Description
Enjoy a wholesome and delicious breakfast treat with these Tasty Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups. Loaded with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts, these baked oatmeal cups are a perfect make-ahead meal for busy mornings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped peeled apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (organic preferred)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Topping
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- 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, although it’s recommended to avoid liners since oatmeal cups tend to stick to them.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, oats, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and salt until combined. Gently fold in the chopped apples and chopped walnuts with a spoon or silicone spatula. The batter will be slightly liquidy—this is normal.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup to the top to ensure full oatmeal cups once baked. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar on top of the batter for added sweetness and a crunchy texture.
- Bake the Oatmeal Cups: Bake in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and the tops appear set. If the tops brown too quickly, tent the muffin pan with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing baking to continue evenly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the muffin pan from the oven and allow the oatmeal cups to cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan before removing. This cooling time improves texture and makes them easier to handle and eat.
- Store Leftovers: If you have any leftover oatmeal cups, cover tightly and refrigerate. They remain fresh for up to one week and are perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
Notes
- Using a firm, sweet-tart apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith provides the best flavor balance.
- Skipping muffin liners is recommended to prevent sticking; use nonstick spray instead.
- Coarse sugar on top is optional but adds delightful sweetness and crunch.
- These oatmeal cups can be reheated gently in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast.
- Walnuts can be substituted with other nuts or seeds based on preference or allergy considerations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked oatmeal cups, apple cinnamon oatmeal, healthy breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, maple syrup oatmeal, walnut oatmeal cups
