This creamy, cozy, baked apple pie oatmeal will rival any packaged version! Sweetened with dates and a hint of maple syrup this protein oatmeal is a make-ahead breakfast recipe for busy days.

Is there anything cozier than a bowl full of oatmeal in the morning or a cool day? Yes! A bowl of oatmeal you didn’t have to stand at the stove and stir!
This baked apple pie oatmeal has all the fall flavors of maple and cinnamon to indulge with but also 16 grams of protein to keep you full.
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I love this protein oatmeal recipe because it can be made in advance and saves busy moms precious time in the morning. Personally, my kiddos love it and I enjoy that there’s not much effort required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to make: Layer the apples, mix up the oatmeal in a bowl, pour, and bake. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t bind you to the kitchen.
Healthy: With 16 grams of protein, naturally sweetened, dairy, and gluten-free this baked protein oatmeal is a healthy way to kick off the morning.
Make ahead: You can whip this oatmeal up the morning you need it or make it in advance and simply cook it for breakfast the next day.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Below is a quick peek of the ingredients you’ll need for the apple pie baked oatmeal, many of the ingredients you need for apple pie overnight oats too!
If you’re new to a gluten-free diet, make sure to use gluten-free certified oats. You want regular oats so that the dish doesn’t become mushy. Learn more about the types of oats.
Though the chia seeds are optional, they give a boost of plant-based protein and are one of the foods I think all toddlers should have in their diet.
Adjust the seasonings as preferred by adding in more or less cinnamon, nutmeg, or a sprinkle of ginger.
Know that pecans or almonds can be used for walnuts.
The protein in this baked oatmeal comes from collagen powder which is the cleanest source of protein you’ll find and what I use in this slow cooker porridge recipe. Learn more about the difference between collagen and protein powder.

How To Make It


Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients together.
Step 2: Add the liquid ingredients and mix well.


Step 3: Layer an 8x8 baking pan with sliced apples.
Step 4: Pour on the oatmeal and smooth out.

Step 5: Top with more apples, and walnuts, and bake until cooked through.
Important Teaching Tips
If you need the apple pie oatmeal to be nut free, use homemade hemp milk or oat milk in place of almond and substitute pumpkin or sesame seeds for the walnuts.
Adjust the cooking time based on personal texture preference. The longer you bake it, the chewier it will be.
How To Make It Ahead Of Time
To make the baked apple oatmeal in advance, follow the directions to pour the oatmeal mixture into the apples.
Wrap the baking dish in plastic wrap and store in the fridge until morning.
In the morning, let the dish come to room temperature on the counter while the oven preheats. Remove the plastic wrap. Bake until cooked to your desired consistency.

How To Store Leftovers
Let the protein oatmeal cool fully first. Then, store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat it in the microwave in intervals or in the oven at 250F. You’ll want to add a splash of milk to the baking dish when reheating it to give the oatmeal extra moistness as it thickens when stored.
Flavor Variations
There are a lot of ways you can make this protein oatmeal unique! Below are a few fun flavors and toppings to try.
Fruits: this baked oatmeal can work with pears, peaches, or yes, berries to change the base flavor.
Drizzle: If making this oatmeal for brunch and you want a sweeter taste, drizzle dairy-free caramel sauce on top before serving.
Add ins: Add in extra pecans, raisins, or other dried fruit for extra texture.
Toppings: Serve it with some whole30 whipped cream for a delicious, apple crumble flavor.

FAQs
Yes! You can freeze the oatmeal two ways. The first is to bake the oatmeal, let it cool, and store it in the freezer in a plastic container. When you want the oatmeal, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Or, you can prepare a baking dish and freeze it before cooking. Make sure to use an oven-safe dish or pop it into a container and when you need it, let it thaw overnight, transfer it to a dish, and baked until cooked through.
No. Vegan protein powder especially absorbs liquid like crazy and will change the texture of the apple pie oatmeal. Though when protein may work I haven’t tried it.
This apple oatmeal actually used to be vegan but it has since been revamped. You can easily revert it back by omitting the collagen powder and adjusting the cooking time a bit longer to absorb the extra liquid.
Other High Protein Fall Recipes
- Apple mug cake
- Vegan baked apples
- Peanut butter baked protein oatmeal
- Baked yogurt
- Pumpkin spice protein mug cake
- Pumpkin overnight oats

Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal (High Protein)
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cup Regular Oats gluten free if needed
- 1 ¼ cup Almond milk unsweetened
- 6 dates chopped
- 1 tablespoon Chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 Apple Sliced thinly
- ¼ cup Walnuts Chopped
- ¼ cup Maple syrup
- ⅓ cup Collagen powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F
- In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Add in the wet ingredients and mix well.
- Spread half the apple slices onto the bottom of the baking pan.
- Pour the oatmeal mixture over top. Top with remaining apples and chopped walnuts.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until desired texture is reached.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Emily
This sounds so yummy! I love that you added so many goodies to it like the dates and shredded apples. I love dates, but never think to add them to oatmeal, such a great idea!
fitasamamabear
We use dates for EVERYTHING lol it's mildly alarming. I like them as a sweetener though!
Renee D Kohley
The grated apple throughout is such a good idea! I usually just chunk it up for oats but my girls will love this! Thanks!
fitasamamabear
My youngest was odd with chunks (but would eat the whole fruit so uh, thanks?) so we had to grate! Makes the flavor blend a bit better too 🙂
Megan Stevens
Oh the dates in there. It looks delicious!!
fitasamamabear
Thank you! It's a tasty one- dates keep it sweet!
Angela at Stray Curls
Hey Shelby!
This recipe looks so good! Simple and delicious. Although I'm not a vegan, I'd absolutely love to try this out! 😀 Thank you so much for posting this.
fitasamamabear
Yay! I'm glad it looks tasty! I'm not vegan either, I just love plant based things 😀
Raia Todd
My hubby looooove stuff added in to his oatmeal! I bet that he'd really enjoy this. 🙂
fitasamamabear
It makes the oatmeal so much more yummy!