Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
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Apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe is packed with warming cinnamon, sweet apples, nutmeg and maple syrup in a creamy oatmeal base. Perfect for a cold Fall morning, this is filling, packed with flavor and so comforting.
We love cozy and satisfying breakfasts like meal prep overnight oats, our oatmeal banana pancakes, and baked oatmeal cups, and of course a comforting bowl of oatmeal. Pair it with a smoothie for a satisfying meal!
Warm and Nourishing Apple Pie Oatmeal with Cinnamon
Warm cinnamon apples are quite arguably one of the most addictive kitchen aromas around. The Fall flavor reminds me of hot apple crisp and lures everyone out of bed and to the table.
First, chopped apples are sauteed, oats are lightly toasted, and then everything is simmered with cinnamon and just a pinch of nutmeg in water until the liquid is fully absorbed. These oats can be sweetened with maple syrup or honey for a delicious healthy breakfast recipe.
Loaded with simple flavors, this apple cinnamon oatmeal is hearty and filling, and delicious.
- QUICK – You can easily make this oatmeal in 10 minutes! It’s an easy recipe to bring camping, or to the cabin to serve on a cold chilly day.
- LESS MESS – Who doesn’t love easy clean-up? All you need is one pot to cook everything for this delicious recipe.
- FILLING – Oatmeal is healthy and filling! You can easily add a variety of toppings to please everyone and feel full and satisfied for the entire morning.
Pro Tip: Rolled oats will produce a different texture than instant oats. It’s more of a personal preference as to what you like best.
Recipe Ingredients
With just a few simple ingredients you can whip up this easy breakfast recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to make apple cinnamon oatmeal with full details in the recipe card at the bottom of this post:
APPLES – For a less sweet, more tart flavor, choose granny smith apples. For a sweeter flavor, try honey crisp, gala apples, pink lady, fuji or honey gold.
MAPLE SYRUP – Make sure to use real maple syrup. Honey, brown sugar or coconut sugar (has a slight caramel taste that pairs beautifully with oatmeal recipes) will also work great.
OATS – Old-fashioned Rolled oats (most oat brands are naturally gluten free) retain their texture better while cooking, but you can also use instant oats. Steel cut oats will also work but will take longer to cook.
SPICES – This simple recipe uses a bit of ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
WATER – You’ll need 4 cups of water to cook the oats in. You can also try milk or almond milk.
Pro Tip: Instead of just using water, try adding 2 cups of pure apple juice and 2 cups water for some added apple flavor.
Flavor Variations
This oatmeal recipe is easily customizable. Options are endless when dreaming up different flavors or textures to add. I have included a few favorites to try below:
- DRIED FRUIT – Raisins or dried cranberries are a great addition.
- BLUEBERRIES – Swap apples for blueberries for an easy flavor variation.
- SEEDS & NUTS – Try adding pumpkin seeds or toasted nuts like chopped pecans for a little crunchy texture.
- COCONUT – Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut for texture and a hint of sweetness.
- VANILLA – Once oatmeal is removed from the stove, stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
- SPICES – Swap the spices used for 1/2 tsp of apple pie spice. Add a pinch of ground ginger,
- NUT BUTTER – Drizzle almond butter, peanut butter or sunflower seed butter on top for added protein.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
A big bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal will be ready in under 15 minutes! Here is how to make them with full details and a recipe card at the bottom.
- SAUTE – Peel and chop fresh apples into bite-sized pieces. In a medium saucepan or pot, heat a small amount of cooking oil or unsalted butter. Add apples and sauté until they’re soft and can be pierced with a fork.
- TOAST OATS – Add the rolled oats to sautéed apples and allow them to toast for about a minute. This helps to add flavor but is an optional step.
- MIX – Next pour in the water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce heat to let it simmer until all the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally during this step. This will take about 5 minutes or so. Remove from heat, stir in the maple syrup, and dish into serving bowls with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tip: Don’t like mushy oats? Me neither! You can avoid this by not over stirring while the oats are cooking. Yes, you need to stir the oats a little bit, but not too much. If you’re still not happy with the consistency after cooking, try adding a splash of cold milk to serving bowls overtop of oatmeal. This is my favorite trick to mask that mushy texture.
