I don’t know about you, but there’s something magical about the aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen on a chilly morning.
This baked apple oatmeal crumble combines creamy oats with tender apples and a crisp streusel topping that’ll make you want to linger at the breakfast table.
It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but with wholesome ingredients that’ll keep you satisfied until lunch. Ready to transform your morning routine with minimal effort and maximum comfort?
Why You’ll Love this Cozy Baked Apple Oatmeal Crumble
When the morning chill hits your bones, nothing feels more satisfying than a warm, home-baked breakfast that fills your kitchen with cinnamon-apple aromas.
This baked oatmeal is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, nutritious, and just sweet enough.
I love how it combines the best parts of breakfast and dessert, with tender apples nestled in creamy oats and that irresistible streusel topping. Can you think of a better way to start your day?
Plus, it’s meal-prep friendly. Make it once, enjoy it all week. Mornings just got easier, cozier, and way more delicious.
What Ingredients are in Cozy Baked Apple Oatmeal Crumble?
This baked apple oatmeal requires simple, wholesome ingredients that create the perfect balance of hearty nutrition and comforting sweetness.
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups milk (soy or your preferred type)
- 2 small apples, cored and cubed
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon crushed walnuts
- 4 tablespoons room temperature butter
Feel free to adjust based on dietary needs—the walnuts can be skipped for nut allergies, and the milk can be swapped for any non-dairy alternative that matches your preferences.
How to Make this Cozy Baked Apple Oatmeal Crumble
Making this comforting apple oatmeal crumble is wonderfully simple, starting with preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing an 8×8 baking pan.
First, prepare that irresistible streusel topping by combining 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup rolled oats, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon apple pie spice, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon crushed walnuts, and 4 tablespoons room temperature butter.
Mix these ingredients until they form a crumbly texture, then set aside while you work on the main attraction.
For the oatmeal base, combine 2 cups rolled oats, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 cups of milk (soy or whatever type you prefer).
The magic happens when you fold these wet ingredients into the dry mixture, creating a hearty oatmeal base.
Gently fold in your 2 cored and cubed small apples and 1/3 cup chopped walnuts if using them, then pour this mixture into your prepared pan. Who doesn’t love seeing those little pieces of apple peeking through?
Now comes my favorite part—distribute that gorgeous streusel mixture over the top, pressing it down slightly to help it adhere better during baking. This little trick guarantees every bite has some of that buttery, crumbly goodness.
For the best results, consider using a cast iron cookware set to ensure even heat distribution and a perfectly caramelized finish. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the oatmeal is set and the top is beautifully browned.
The kitchen will smell absolutely divine, like autumn morning wrapped in cinnamon-scented hugs.
Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, which might be the hardest part of the entire recipe.
The leftovers, if you manage to have any, store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, making this the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings.
What to Serve with Cozy Baked Apple Oatmeal Crumble
Several delicious accompaniments can transform your baked apple oatmeal crumble from a simple breakfast into a memorable feast. I love adding a dollop of Greek yogurt on top, which creates a perfect creamy contrast to the warm, crunchy texture.
For a more decadent version, why not drizzle maple syrup or honey? A side of fresh berries adds brightness and balances the richness.
When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll prepare a simple vanilla sauce to pour over each serving. Cold milk, whether dairy or plant-based, makes the perfect beverage pairing. Need protein? A side of crispy bacon works surprisingly well.
Leftovers and Storage for this Cozy Baked Apple Oatmeal Crumble
Morning leftovers from your baked apple oatmeal crumble can become tomorrow’s breakfast champion with proper storage.
I recommend letting it cool completely before transferring portions to airtight containers. This beauty stays fresh in your refrigerator for 4-5 days, making it perfect for busy weekday mornings.
Want to reheat? A quick 30 seconds in the microwave works wonders, or pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes if you’re craving that crispy topping again.
A splash of milk on top, and it’s good as new. Freezing works too—individual portions thaw beautifully overnight in the fridge.
Cozy Baked Apple Oatmeal Crumble Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this baked apple oatmeal crumble lies in its flexibility—you can adapt it to whatever’s in your pantry or dietary needs.
Don’t have apples? Pears or peaches work beautifully. For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with coconut oil and use almond or oat milk instead.
Not a fan of walnuts? Try pecans, almonds, or skip the nuts entirely. You can even add dried cranberries or blueberries for extra sweetness.
For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats and replace the whole wheat flour with almond flour. Need it less sweet? Cut the sugar in half—the apples provide natural sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Everyone deserves a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. This baked apple oatmeal crumble delivers exactly that—comfort in every spoonful.
What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms humble ingredients into something truly special, without requiring professional baking skills.
The beauty lies in its versatility. Make it on Sunday, enjoy it all week. Serve it warm with a splash of milk, or cold straight from the fridge when you’re rushing out the door.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my pumpkin pie version that uses similar techniques but with seasonal fall flavors.
Trust me, your future self will thank you for this little act of kitchen kindness.