Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups (Gluten Free Recipe)

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for easy, healthy, and delicious breakfast ideas. Well, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you—Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups! 

These little guys are packed with all the cozy flavors of fall, like warm apples, cinnamon, and crunchy pecans. They’re also super easy to make and perfect for meal prep. 

You can whip up a batch on the weekend and have a grab-and-go breakfast ready for the whole week. Or keep them stored in your freezer to pull out and heat whenever you’re feeling like a little sweet treat.

If you love cinnamon apple flavor you may also enjoy my Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal or my Air Fryer Apple Chips.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE APPLE CINNAMON OATMEAL CUPS

You’ll love these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups because they’re the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. 

Packed with the cozy flavors of apples, cinnamon, and crunchy pecans, they offer a satisfying and wholesome start to your day. 

These oatmeal cups are naturally sweetened with maple syrup and applesauce, making them a healthier choice without sacrificing taste. 

Plus, they’re ideal for meal prep, so you can enjoy a quick, grab-and-go breakfast throughout the week. 

Whether you’re enjoying them warm from the oven or cold from the fridge, these oatmeal cups are sure to become a favorite!

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE APPLE CINNAMON BAKED OATMEAL CUPS

You will need the full ingredient list below to make the healthy oatmeal cups (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Unsweetened apple sauce
• Large eggs
• Pure maple syrup
• Unsweetened almond milk – can use milk of choice such as oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or regular dairy milk.
• Pure vanilla extract
• Old-fashioned whole rolled oats – can use gluten free oats or quick oats.
• Baking powder
• Apple pie spice – alternatively can substitute for ground cinnamon, nutmeg and ground ginger.
• Sea salt
• Chopped apple – can use honeycrisp apples, golden delicious, Granny Smith apples, etc.
• Chopped pecans
• Optional – almond butter, flax egg, brown sugar, coconut sugar, creamy peanut butter, melted coconut oil, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THIS HEALTHY OATMEAL RECIPE

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a muffin tin. You can also use paper muffin liners, but they will be sticky.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, eggs, pure maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Next, stir in the old-fashioned oats, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined. 
4. Fold in the chopped apple and pecans. 
5. Spoon the oatmeal mixture into the prepared muffin pan, filling each one to the top. The oats won’t rise much, so you can fill them pretty full. You should get 12 oatmeal cups out of this recipe.
6. Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until the top of the oatmeal cups are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 
7. Once they’re done baking, let the oatmeal cups cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These oatmeal cups are great warm, but they’re also delicious cold, straight from the fridge.

STORING THE LEFTOVER APPLE CINNAMON OATMEAL MUFFINS

• Cool Completely: Allow the muffins to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents excess moisture and keeps the muffins from becoming soggy.
• Use an Airtight Container: Store the muffins in an airtight container. This will help maintain their freshness and keep them moist. You can also place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture.
• Refrigerate for Longer Freshness: If you plan to eat the muffins within a few days, store them at room temperature. For longer storage, place the container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to a week.
• Freeze for Later: If you want to keep the muffins for an extended period, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave.
• Reheat Before Serving: For the best taste, reheat refrigerated or frozen muffins in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving. This will bring back the fresh-baked flavor and texture.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Use Old-Fashioned Oats: Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats can make the muffins too soft, while steel-cut oats won’t soften enough during baking.
• Chop Apples Evenly: Chop the apple into small, even pieces to ensure they cook through evenly and add a burst of sweetness in every bite.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the muffins dense and tough.
• Fill Muffin Cups Generously: Fill the muffin cups almost to the top. These oatmeal muffins won’t rise as much as regular muffins, so filling them generously will give you nice, full muffins.
• Add Extra Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle some extra chopped pecans or a pinch of oats on top of the muffins before baking.
• Check for Doneness: Bake the muffins until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re unsure, it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake to keep them moist.
• Cool Before Storing: Allow the muffins to cool completely in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents sogginess.

FAQS

CAN I USE STEEL CUT OATS INSTEAD OF OLD-FASHIONED OATS?

It’s best to stick with old-fashioned oats for this recipe. Steel-cut oats won’t soften enough during baking and may result in a tougher texture.

CAN I MAKE A DOUBLE BATCH OF THESE APPLE OATMEAL CUPS?

Absolutely! Making a double batch is a great way to meal prep for the whole family or to freeze some for later. These oatmeal cups are perfect for busy mornings.

WHAT VARIETY OF APPLE WORKS BEST?

Any apple variety you enjoy eating fresh will work well, but firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold up nicely during baking.

CAN I PREPARE THE OAT MIXTURE THE NIGHT BEFORE?

Yes! If you’re short on time in the morning, mix the wet ingredients and dry ingredients separately the night before. Combine them just before baking for fresh oatmeal cups.

CAN I ADD IN OTHER MIX-INS?

Definitely! Feel free to throw in some raisins, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips if you want to mix things up.

More Fall-Inspired Recipes You Will Love:

• Gluten Free Apple Crumb Cake
• Air Fryer Bananas
• Baked Apple In Air Fryer
• Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Overnight Oats
• Gluten Free Bread Pudding
• Chocolate Covered Apple Slices
• Apple Pie Protein Ice Cream
• Pumpkin Cake Pops
• Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

IF YOU TRIED THIS HEALTHY BREAKFAST RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS PERFECT BREAKFAST ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails