I absolutely love this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe because it combines the cozy warmth of cinnamon with the fresh, bright sweetness of tender cooked apples — it’s like fall in a bowl any time of year. When I first tried this, I was instantly hooked by how the maple syrup and butter gently caramelize the apples, adding a depth of flavor that turns a simple oatmeal into something truly special.
You’ll find that this recipe is perfect for busy mornings or whenever you need a comforting start to your day. It’s quick to make, only about 20 minutes total, and uses ingredients that are easy to keep on hand. Plus, it’s super flexible for adding your favorite toppings or swapping in different apple varieties. You’re going to love waking up to this bowl of deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweetened: With maple syrup and apples, you get sweetness without refined sugar.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, making it great for busy mornings.
- Warm & Comforting: The cinnamon and buttery apples bring cozy, nostalgic vibes.
- Versatile Base: Customize it with nuts, seeds, or yogurt for your perfect breakfast bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe come together beautifully to create balanced flavors — the crisp apples add freshness, the oats bring hearty texture, and the spices pull it all together. Look for fresh, firm apples and pure maple syrup for the tastiest results.
- Apple: I prefer Honeycrisp or Granny Smith because they hold their shape well and add a nice tartness.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and depth, better than brown sugar in my opinion.
- Salted Butter: Provides richness and balances the sweetness with a touch of saltiness.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice here — warming and fragrant.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Rolled oats give a creamy texture without turning mushy.
- Water: Keeps things light and hydrating; I prefer water for a clean oatmeal base.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the dish salty.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and aroma that rounds out the spices.
Variations
I love how flexible this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe is— you can easily make it your own depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. I often switch up the toppings or swap out different spices for a twist.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: I like to sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for crunch and healthy fats.
- Vegan Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter and maple syrup to keep it plant-based and still delicious.
- Spice It Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth and complexity.
- Fruit Swap: Pears or peaches work beautifully instead of apples when in season.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Apple Topping
Start by dicing your apple into small chunks—this helps them soften evenly and soak up that buttery maple syrup mixture. In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter, then add the diced apples and maple syrup. Stir frequently for about 4-6 minutes until the apples start to soften but still hold their shape—this balance makes the topping hearty without turning to mush. Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, stir again, and then scoop the apples and most of the liquid into a bowl to set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Oatmeal
In the same pot, add the old-fashioned oats, water, pinch of salt, remaining cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Bring it back to low-medium heat and cook for another 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to watch for when the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and become creamy yet still have a slight bite. This part is all about paying attention to texture—don’t rush, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning or sticking.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Divide the cooked oatmeal into two bowls and spoon the warm apple topping generously on top. If you want, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or some chopped nuts for crunch. I usually add a few walnuts for texture—it’s amazing how much the simple addition of nuts can elevate this dish. Now, grab a spoon and enjoy your warm, comforting breakfast.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
- Choose Crisp Apples: Using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith keeps the topping from becoming too mushy—you want a little bite.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking the apples and oats gently helps develop flavor without scorching.
- Use Old-Fashioned Oats: They hold up better than instant oats, giving you a creamier yet hearty texture.
- Don’t Skip Vanilla: Adding vanilla extract is my secret for boosting the cozy warmth and depth of the oats.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my apple cinnamon oatmeal with a sprinkle of extra ground cinnamon and a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to add a satisfying crunch. Sometimes I stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of cream for extra creaminess. You’ll love how these simple garnishes boost flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
Pairing this oatmeal with a side of crispy bacon or a piece of toasted whole-grain bread makes for a balanced breakfast. If you want something lighter, fresh fruit or a glass of orange juice complements the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch or special occasion, try layering the oatmeal and apple topping in clear glass jars or small mason jars and topping with toasted nuts and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. It’s a charming way to serve guests that feels both elegant and homey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover apple cinnamon oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps well for up to 3 days. The texture thickens slightly after refrigeration, so you might want to add a splash of milk or water when reheating.
Freezing
Freezing this oatmeal works fine in portioned containers, though the texture can become a little softer upon thawing. I recommend freezing without the apple topping and adding fresh-cooked apples after reheating for best taste and texture.
Reheating
When reheating, I warm the oatmeal gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or milk to bring back creaminess. Reheat the apple topping separately in a small pan to freshen it up before spooning on top.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats in this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind that the texture will be softer and more porridge-like. Old-fashioned oats give a heartier texture that holds up better to the apple topping and slow cooking.
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What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Crisp and tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal because they hold their shape during cooking and provide a nice balance to the sweetness from the maple syrup.
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Can I make this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and make sure your maple syrup is pure and free from additives.
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How do I prevent the oatmeal from sticking to the pot?
Use a non-stick or heavy-bottomed pot and cook the oats over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. Adding the right amount of liquid and not rushing the cooking process helps prevent sticking and burning.
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Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
Yes! Nutmeg, ginger, or allspice are great companions to cinnamon in this recipe and add extra warmth and complexity. Feel free to mix and match according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe has become such a comforting go-to for me whenever I crave something cozy yet simple to make. It’s foolproof, uses wholesome ingredients, and comes together quickly, which I know you’ll appreciate on busy mornings. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how you customize it or what your favorite topping is—because really, that’s the best part: making it your own. So go ahead, treat yourself to a bowl of this goodness—you deserve it!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and wholesome Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal recipe featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples served over creamy old-fashioned oats, sweetened naturally with maple syrup. Perfect for a cozy breakfast that’s both flavorful and nourishing.
Ingredients
Apple Topping
- 1 Medium-Large Crisp Apple (Honey Crisp or Granny Smith), diced
- 1 oz (2 Tablespoons) Maple Syrup
- 1 oz (2 Tablespoons) Salted Butter
- 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Oatmeal
- 100 grams (1 Cup) Old-Fashioned Oats
- 18 oz (2 1/4 Cups) Water
- Pinch of Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Topping: In a large pot over low-medium heat, combine diced apples, salted butter, and maple syrup. Cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples begin to soften. Stir in ground cinnamon and mix well. Then, scoop out the apples and most of the cooking liquid into a bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Oatmeal: To the same pot, add old-fashioned oats, water, a pinch of salt, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Cook over low-medium heat for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the water and are fully cooked.
- Serve: Divide the cooked oatmeal between two bowls. Top each serving with the warm apple topping and sprinkle additional cinnamon if desired. Optionally, garnish with chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangy contrast or sweet varieties like Honey Crisp based on preference.
- The apple topping can be prepared ahead and gently reheated.
- For a creamier oatmeal, substitute water with milk or a milk alternative.
- Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Maple syrup adds natural sweetness; adjust amount to taste or substitute with honey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
