Name: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups rolled oats; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups almond milk; 1 cup unsweetened applesauce; ¼ cup maple syrup; 1 cup apples, finely chopped; ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 4 reviews

If you are looking for a delightful way to start your morning on a cozy, wholesome note, this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe is the perfect answer. Combining the warm aroma of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of apples, these baked oatmeal cups are like a hug in edible form. Think of them as a charming hybrid between classic baked oatmeal and your favorite muffin, but entirely vegan and packed with nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a slow weekend breakfast, these oatmeal cups bring comfort, flavor, and simplicity all in one bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl in the center is filled with light beige rolled oats, surrounded by smaller white bowls containing different ingredients. At the top left, a white bowl holds a smooth, creamy beige applesauce. At the top right, a white bowl is filled with chopped dark brown pecans. To the right of the center bowl, a clear glass measuring cup with a handle contains off-white oat milk. Below the oat milk, a small round glass container holds medium amber-colored maple syrup. Beneath the center, a small white bowl is filled with finely chopped light yellow and red apple pieces. To the bottom left, a white plate contains three small piles of dry spices, including ground cinnamon (brown), baking powder, and baking soda (white). All items are laid out on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a satisfying baked treat. Each component plays a crucial role: the oats give heartiness and fiber, cinnamon infuses a warm spice, apples lend freshness and sweetness, and the liquid ingredients bind everything into perfect breakfast cups.

3 cups rolled oats: The hearty base of these cups, oats provide texture and keep you full longer.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: This warm spice gives the cups their classic apple-cinnamon flavor.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds lightness, helping the cups rise slightly for a tender bite.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and spice.
1 ½ cups almond milk: A dairy-free liquid that moistens the oats and binds the ingredients together.
1 cup unsweetened applesauce: Natural sweetness and additional moisture without any added sugars.
¼ cup maple syrup: Adds gentle sweetness and a subtle caramel note.
1 cup apples, finely chopped: The star fresh fruit that adds texture and bursts of juicy flavor.
½ cup chopped pecans (optional): Provides a lovely crunch and nutty depth that complements the soft oatmeal perfectly.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray. This preparation step ensures your oatmeal cups will release cleanly and bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed, giving you consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

To the dry mixture, add almond milk, unsweetened applesauce, and maple syrup. Stir well until all the ingredients come together into a sticky batter. The blend of natural sweeteners and moist ingredients creates a perfectly tender base.

Step 4: Fold in Apples and Pecans

Gently fold in the finely chopped apples and optional pecans, spreading fruity bursts and textural crunch throughout your batter. Don’t worry if the batter looks a bit wet—this moisture is exactly what you want for soft, chewy oatmeal cups.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups and Bake

Transfer the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup all the way to the top for a generous portion. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges turn golden and the tops are just set, giving you that perfect balance of tender and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the oatmeal cups to cool completely in the tin before removing. Cooling helps them firm up and develop their full flavor, making them easier to handle and utterly delicious.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe

The image shows two oatmeal muffins stacked on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom muffin is whole, with a rough, brownish exterior filled with visible oats and nuts. The top muffin is broken in half and stacked on the bottom one, revealing a soft, moist inside with a mix of oats, apple chunks, and nuts, all lightly spiced with cinnamon. Loose oats are scattered around the plate, and there is a blurred background with warm colors suggesting fresh apples. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the texture and details of the muffins. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe by sprinkling a dash of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup on top just before serving. For a touch of indulgence, add a spoonful of dairy-free yogurt or a buttery nut spread.

Side Dishes

These oatmeal cups pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, a side of berries or sliced bananas, or even a warm cup of chai or herbal tea. Their wholesome nature means they complement light accompaniments perfectly without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe in a rustic basket lined with a cozy napkin for a charming breakfast display. Alternatively, stack them with layers of fresh apple slices and a swirl of cinnamon-spiced yogurt in a parfait glass—hello, breakfast perfection!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for up to a week. Keeping them sealed preserves their moisture and flavor, making for great grab-and-go breakfasts.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, these cups freeze beautifully. Wrap each cup individually or store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick, nourishing meal.

Reheating

Reheat your oatmeal cups in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. Adding a little splash of almond milk before warming helps revive their soft, freshly-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Steel-cut oats have a chewier texture and take longer to cook, so they are not ideal for this recipe. Rolled oats give the perfect softness and binding needed for the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?

Yes, you can swap maple syrup for honey (if not vegan) or agave nectar. Keep in mind that sweetness and flavor profiles may vary slightly depending on your choice.

Are these oatmeal cups suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! Their portability and storage ease make them an excellent option for meal prepping. Bake a batch and you’ve got breakfast ready to go all week long.

Can I add other fruits or nuts?

Feel free to experiment with your favorite mix-ins. Chopped walnuts, raisins, dried cranberries, or even diced pears all make fantastic additions that complement the apple and cinnamon beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe is like a cozy morning hug, packed with wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors. If you love simple, nourishing breakfasts that feel indulgent yet guilt-free, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Try baking a batch this weekend—you’ll soon find these oatmeal cups becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen just like they are in mine.