The aroma of cinnamon mingling with sweet maple syrup is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Picture biting into a warm, fluffy Maple Apple Cinnamon Baked Oat Cup, where tender apples hug creamy oats, and every bite feels like a cozy hug on a chilly morning.
I remember the first time I made these delightful cups; the whole house smelled like fall. My kids burst into the kitchen, drawn by the sweet air, and I couldn’t help but smile as they gobbled them up. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these oat cups are sure to be a family favorite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Maple Apple Cinnamon Baked Oat Cups are incredibly easy to whip up for busy mornings.
- They burst with flavors that dance on your taste buds and look gorgeous with their golden tops.
- Plus, you can customize them with your favorite fruits or nuts for endless variations!
Sharing these baked oat cups with friends brought smiles all around, especially when they realized how healthy they were.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Rolled Oats: Choose large flakes for a heartier texture that holds up beautifully when baked.
Fresh Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a delightful contrast against the sweetness.
Cinnamon: The star of this recipe! Freshly ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth to each cup.
Maple Syrup: Opt for pure maple syrup to ensure an authentic flavor that elevates your baked goods.
Milk (or Dairy-Free Alternative): Any milk works here; almond or oat milk can add an extra layer of flavor.
Baking Powder: This helps create those fluffy oat cups we all love.
Eggs: These act as a binder, helping everything come together perfectly while adding protein.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and complexity; don’t skip this!
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Maple Apple Cinnamon Baked Oat Cups
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin lightly with cooking spray or line it with paper liners.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy mixture adds moisture to our oat cups.
Fold in apples: Gently fold diced apples into the wet mixture. The chunks will bake down nicely while keeping their sweetness and providing texture.
Mix everything together: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep those lovely fluffy textures intact.
Fill muffin tins: Spoon the mixture evenly into your prepared muffin tin. Fill each cup about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
Bake away: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell like heaven!
Cool and enjoy: Let them cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. These tasty little cups are best enjoyed warm!
Now you have everything you need to whip up these delicious Maple Apple Cinnamon Baked Oat Cups. They are perfect for breakfast on-the-go or even as an afternoon snack! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Maple Apple Cinnamon Baked Oat Cups are a fantastic breakfast option, combining flavors that make your kitchen smell like a cozy fall day.
- They’re easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, ensuring your mornings start on the right note.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepare your muffin tin while the oats soak up those yummy flavors. This way, you save time and ensure each cup bakes evenly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap apples for pears or add nuts for extra crunch. A dash of nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile to new heights!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover oat cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Simply reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds when you’re ready to enjoy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For delicious oat cups, use rolled oats instead of quick oats for better texture.
- Make sure not to overmix; this keeps them fluffy.
- Experiment with different sweeteners if you want to switch things up!
Creating these baked oat cups always reminds me of those rainy Sundays spent in my kitchen, surrounded by laughter and delicious smells wafting through the air.
FAQ
What can I substitute for maple syrup in this recipe?
You can use honey or agave syrup as alternatives to maple syrup.
Can I make these oat cups gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use certified gluten-free oats for a safe option.
How long do these oat cups last in the fridge?
They will stay fresh for about five days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Maple Apple Cinnamon Baked Oat Cups
Maple Apple Cinnamon Baked Oat Cups are a delightful way to start your day, combining the warm flavors of cinnamon and maple with tender apples for a cozy breakfast treat. These healthy oat cups are easy to prepare, perfect for busy mornings, and can be customized with your favorite fruits or nuts. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a convenient snack throughout the week!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups diced fresh apples (e.g., Granny Smith)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold diced apples into the wet mixture before combining it with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Spoon the mixture into muffin tins, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top. Let cool for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oat cup (80g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Swap apples for pears or add nuts like walnuts for extra crunch. For enhanced flavor, consider adding a dash of nutmeg. Store leftover oat cups in an airtight container for up to five days; reheat in the microwave for quick enjoyment.
