Cozy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups: 12 Perfect Bites

Oh, you know those mornings when you just want something warm and comforting but you’re already rushing out the door? Yeah, I’ve been there! For a long time, the kitchen felt like this daunting place after my corporate days, always feeling like another task. But then I discovered the pure joy of making something simple and delicious myself, like a perfect loaf of bread, and it totally changed things. That’s exactly the feeling I want to share with these apple cinnamon oatmeal cups. They’re like a warm hug in your hand, so easy to grab and go, and they capture that cozy fall vibe without any fuss. Seriously, they’re proof that incredible food doesn’t need to be complicated. You can learn more about my journey here, and feel free to connect with us on Facebook too!

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Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

Seriously, these little cups of joy are a game-changer for busy mornings. They’re packed with that cozy apple-cinnamon flavor we all love, and the best part? They’re so incredibly easy to make ahead!

• Taste of Fall Anytime: Imagine that warm, comforting flavor of baked apples and cinnamon in every single bite. It’s like a little bit of fall sunshine, ready whenever you are!
• Ultimate Grab-and-Go Breakfast: These are my go-to for a quick breakfast or snack. Just bake them, let them cool, and you have portable goodness ready to dash out the door with. You can’t beat that for a grab and go snack!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: I love making a big batch on the weekend. It makes my week so much smoother knowing I have a healthy, delicious meal prep breakfast waiting for me.
• Wholesome Ingredients for a Good Start: Packed with hearty oats, real fruit, and simple everyday ingredients, these keep you feeling full and energized. A truly healthy way to start your day.
• Kid-Approved & Kid-Friendly: My kids absolutely devour these! They’re the perfect portion size and that yummy apple-cinnamon combo is a guaranteed hit, making them wonderfully kid friendly.
• Freezer Friendly for Later: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they freeze beautifully. They’re perfect for those times you need breakfast fast – they are truly freezer friendly!

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Ingredients for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

The beauty of these apple cinnamon oatmeal cups is that they come together with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, or can easily grab from any grocery store. It’s all about keeping things simple and delicious while giving you that homemade goodness. We’re talking about wholesome rolled oats, some leavening, warm spices, and of course, those lovely apples. You can see a similar vibe in my apple oatmeal muffins recipe too!

Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

• 2 cups rolled oats (the old-fashioned kind work best here!)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (to give them a little lift)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or a little more if you’re like me!)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (just to balance the flavors)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (this adds moisture and such a lovely natural sweetness)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (you could also use honey or another liquid sweetener)
• 1/4 cup milk (any kind works, dairy or non-dairy!)
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or melted butter if you prefer)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (a little goes a long way for flavor!)
• 1 cup diced apple (about one medium apple; cored and finely diced, peel on is fine!)
• Optional: chopped nuts or seeds for topping (like walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch!)

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

Okay, let’s get these yummy apple cinnamon oatmeal cups into your life! Making them is genuinely straightforward, like a happy kitchen activity. Think of it as a little baking adventure that ends with the most delicious reward. It reminds me a bit of when I was learning to bake bread – that satisfying feeling of creating something wonderful with your own hands, just like I wrote about on my bread baking journey!

Prepping Your Muffin Tin

First things first, let’s get the oven going! Preheat it to a nice 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab your 12-cup muffin tin. You’ll want to either give it a good grease with some butter or cooking spray, or pop in some paper liners. This makes sure our yummy cups don’t stick and come out looking picture-perfect.

Combining Dry Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

In a big bowl, we’ll bring together all our dry ingredients. So, in go the rolled oats, the baking powder (that’s our little helper for lift!), the cinnamon for that amazing cozy flavor, and a pinch of salt to make everything taste even better. Just give it a quick stir to make sure everything is nicely mixed up.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

Now, in a separate bowl, let’s get our wet ingredients together. Whisk up those two eggs, then add the unsweetened applesauce, that lovely maple syrup, your milk, the melted coconut oil, and the vanilla extract. Whisk it all until it’s nice and smooth. It should look like a cheerful, golden mixture!

Bringing it All Together

Time to combine! Pour all those wonderful wet ingredients into the big bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir it gently until it’s *just* combined. We don’t want to overmix here, just enough so you don’t see any dry flour streaks. Then, the best part – gently fold in your diced apples. If you’re adding nuts or seeds, toss those in now too. It’s like adding little bursts of extra goodness!

Baking and Cooling Your Oatmeal Cups

Now, scoop that batter into your prepared muffin cups, filling them about two-thirds of the way full. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look golden brown and a toothpick you poke into the center comes out clean. Let them hang out in the tin for a few minutes to cool down a bit before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step really helps them firm up perfectly!

