Why You’ll Love Maple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe
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It transforms a typical bowl of oatmeal into a sliceable, satisfying breakfast bake — easy to portion and reheats beautifully.
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The banana and applesauce naturally sweeten the dish, so you get flavour without heavy amounts of added sugar.
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It’s quick to prep (about 10 minutes) and then bakes for 35 minutes — very manageable even on a busy morning.
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Meal-prep friendly: you can make it ahead, store in the fridge, and simply reheat individual portions throughout the week.
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Kids and adults alike seem to love it — many say it feels like dessert for breakfast.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Overripe bananas
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Unsweetened applesauce
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Maple syrup
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Cinnamon (divided)
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Vanilla extract
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Baking powder
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Kosher salt
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Milk (cashew, almond, or skim)
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Old fashioned oats
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Sugar
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
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Mash the overripe bananas in a mixing bowl.
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Add the applesauce, maple syrup, 1 tsp cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract; stir to combine.
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Pour in the milk and whisk until smooth.
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Fold in the old fashioned oats.
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Spray an 8.5×11-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and pour in the oat mixture.
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In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¼ tsp cinnamon with 1 tsp sugar. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
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Bake at 375 °F for 35 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
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Prep time: approximately 10 minutes
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Cook time: 35 minutes
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Total servings: 4 generous servings
Variations
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Fruit addition: Top with fresh berries, sliced banana, or diced apples after baking.
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Nut/seed mix-in: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds before baking.
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Spiced twist: Include nutmeg or ginger for deeper spice.
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Veggie boost: Substitute part of the milk with plain Greek yogurt for added protein.
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Sweetness swap: Use honey or date syrup in place of maple syrup.
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Pan size change: Use a 9×13-inch pan for 6–8 smaller portions; reduce bake time slightly.
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Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free oats.
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Vegan version: Use plant-based milk and ensure sugar is vegan.
Storage/Reheating
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
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For individual servings, divide into portions for easy grab-and-go.
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Reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds per portion.
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Freeze well-wrapped portions for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
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Add milk, yogurt, or fruit to refresh when reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of old fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer. Reduce the bake time slightly as quick oats absorb liquid faster.
2. My bananas aren’t ripe enough — can I still use them?
Overripe bananas are best. To ripen quickly, bake them (in peel) at 300 °F for 15–20 minutes until soft.
3. What kind of milk is best?
Cashew milk, almond milk, or skim milk all work. Use your preferred option for taste and dietary needs.
4. Can I make this ahead for a large batch?
Yes, you can double the recipe and use a larger dish. Monitor baking time to avoid overcooking.
5. How can I increase the protein?
Add protein powder or top with Greek yogurt and nuts.
6. Is it okay to skip the cinnamon-sugar topping?
You can, but it adds a flavorful finish. It’s optional but recommended.
7. My baked oatmeal turned out dry — what might have gone wrong?
Check that you’re using the correct dish size and not overbaking. Avoid using very low-fat milk which may be absorbed too quickly.
8. Can I add chopped apples or other fruit inside?
Yes, fold in diced fruit like apples or berries before baking for added flavor and texture.
9. How do I adapt for different portion sizes?
Use a larger dish for more servings and reduce bake time slightly. Cut into 6–8 pieces instead of 4.
10. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
Maple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal is a comforting, make-ahead breakfast that’s nutritious, naturally sweetened, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping solo breakfasts for the week, this dish delivers cozy flavor and convenience in every slice.
