Name: Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp salt; 1-2 Tbsp flax, chia, or hemp seeds; 1 ¾ cups unsweetened almond milk (or substitute with any milk); ½ tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (can substitute mashed banana); 1-2 Tbsp maple syrup; ⅓ cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats; 2 Tbsp raw sugar, coconut sugar, or cane sugar (reduce by half for less sweetness); 2 Tbsp cold butter or vegan butter; 1 tsp cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 52 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug, this Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and topped with a buttery crumb that’s reminiscent of your favorite coffee cake, it’s a wholesome and comforting way to start your day. Whether you’re a longtime oatmeal lover or just looking to shake up your morning routine, this dish delivers on flavor, texture, and heartwarming satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view on a white marbled surface with a white cloth with dark stripes on the upper left corner, holding four small white bowls arranged in a loose diamond shape. The largest bowl at the top is filled with light brown oats, the bowl on the left below it has light brown raw sugar, the bottom bowl contains a square piece of pale yellow butter, and the right bowl holds a small amount of dark brown cinnamon powder. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture—from the hearty rolled oats to the warm cinnamon, and that dreamy crumb topping made with real butter. Let’s break down what you’ll need.

Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: The hearty base providing a chewy, satisfying texture.
Baking Powder: Adds a gentle lift to keep the oatmeal from feeling dense.
Cinnamon: Infuses the dish with that signature warm, cozy coffee cake flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes perfectly.
Flax, Chia, or Hemp Seeds: Optional but adds a subtle crunch and nutritious boost.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: Keeps the mixture creamy without overpowering the flavors; easily swapped with any milk you have on hand.
Vanilla Extract: Gives the oatmeal a fragrant, rounded sweetness.
Unsweetened Applesauce: Keeps the dish moist and adds natural sweetness; mashed banana works beautifully here too.
Maple Syrup: Adds a gentle, natural sweetness that balances the spices.
Raw Sugar, Coconut Sugar, or Cane Sugar: For the crumb topping’s delightful crunch and sweetness.
Cold Butter or Vegan Butter: Creates the irresistible crumbly texture on top that crisps up in the oven.

How to Make Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to bake your oatmeal dream. Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking oil spray to ensure nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In the baking pan, add 1 ¾ cups of rolled oats along with baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and your choice of seeds. Give everything a good mix; this ensures every bite gets a perfect hint of spice and a touch of nuttiness from the seeds.

Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Pour in the almond milk, vanilla extract, applesauce, and maple syrup. Stir everything together until fully combined—and here’s a tip: the applesauce (or banana) keeps the mixture moist and naturally sweet, without the need for extra sugar.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumb Topping

This part is where magic happens. Pulse ⅓ cup of rolled oats in a food processor or blender until they become a fine oat flour. Add the cold butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then pulse until you get a crumbly texture. This topping delivers that crunchy, buttery coffee cake vibe on every bite.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly across the oatmeal mixture in your pan. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the oatmeal sets and the topping is beautifully crisp and golden.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, I love drizzling melted nut butter on top for an extra layer of richness. It’s like a little indulgence that makes breakfast feel like a treat.

How to Serve Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal Recipe

A square-shaped baked oatmeal bar sits on a round white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. The bar has a thick bottom layer with a rough, crumbly texture in light beige and brown tones. On top, there is a drizzle of creamy caramel-colored sauce that adds a smooth contrast to the coarse oatmeal. The plate has a slight shine, and some sauce drips loosely around the bar's edges. In the background, a blurred white baking dish with more oatmeal bars is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans adds wonderful crunch, while a dusting of cinnamon or a light drizzle of maple syrup highlights the recipe’s warming spices. Fresh berries are also a fantastic, vibrant addition that brings brightness and freshness to every forkful.

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded breakfast, pair this coffee cake baked oatmeal with a simple side of Greek yogurt or a dollop of creamy kefir. Soft boiled eggs or fresh fruit salad also complement this dish nicely without overshadowing its tender textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your coffee cake baked oatmeal straight from the pan for a rustic, cozy look or portion it into pretty bowls garnished with a sprig of mint or edible flowers. For gatherings, topping individual servings with a spoonful of whipped coconut cream or a dusting of cocoa powder makes breakfast feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftover baked oatmeal tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It stays moist and flavorful, making it perfect for quick mornings when you want something comforting and delicious without the fuss.

Freezing

This coffee cake baked oatmeal freezes beautifully! Cut it into portions before freezing in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months, making it a fantastic make-ahead breakfast solution.

Reheating

Reheat your portions in the microwave for a minute or two until warm, or wrap in foil and warm in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes to restore that freshly baked texture. For an extra touch, add a drizzle of syrup or nut butter after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use rolled oats other than Old Fashioned?

Old Fashioned rolled oats have just the right texture for this recipe, providing a chewy bite and good structure. Quick oats would result in a mushier texture, so it’s best to stick to Old Fashioned or traditional rolled oats for the perfect outcome.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just replace the butter with your favorite vegan butter and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. The recipe already calls for unsweetened apple sauce and maple syrup, so it’s naturally vegan-friendly with those few swaps.

Can I add fruit or nuts into the baked oatmeal?

Yes! Adding fresh or frozen berries before baking is a great way to brighten the dish. Chopped nuts mixed into the base also add lovely crunch and texture. Just fold them in with the wet ingredients before baking.

What if I want it less sweet?

Feel free to reduce the amount of sugar used in the crumb topping or swap maple syrup for a lower-sugar alternative. The cinnamon and vanilla provide plenty of natural flavor, so you can easily tweak the sweetness to your liking without sacrificing taste.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes. Make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid any gluten contamination. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great option for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Cake Baked Oatmeal Recipe is hands down one of my favorite ways to start the day—a perfect blend of indulgence and nourishment that fills your kitchen with the most wonderful aromas. It’s simple enough for weekday breakfasts but special enough to serve when guests come over. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become your go-to comfort breakfast too!