This apple cinnamon oatmeal is quick, easy, filling, and satisfying! Make a bowl of this cozy oatmeal for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or even a healthy dessert. It is thick, creamy, flavorful, and delicious. Both kids and adults love this 10-minute oatmeal recipe. This classic breakfast recipe is great for any time of year. It is filled with protein, fiber, and nutrients to start your day off right!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe is quick and easy.
- Only a handful of pantry staple ingredients are needed.
- This recipe takes less than 10 minutes in total.
- Great for adults and children.
- It can be eaten warm or cold.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers. To make a bigger batch, try this Creamy Instant Pot Oatmeal!
- The oatmeal comes out thick and creamy!
- The apple cinnamon combination is cozy, warm, and flavorful.
- This recipe can be easily made gluten-free. Use gluten-free oats.
- In addition, this recipe is dairy-free and vegan.
- Check out these Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats or this Peanut Butter Oatmeal for another delicious idea!
Ingredients & Substitutions
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for apple cinnamon oatmeal. Scroll down to the recipe for the full ingredients list and directions.
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best results. Use Quaker or another favorite brand. They become softer and fluffier than quick oats. If needed, use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Bob’s Red Mill makes gluten-free oats.
If you have more rolled oats, make these No Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies!
Water helps cook the oatmeal. For ultra creamy oats, use milk. Dairy free milk works well too.
Finely diced apples add great flavor and nutrients. Feel free to leave apple skin on. Dice into ¼ inch pieces. Check out these Types of Apples for more information on flavor and texture.
Add in a pinch of sea salt for flavor.
Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm flavors. Feel free to adjust amounts to suit your preference. They provide the warm aroma of autumn!
Garnish with brown sugar and chopped nuts if desired. Or, top with a drizzle of peanut butter or melted chocolate.
Health Benefits of Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a healthy breakfast option.
Oats are packed with fiber. This keeps you full for longer amounts of time.
In addition, oats are a source of protein, with aminos acids.
They provide a good source of carbohydrates. This promotes energy.
Oats contain beta-glucan, a soluble fiber. This fiber reduces LDL and total cholesterol and reduces blood sugar.
Oatmeal has many health benefits!
Taste & Texture
This apple cinnamon oatmeal is warmly spiced and flavorful. It tastes like a delicious cinnamon apple. It is not overly sweet. For a more mild sweetness, omit the brown sugar topping.
The texture is creamy and thick. The nuts on top add a slight crunch.
How to Make
Step 1
First, combine the oats, water, diced apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a pot. Gently stir to combine.
Step 2
Bring the mixture to a boil. Boil for 1 minute.
Step 3
Reduce heat to low. Continue stirring until the oatmeal has thickened and the apples have softened.
Step 4
Finally, turn off the heat. Ladle the oatmeal into bowls.
Step 5
Top with brown sugar and nuts.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Use the right amount of liquid. Too much liquid will yield watery oatmeal.
Not enough liquid will result in super thick oatmeal.
Feel free to add more water or milk as the oatmeal cooks.
Typically, a ratio of 2:1 for the liquid to oats is ideal.
Continue stirring oatmeal. This prevents burning.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Oatmeal is totally customizable. Consider these flavor variations and toppings.
Add chopped nuts on top. This adds crunch and protein.
Top with fresh fruit. Sliced bananas, berries, peaches, or apples go well with oatmeal.
Drizzle honey, maple syrup, agave syrup, or peanut butter on top!
Brown sugar is great on top of oatmeal!
For dessert, try adding some melted chocolate on top! Or, stir in some chocolate chips. They will melt and add to this cozy oatmeal.
How to Serve & Store
This apple cinnamon oatmeal is best served fresh and hot. Serve immediately after cooking.
Serve for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or even dinner! This oatmeal is a healthy dessert option too.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add water or milk to a saucepan. Add oatmeal in. Heat until warm.
For a sweet treat, try these Iced Oatmeal Cookies!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are apples and cinnamon good for you?
Yes, apples and cinnamon are healthy foods. They have nutrients and vitamins. The flavors in this apple cinnamon oatmeal are so warm!
What does oatmeal with apples do for your health?
Oatmeal has many health benefits. It contains a healthy source of carbs and even a little protein. The fiber in oatmeal will keep you full all morning long.
How much sugar is in apple cinnamon oatmeal?
There is no added sugar in the oatmeal. For this recipe, feel free to leave off the brown sugar garnish for a sugar free option.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Be sure to use gluten-free oats to keep this recipe gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This apple cinnamon oatmeal can be made up to 3 days ahead of time.
What type of oats should I use?
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best results. They become softer than instant oats or steel-cut oats.
What type of apples should I use?
Feel free to use any type of apple! I love using honey crisp for this oatmeal. Granny Smith is much more tart.
Can I make this in the microwave?
Sure! Add all ingredients to a microwave-safe dish. Stir together. Microwave on high for 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Stop and stir as needed. Be very careful handling the bowl. Check out this Microwave Oatmeal Recipe.
Equipment Needed
Nonstick Saucepan: Use this nonstick pan for cooking apple cinnamon oatmeal.
Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups: These are my favorite sturdy measuring cups.
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If you enjoy this apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe, please leave a rating and review!
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
This apple cinnamon oatmeal is warm, cozy, perfectly spiced and so flavorful! This quick and easy recipe is great for breakfast, brunch, or a filling snack. Top with walnuts and brown sugar for a delicious meal!
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats, gluten free if needed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup diced apples
- Pinch sea salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch nutmeg
- 2 tbsp brown sugar, to garnish
- Chopped nuts, to garnish
Instructions
- First, combine the oats, water, diced apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a pot. Gently stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Boil for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to low. Continue stirring until the oatmeal has thickened and the apples have softened.
- Finally, turn off the heat. Ladle oatmeal into bowls.
- Top with brown sugar and nuts if desired.
Notes
- If needed, use gluten free oats.
- For creamier oatmeal, replace water with milk. Dairy free and regular milk work well.
- Continue stirring oatmeal to prevent sticking and burning.
- As it cooks, oatmeal will become thicker, and water will be soaked up.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 142Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 130mgCarbohydrates: 29.9gFiber: 5gSugar: 11.9gProtein: 3.3g
Michelle
Wednesday 24th of May 2023
My favourite flavors together in oatmeal -- I made a double batch and ate it through the week! So good!
Devy
Wednesday 24th of May 2023
This oatmeal is definitely a cozy thing to enjoy. I can have it anytime of the day. So comfortingly delicious.
Janice
Tuesday 23rd of May 2023
I absolutely love this apple-cinnamon oatmeal recipe! It's not only quick and easy to make, but it also keeps me feeling full and satisfied. The texture is delightful, with a perfect creamy consistency that I really enjoy. I could eat it every day without ever getting tired of it! This recipe would definitely be part of my breakfast routine, and I highly recommend giving it a try!