Apple Cinnamon Raisin Walnut Baked Oatmeal

Key Ingredients Breakdown

In addition to pantry staples like baking powder, salt, butter, eggs, and vanilla, the following ingredients are really what makes this apple cinnamon baked oatmeal shine (make sure to check the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and quantities):

Old Fashioned Oats: Make sure they are not quick cooking oats, as the texture would change.
Walnuts: Toast for extra flavor and crunch (see the notes section below). You can also substitute other nuts like almonds, pecans, cashews, etc. or eliminate them entirely.
Milk: You can use anything from skim to whole, as well as dairy alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, etc.
Maple Syrup: We want pure maple syrup for this recipe, not pancake syrup.
Apples: I love using Gala apples, as they are mildly sweet and crisp. Honeycrisp is another good option, or use your favorite variety.
Raisins: Feel free to substitute your favorite dried fruit, or use another fresh fruit in its place.

Topping Ideas and Variations

This oatmeal recipe is very versatile, and you can easily switch up the fruits based on the season and add other mix-ins according to your preferences. Here are some suggestions:

Topping Suggestions
While this is wonderful eaten as-is, if you want to add different flavors and textures, try topping the oatmeal with any of these:

Greek Yogurt – Add a scoop of yogurt for a hit of protein along with the oatmeal.
Fresh Fruit – Sprinkle with fresh berries or chopped bananas.
Maple Syrup – Drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top.
Peanut Butter – Warm peanut butter or almond butter and drizzle over top.
Toasted Coconut – Adds wonderful texture and flavor!
Nuts – Sprinkle with extra chopped nuts.

Recipe Variations
While I adore the combination of apples, raisins, and walnuts, you can create endless varieties and customizations to this recipe. Below are some ideas:

Switch Up the Fruit – In place of apple slices on the bottom of the pan, layer peach or banana slices instead. Use blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries in place of the raisins.
Alternative Sweeteners – Instead of pure maple syrup, use honey or light brown sugar.
Add in Peanut Butter or Nut Butter – Whisk in ¼ cup of peanut butter with the wet ingredients. A peanut butter banana version sounds excellent!
Protein Packed – Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dry ingredients.
Coconut Oil – Replace the melted butter with coconut oil, or oil of your choice.
Chocolate Chip Version – Use chocolate chips (regular or mini) in place of the raisins for a more decadent breakfast!
Egg Replacement – You can substitute either ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.

How to Store and Reheat

One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch on a Monday and have it every morning for the rest of the week!

Store in the Refrigerator: This recipe will keep fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Store in the Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat Instructions: You can easily reheat individual portions of the oatmeal in the microwave in 30-second increments until it is heated through. If you want to reheat an entire dish of oatmeal, heat your oven to 350 degrees F and bake, covered with foil, for 15 to 20 minutes.

Tips for Recipe Success

Over the years, as I’ve been making this recipe, I’ve discovered some easy suggestions to help make sure your baked oatmeal turns out perfectly every time:

Toast the Walnuts (or other nuts you’re using) – Toasting helps bring out the flavor of the nuts and makes them extra crunchy. To toast walnuts, place them on a baking sheet in your preheated oven (350F/190C) and bake for 7 to 10 minutes. You can also toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat on the stovetop for 2 to 5 minutes. Remember to closely monitor so they don’t burn. They are finished when you start to smell their nutty aroma, and they have turned a light golden brown.
Rest Before Serving – If you want to serve your baked oatmeal in neat slices (versus scooping it into a bowl), you’ll have to let it sit for a bit to firm up. Check the consistency after 30 minutes before trying to cut it into slices.
Tastes Best Served Warm – Whether you are scooping or slicing the oatmeal, the flavors taste the best when warm.
Easily Doubled – This recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

More Breakfast Recipes with Oats

Overnight Chilled Plum Oatmeal Pudding
Oatmeal Muffins with Dates, Cranberries and Pecans
Maple Oatmeal Scones

Conclusion

This Apple Cinnamon Raisin Walnut Baked Oatmeal is a comforting and nutritious breakfast that checks all the boxes—easy to prepare, customizable, meal-prep friendly, and packed with wholesome ingredients. The warm blend of apples and cinnamon is both nostalgic and satisfying, while the raisins and walnuts add natural sweetness and texture.

With its versatility, you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Whether you want to keep it traditional or experiment with peanut butter, berries, or chocolate chips, the possibilities are endless. Best of all, it stores beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead breakfast for busy weekdays or a special weekend brunch dish.

For anyone looking to start their day with something hearty, delicious, and soul-warming, this baked oatmeal is a recipe worth bookmarking.