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Tips for Making the Best Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

You know, the best part about these apple cinnamon oatmeal cups is how forgiving they are! They’re pretty much foolproof, but I’ve picked up a few little tricks along the way that can make them even more awesome. Think of these as friendly nudges to help you achieve oatmeal cup perfection. For more ideas like these, check out my BBQ sauce recipe or my super-simple apple crumble!

First off, let’s talk apples. While any apple will work, I find that varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala give you that lovely balance of sweet and slightly tart, and they hold their shape nicely after baking. You want to dice them pretty small, about a quarter-inch, so they distribute evenly throughout the batter. If you prefer a softer apple texture, you can even give them a quick sauté with a pinch of cinnamon before adding them!

Don’t be afraid to play with the spices, either! If you love a really warm, cozy flavor, a tiny pinch of nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon is fantastic. And if you’re watching the sugar, you can totally reduce the maple syrup a touch, or even replace some of the applesauce with mashed banana for natural sweetness and a different flavor twist. I’ve found that using rolled oats (not instant!) gives them the best chewy texture, but steel_cut oats will need a different approach. Making these is like a little invitation to get creative in the kitchen!

Make-Ahead and Storage for Your Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

One of the best things about these apple cinnamon oatmeal cups is how perfectly they fit into your meal prep routine. Honestly, knowing I have a healthy breakfast ready to go makes my mornings SO much smoother – it’s that same feeling I get from prepping overnight oats!

Once they’ve cooled down completely (this is key so they don’t get soggy!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for about 4 days. Perfect for grabbing one each day!

Now, if you’re really planning ahead or want to make a big batch to last even longer, you can totally freeze these. Just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop that into the freezer until they’re solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep wonderfully for up to 3 months! When you’re ready for one, just pop it in the microwave for a quick zap or toss it in the toaster oven for a minute or two until warmed through. Amazing!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

You’ve whipped up some amazing apple cinnamon oatmeal cups, and maybe you’re just curious or want to customize them even more. I get it! It’s like when I’m trying to figure out how to get more protein into my breakfast, hence my protein oatmeal obsession. Here are a few things folks often ask:

Are these oatmeal cups gluten-free?

Great question! If you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, then yes, these baked oatmeal cups are totally gluten-free! It’s a simple swap that makes them perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. It’s one of the easiest ways to make a recipe more accessible, which is something I really value.

Can I use different fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely! These cups are super adaptable. You could try finely diced pears for a similar comforting flavor, or maybe some mashed banana for extra sweetness and a different kind of moistness. Berries like blueberries or raspberries would also be delicious, though they might change the texture a little. Feel free to play around!

Are these a good option for toddlers or young kids?

They really are! These are my little ones’ favorite grab and go snacks. The texture is soft enough, the flavors are familiar and not too strong, and they’re perfectly portioned for tiny hands. Just make sure your diced apples are quite small for any really little ones.

Do I really need to let them cool completely?

Yes, please! Letting them cool on a wire rack is really important. If you try to store or freeze them while they’re still warm, they’ll create condensation inside the container, making them get a bit soggy. Patience here really pays off for the best texture later!

Nutritional Information

Because we all want to know what we’re fueling ourselves with, here’s a little breakdown for these fantastic apple cinnamon oatmeal cups. Keep in mind these are estimates, of course, since the exact amounts can change just a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use – like whether you add nuts! Think of it as a general guide to the goodness packed into each cup. If you love a healthy, snackable recipe, you should definitely check out my pumpkin muffins too!

Per serving (1 cup):

• Calories: About 180
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g

Share Your Creations!

I absolutely love hearing about your baking adventures! Did you try these apple cinnamon oatmeal cups? I’d be thrilled if you left a comment below sharing your experience, or even better, star-rated your review! And please, if you snap a pic, tag us on social media – seeing your delicious creations makes my day and truly connects us all through cooking. You can share your latest kitchen successes on my blog page too!

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups

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Enjoy these simple, baked oatmeal cups for a healthy, portable breakfast or snack. They are perfect for meal prep and have a comforting apple cinnamon flavor.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 35 min
• Yield: 12 cups 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup diced apple
• Optional: chopped nuts or seeds for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the diced apple.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. If desired, sprinkle with chopped nuts or seeds.
8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cups cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Store cooled oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the cooled cups in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven.
• Customize with your favorite spices like nutmeg or ginger, or add dried cranberries.
• These are great for busy mornings and are a kid-friendly option.
• Consider these for your meal planning needs.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg