If you’ve been searching for a breakfast that’s comforting, wholesome, and bursting with cozy flavors, look no further than this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe. It’s a delightful crossover between baked oatmeal and muffins, delivering tender, moist cups that sneak in the goodness of oats and fresh apples. Each bite brings in warm cinnamon spice complemented by the natural sweetness of applesauce and a touch of maple syrup. Perfect for busy mornings or a weekend treat, this recipe makes breakfast both simple and satisfying, and it’s completely plant-based to keep things light yet nourishing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven small white bowls and a glass measuring cup arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a bowl filled with light beige rolled oats. Above it is a bowl of chopped dark brown nuts, and below it is a bowl of small chopped apple pieces with red skin. To the left, there is a bowl with light yellow applesauce and another bowl with three spices in shades of brown and white powders. On the right side, the glass measuring cup holds a creamy white liquid, and below it, there is a small glass bowl with amber-colored syrup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple pantry staples that work together beautifully to create the perfect blend of texture, flavor, and nutrition in your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe. Each component offers more than just taste—whether it’s the heartiness of rolled oats or the gentle sweetness from maple syrup, everything plays a key role.

3 cups rolled oats: The base ingredient that gives body and a wholesome chewy texture to the cups.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: Adds warm spice that makes every bite irresistible and comforting.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cups rise slightly, giving a light, fluffy finish.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances flavor and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and maple syrup.
1 ½ cups almond milk: Keeps the mixture moist while remaining dairy-free and light.
1 cup unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and fruity sweetness without any added sugar.
¼ cup maple syrup: A natural sweetener that gives subtle richness and depth.
1 cup apples finely chopped: Fresh apples provide sweetness, texture, and a burst of juicy flavor.
½ cup chopped pecans (optional): Introduces a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to contrast the softness.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s nice and ready when you finish mixing. Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray to keep your oatmeal cups from sticking, making it easier to enjoy every last bite.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these first helps distribute the cinnamon evenly so every bite tastes just right and ensures the baking powder is well mixed for that perfect rise.

Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Add the almond milk, unsweetened applesauce, and maple syrup to the oat mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined. This will create a thick, slightly wet batter that’s packed with flavor and just the right consistency for baking.

Step 4: Fold in Apples and Pecans

Gently fold in the finely chopped apples. If you love crunch, this is the perfect moment to also add chopped pecans. The apples keep the oatmeal cups juicy while the pecans offer contrast with their satisfying texture.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups and Bake

Transfer the mixture into your prepared muffin pan, filling each cup to the top—don’t worry if the batter looks wet, it will set beautifully in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges turn a lovely light brown and the tops feel firm to the touch.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, allow the oatmeal cups to cool completely in the pan. This cooling period helps them set fully and makes them easier to remove without breaking.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe

A gray metal muffin tray with twelve cups is filled with unbaked oat and nut mixture. Each cup holds a thick layer of rough-textured oats mixed with small chunks of light brown nuts and pieces of red and tan apple. The oat mixture is uneven and chunky, filling each cup to just below the top edge. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface, and no woman's hand is visible in the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your oatmeal cups with a dusting of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of warm maple syrup for that extra touch of sweetness and inviting aroma. A dollop of dairy-free yogurt or nut butter on the side can add creaminess and additional flavors that complement the apples and cinnamon beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these oatmeal cups with fresh fruit, like sliced pears or berries, which bring a refreshing contrast to the warm spices. A hot cup of chai tea or coffee is also an excellent companion, turning a simple breakfast into a cozy morning ritual.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cups stacked on a rustic wooden board or in colorful muffin liners to enhance their charming appeal. You might also slice them horizontally and spread a touch of almond butter and honey in the middle for a delightful, breakfast sandwich twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keeping them chilled preserves their moist texture and intensifies the cinnamon and apple aroma.

Freezing

These oatmeal cups freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for batch cooking. Simply wrap each cup individually or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months for convenient grab-and-go breakfasts that retain their flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your oatmeal cup in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm it gently in the oven until heated through. This revives their softness and the comforting warm spices, making each bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use other types of milk instead of almond milk?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap almond milk with any plant-based milk like oat, soy, or coconut milk. Each will slightly alter the flavor but keep the recipe vegan and dairy-free.

Are these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups gluten-free?

They can be, if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. This way, you can enjoy this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe while adhering to a gluten-free diet without any compromises.

Can I add other fruits or nuts?

Yes! Blueberries, raisins, or chopped dried fruit make wonderful additions, as do walnuts or almonds in place of pecans. Just keep the quantity similar so the texture stays balanced.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely. These oatmeal cups have a natural sweetness and soft texture that kids love. Plus, they’re packed with nourishing ingredients, making breakfast both fun and healthy for little ones.

How can I make these cups sweeter without adding sugar?

Using ripe apples and maple syrup naturally sweetens the cups. You could also experiment with mashed bananas or a splash of vanilla extract to gently boost sweetness without refined sugar.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups Recipe, it will become your go-to for mornings needing a warm, filling, and flavorful start. It’s simple, wholesome, and flexible enough to customize to your favorite tastes. These little cups of oats and apples are the perfect way to sneak in some daily goodness while indulging in a treat that feels special. Go ahead, bake a batch—you’ll be so glad you did!