Description
These Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups are a delicious and wholesome breakfast option, combining the warmth of cinnamon and the natural sweetness of apples in a convenient, portable muffin form. Made with oats, fresh apples, and a touch of maple syrup, these cups are easy to prepare and perfect for busy mornings or meal prep.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned oats (Bob’s Red Mill recommended)
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp turbinado sugar (optional, for topping)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 ⅓ cup whole milk
- ½ cup applesauce
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (or less to taste)
Fruit
- 1 ½ cups diced apples (divided into 1 cup in batter, ½ cup for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 12-cavity cupcake pan generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and light brown sugar until fully combined. Add the applesauce, whole milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon, then whisk again until the mixture is smooth and evenly mixed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the oats, baking powder, and salt thoroughly. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the dry oat mixture into the wet ingredients bowl. Mix until all the oats are moistened and the batter is uniform in consistency.
- Add Apples: Stir in 1 cup of the diced apples to the batter, folding them in gently but thoroughly to evenly distribute throughout the mixture.
- Fill Muffin Pan: Using a large ice cream scoop or a ¼ cup measuring cup, evenly divide the batter among the 12 muffin cavities, filling them to nearly full.
- Top with Apples and Sugar: Press the remaining apple chunks into the tops of each filled muffin cup. Then sprinkle each muffin with turbinado sugar to add a crunchy, caramelized topping after baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the oatmeal cups are lightly golden brown, puffed, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Serve: Let the cups cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, optionally drizzled with extra maple syrup for added sweetness.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- These oatmeal cups reheat well in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing maple syrup or brown sugar to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
