There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a warm, comforting bowl of homemade oatmeal. This apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe is the perfect way to embrace a cozy morning. It’s a simple, nourishing, and incredibly flavorful breakfast that comes together in under 20 minutes. Forget the bland instant packets; this recipe uses real ingredients to create a creamy, satisfying meal that will keep you energized all morning long.
Why This is the Best Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and depth of flavor. By gently cooking the apples first, we soften them and bloom the cinnamon, creating a rich, aromatic base before the oats are even added. It’s a small step that makes a world of difference. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and delicious way to start your day right.
The Key Ingredients
The magic of this apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe comes from its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.
Rolled Oats: Also known as old-fashioned oats, they provide a creamy texture with a slight chew.
Apple: A crisp, sweet-tart apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith works best.
Cinnamon: The essential warm spice that makes this dish so comforting.
Milk: Use dairy or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk for creaminess.
Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: For a touch of sweetness and depth.
Salt: A pinch is crucial to enhance all the other flavors.
Simple, wholesome ingredients for a delicious breakfast.
Choosing the Right Components
The Best Apples for Oatmeal
The type of apple you choose can significantly impact the final dish. I recommend using a firm, crisp apple that holds its shape well during cooking. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Braeburn, or Granny Smith are excellent choices. They provide a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors that complements the cinnamon and oats beautifully.
Rolled Oats vs. Steel-Cut Oats
This recipe calls for rolled oats because they cook relatively quickly and yield a wonderfully creamy consistency. Steel-cut oats can also be used, but they require a longer cooking time and more liquid to soften. If you prefer the chewier texture of steel-cut oats, plan to increase the cook time to 20-30 minutes and add about an extra cup of liquid.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl of oatmeal every time.
FL Recipes
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe: The Perfect Cozy Breakfast
A warm, comforting, and easy apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe made with simple ingredients. This healthy and delicious breakfast is ready in under 20 minutes!
1large applepeeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
1cuprolled oats
2cupsmilkor water, or a combination
1tspground cinnamon
1-2tbspbrown sugar or maple syrupto taste
1/4tspsalt
Equipment
1 Saucepan
1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
Method
Cooking Steps
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
Stir in the ground cinnamon and salt, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the rolled oats to the pan and stir to combine with the apples and spices.
Pour in the milk (or water) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the oatmeal is creamy and has reached your desired consistency.
Remove the oatmeal from the heat and stir in the brown sugar or maple syrup. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcalProtein: 12gFat: 10gFiber: 8g
Notes
For extra creaminess: Use whole milk or a splash of heavy cream at the end. Topping Ideas: Toasted walnuts, pecans, a dollop of yogurt, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup.
Keyword apple oatmeal,cinnamon oatmeal,healthy breakfast
A few simple tips can elevate your oatmeal from good to great.
Toast the Oats: For a nuttier, more complex flavor, toast the dry oats in the saucepan for a minute or two before adding any liquid.
Don’t Walk Away: Oatmeal can go from perfect to stuck-to-the-bottom-of-the-pan quickly. Stir it frequently as it simmers.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Cooking your oatmeal at a gentle simmer prevents it from becoming gummy and ensures a creamy, even consistency.
Add Toppings: Elevate your breakfast with toppings like toasted pecans, walnuts, a splash of cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Consider making a healthy homemade granola (coming soon) for extra crunch.
Customizations and Variations
This apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Add Nuts or Seeds: Stir in a tablespoon of chopped walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, or flax seeds for extra texture and nutrients.
Include Other Spices: A pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice can add another layer of warmth and complexity.
Stir in Dried Fruit: Add a handful of raisins or cranberries during the last few minutes of cooking for extra sweetness and chew. For a different fruity breakfast, you could try our Blueberry Banana Smoothie (coming soon).
Storing and Reheating
Oatmeal is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can easily make a larger batch to enjoy throughout the week. Store cooled oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to loosen it up and heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until warm. This makes it a perfect quick and healthy breakfast (coming soon) for busy mornings.
Absolutely. Using water will result in a less creamy, but still delicious, oatmeal. For the best texture, we recommend using at least half milk, but you can use all water if you prefer or have dietary restrictions.
Firm, crisp apples that hold their shape during cooking are best. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Braeburn, and Granny Smith are all excellent choices as they offer a great balance of sweet and tart flavor.
The key is to avoid overcooking and over-stirring. Simmer the oatmeal gently rather than boiling it, and stir just enough to prevent sticking. Using rolled oats instead of quick oats also helps maintain a better texture.
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook a batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with an extra splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Share Your Creations!
I hope you love this simple and delicious apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe. It’s a true breakfast staple that brings warmth and comfort to any morning. If you make it, please leave a comment below or share a picture on Pinterest. We love seeing your culinary creations!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
