If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of a classic apple pie but want a portable, nutritious twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Baked Apple Pie Oatmeal Cups Recipe. These delightful little cups capture all the cozy spices and sweet apple goodness, wrapped up in a wholesome oatmeal base that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Imagine waking up to the scent of apples and cinnamon mingling with the nutty aroma of pecans, all baked into perfectly portioned cups that make mornings joyful and simple. Let’s dive into making these irresistible morsels that blend health and indulgence in one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing these oatmeal cups is a breeze since this recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that combine beautifully to create rich flavor, delightful texture, and inviting color.
- Rolled oats (2 cups): The wholesome base that adds heartiness and a chewy texture perfect for breakfast.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings that signature warm spice note reminiscent of classic apple pie.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Helps the oatmeal cups rise lightly for a tender crumb.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances every flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold everything together snugly.
- Milk (1 1/4 cups): Moisturizes and softens the oats; use any milk you love, dairy or plant-based.
- Maple syrup (1/4 cup): Natural sweetness with a rich, caramel-like undertone.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds depth and aroma for an irresistible fragrance.
- Apple, finely chopped (1): Fresh and tangy bites throughout the oatmeal cups.
- Pecans, chopped (1/3 cup): Provides crunch and buttery flavor.
- Cream cheese or almond butter (6 tsp): Used as a luscious filling for surprising creaminess inside each cup.
- Greek yogurt (for serving): Adds tangy creaminess that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
- Honey (for serving): A light drizzle for an extra touch of natural sweetness.
How to Make Baked Apple Pie Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by either lining it with liners or greasing it thoroughly. This step is essential to ensure your oatmeal cups come out easily and keep their perfect shape.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Take another bowl and beat the egg, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently to combine. Finally, fold in those finely chopped apples and crunchy pecans—this blend will be bursting with flavor and texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Cups
Spoon about half of the oatmeal mixture evenly into each muffin cup. Next, add a teaspoon of cream cheese or almond butter right in the center of each filled cup—you’ll love the creamy surprise inside each bite. Cover this with the remaining oatmeal mixture, gently pressing down to secure the filling inside.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll want to see the tops turn a gorgeous golden color and feel set to the touch—this signals that your Baked Apple Pie Oatmeal Cups Recipe has reached its perfect cozy consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the oatmeal cups cool just slightly before serving. The best way to enjoy them is warm, topped with a generous dollop of Greek yogurt and a light drizzle of honey. This combination adds a luxurious tang and sweetness that elevate every mouthful.
How to Serve Baked Apple Pie Oatmeal Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your oatmeal cups with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a handful of chopped pecans on top. A swirl of almond butter or a tiny scoop of cream cheese adds creaminess and visual appeal just before serving, making every bite memorable.
Side Dishes
Pair these cups with fresh seasonal fruit like sliced pears or berries for a refreshing contrast. A cup of warm chai tea or your favorite coffee brew complements the warm spices beautifully, making it an ideal breakfast or snack pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Baked Apple Pie Oatmeal Cups Recipe in rustic ceramic bowls sprinkled with oat clusters or chopped nuts for a charming café vibe. For a grab-and-go option, wrap each cup in parchment paper or place them in a mason jar layered with yogurt and fruit for a layered parfait experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These oatmeal cups keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They make a perfect quick breakfast or snack when you need something nourishing and delicious without hassle.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or batch cook, these oatmeal cups freeze beautifully. Wrap each cup individually with plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To warm, pop a frozen or refrigerated oatmeal cup into the microwave for about 30-60 seconds until heated through. You can also thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a conventional oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to retain a slightly crisp top.
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats are less processed and take much longer to cook, so they are not the best substitute here. Rolled oats absorb moisture and bake well, giving you the soft yet slightly chewy texture essential for this recipe.
Is it okay to use almond milk or another plant-based milk?
Absolutely! Any milk—dairy or plant-based—works wonderfully. Almond, oat, or soy milk can easily replace cow’s milk without changing the flavor or texture too much.
Can I add extra fruit or nuts to the recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment. Adding raisins, dried cranberries, or even chopped walnuts can add an exciting twist, but keep the quantities reasonable to maintain the baking time and texture.
What if I’m allergic to nuts? Can I skip the pecans?
Definitely. You can omit pecans or substitute them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch without nut allergens.
How do I make these more vegan-friendly?
To make the Baked Apple Pie Oatmeal Cups Recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, set for 5 minutes) and use a plant-based cream cheese or nut butter for the filling.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Apple Pie Oatmeal Cups Recipe is truly a game-changer for your breakfast routine or anytime snack cravings. It manages to be wholesome, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful all at once. The combination of tender oats, sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and creamy filling hits all the right notes and feels like a little hug in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for these oatmeal cups again and again, loving how easy and delicious healthy eating can be!
Print
Baked Apple Pie Oatmeal Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Apple Pie Oatmeal Cups are a delicious and healthy breakfast option combining the comforting flavors of apple pie with wholesome oats. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and filled with creamy centers of either cream cheese or almond butter, these oatmeal cups are baked to golden perfection and served with Greek yogurt and honey for a satisfying morning treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 1/4 cups milk (any kind)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 apple, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
Filling
- 6 tsp cream cheese or almond butter
To Serve
- Greek yogurt
- Honey
Instructions
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well mixed. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir to combine. Fold in the finely chopped apples and chopped pecans evenly into the mixture.
- Fill the Cups: Spoon half of the oatmeal mixture evenly into each muffin cup, filling them about halfway. Place 1 teaspoon of cream cheese or almond butter in the center of each cup. Then, cover each with the remaining oat mixture to fill the cups.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the oatmeal cups are golden brown on top and set in the middle.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve the oatmeal cups warm topped with a generous dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for added sweetness and creaminess.
Notes
- Use any milk of your choice—dairy or plant-based alternatives work well.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans and almond butter, using cream cheese or a seed butter instead.
- These oatmeal cups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated before serving.
- Feel free to swap apples with other fruits like pears or berries based on seasonality.
- The cream cheese can be replaced with almond butter for a dairy-free filling.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves with cinnamon can enhance the apple pie flavor.