How To Cook Oatmeal In Microwave
In a hurry? You can microwave these oats too. Here’s how to do it:
- Add all the ingredients to the a large microwave safe bowl and microwave for 2-3 minutes, stopping to stir halfway through.
- Remove from the microwave and stir in the sweetener.
How To Store Oatmeal
It’s easy to make a big batch of homemade oatmeal for meal prep breakfasts throughout the week!
- REFRIGERATE – Add the oatmeal recipe to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- REHEAT – Add the oatmeal to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also add leftovers to a pot and heat them on the stove. Add a splash of water or milk as you heat to bring in some moisture.
Topping Ideas
There are so many ways to enjoy a big bowl of warm apple oatmeal. Eat oatmeal with a few of these toppings for more flavor:
- FRESH FRUIT – Top with fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, pineapple, or banana slices.
- CHOPPED NUTS- Add sliced almonds, chopped pecans or walnuts.
- SEEDS – I love to sprinkle seeds on my oatmeal. Typically I add a bit of everything: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds.
- LEMON JUICE – Drizzle juice from a freshly squeezed lemon, or add a bit of lemon zest.
- SUGAR – Sprinkle brown sugar or coconut sugar on top just before serving.
- SALTED MEAT – Try adding a slice or two of prosciutto. Sweet and salty flavor goes great with oatmeal.
- YOGURT – Add a dollop of greek yogurt on top for added protein.
- BUTTER – A spoonful of butter (or vegan butter) placed on top will melt and create a richer flavor.
Common Questions
If you want to make your apples crunchier, you can skip the sauté step. However, I recommend trying the sauté step before deciding.
You can use steel-cut oats but make sure you soak them overnight so they can cook properly.
Oats contain starch which, when over-stirred, can release during the cooking process. To avoid this, it’s best to leave your oats alone as much as possible while cooking. This is the same thing for when you cook quinoa.
This healthy apple cinnamon oatmeal is one of those dishes that is just so comforting. It’s easy to make and takes less than 30 minutes before it’s served. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal, this one is sure to please everyone in the house.
More Healthy Breakfast Recipes:
- Sheet Pan Sweet Potato Spinach Omelette
- Homemade Granola
- Tropical Green Smoothie Bowl
- Six Healthy Chia Pudding Flavors
- Two Ingredient Banana Pancakes
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 4 cups water - or milk, or dairy free plant based milk
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ tsp salt - kosher salt or sea salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅙ tsp ground nutmeg
- 3 apples - peeled and chopped (granny smith or sweet apples will work)
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup - honey, brown sugar, or coconut sugar
Instructions
- Slice the fresh apples into small bite-sized pieces.
- Saute the diced apples a medium pot over medium heat with a bit of cooking oil or butter. Cook until apples are soft when poked with a fork.
- Add the rolled oats to the pot and toast them for 1 minute, stirring often.
- Add in the water, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg.
- Bring to a boil over medium high heat then reduce heat to let it simmer. Cook oats for about 5 minutes, until the oats have absorbed all the liquid. Stir occassionally during this time (do not overstir or oats will get mushy).
- Remove from the heat and stir in the pure maple syrup (brown sugar or honey). Add oats to serving bowls then add favorite toppings. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
- Avoid mushy oatmeal by stirring occasionally during the cooking process. If you stir too much, you’ll get mushier oats.
- REFRIGERATE – Add the oatmeal recipe to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- REHEAT – Add the oatmeal to a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also add leftovers to a pot and heat them on the stove. Add a splash of water or milk as you heat to bring in some moisture.
- Add favorite toppings! I like to pour in fresh milk (or use dairy free milk), top with nuts and seeds, a dollop of yogurt or nut butter, sprinkle chia seeds, hemp seeds or shredded coconut. Add more fruit or even chocolate chips!
