baking powder, if you need this to be gluten-free.

Can I use quick oats?

You can, but the texture will be softer and more like bread pudding. Reduce the milk by ¼ cup (60 g).

Helpful guides

GuideBaking Pan Sizes and How to Swap ThemHow to swap a 9×13 for two 8-inch rounds, or a loaf pan for muffins. Pan areas, volumes, and how to adjust baking time and depth when you change pans.

CollectionHealthy Breakfast Ideas That Still Feel Like a TreatLighter breakfast recipes with whole grains, fruit and protein, from banana oat blender muffins to a spinach and feta frittata. All with weights, volumes and make-ahead notes.

Rate & review

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