These oatmeal cups are simple to make, naturally sweetened, and easy to customize. They’re great for grab-and-go breakfasts and are kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and made with real ingredients. The combination of apples and cinnamon is comforting and delicious, and they’re satisfying without being overly sweet or heavy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
rolled oats baking powder ground cinnamon salt milk (dairy or non-dairy) eggs maple syrup or honey unsweetened applesauce vanilla extract apple, finely chopped optional add-ins: chopped nuts, raisins, or flaxseed
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a muffin tin.
In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
Fold in the chopped apple and any optional add-ins.
Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, filling almost to the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are set and lightly golden.
Let cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan. Serve warm or store for later.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 oatmeal cups. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 25–30 minutes Total time: 35–40 minutes
Variations
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Stir in raisins, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut.
Use mashed banana instead of applesauce for a different flavor profile.
Add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter to the batter.
Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Store oatmeal cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes. These also freeze well—wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or microwave from frozen.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer and less chewy than rolled oats.
Can I make these oatmeal cups dairy-free?
Absolutely—use any non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use maple syrup as the sweetener.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional. If you like the texture of the skin, leave it on. If you want a smoother texture, peel them before chopping.
What kind of apples work best?
Firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well in this recipe.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, you can add a scoop of protein powder. Reduce the oats slightly or increase the liquid to maintain moisture.
How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?
Use paper liners or generously grease the muffin tin with oil or non-stick spray.
Can I make this mixture into a baked oatmeal instead?
Yes, pour the batter into an 8×8-inch baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes until set.
How sweet are these oatmeal cups?
They’re mildly sweet. You can increase the maple syrup or add a little brown sugar if you prefer them sweeter.
Are these good for kids?
Yes, they’re kid-friendly and easy to hold, making them perfect for lunchboxes or toddler snacks.
Conclusion
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a comforting breakfast on the go. With simple ingredients and warm, familiar flavors, these baked oatmeal cups are perfect for meal prep or feeding the whole family. Make a batch today and enjoy a cozy, wholesome treat all week long.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups are wholesome, portable baked oatmeal muffins made with rolled oats, fresh apples, warm spices, and natural sweeteners. They’re perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack on the go.
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
1 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 medium apple, finely chopped
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts, raisins, or flaxseed
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
Fold in the chopped apple and any optional add-ins.
Divide the mixture evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling almost to the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tops are set and lightly golden.
Let cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan. Serve warm or store for later.
Notes
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.Try raisins, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut for variety.Substitute mashed banana for applesauce for a different flavor.Add a spoonful of nut butter to the batter for richness.Top with cinnamon sugar before baking for extra sweetness.
