There’s something about the combination of warm apples, cozy cinnamon, and creamy oats that makes a morning feel extra special.
Growing up, my mom used to make apple cinnamon oatmeal on days I didn’t feel like going to school, and the smell alone would pull me out of bed.
It’s warm, hearty, and the perfect way to start your day feeling nourished and satisfied.
The best part?
It’s made on the stovetop in under 15 minutes, making it an easy go-to breakfast when you want something wholesome but don’t have much time.
Plus, it fills your kitchen with the most amazing fall-like aroma, even if it’s the middle of summer!
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Tips to Make It Even Better
To prep ahead, make a batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat with a splash of milk and stir well before serving.
For ultra-creamy oatmeal, replace half of the milk with heavy cream or use a barista-style oat milk for extra richness. Try this oat milk for the creamiest texture.
Love a crunch? Stir in chia seeds or flaxseeds while cooking for added fiber and texture. These chia seeds work beautifully in oatmeal.
Want more protein? Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder at the end or add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for a protein boost. This vanilla protein powder blends smoothly into oatmeal.
Cozy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal (Stovetop)
Course: BreakfastDifficulty: Easy2
servings5
minutes10
minutesIngredients
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 ¾ cups milk (or water for a lighter version)
1 medium apple, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work great)
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds warmth)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon butter (optional, but makes it extra creamy)
1 tablespoon chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) for topping
Extra cinnamon and maple syrup for drizzling
Directions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced apples. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to soften and caramelize slightly. This step enhances the natural sweetness of the apples, making your oatmeal extra flavorful.
- Add the oats, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The oats will absorb the liquid and become thick and creamy.
- Once the oats are soft and have reached your desired consistency, stir in the maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. If you prefer a looser oatmeal, add a splash of extra milk at this stage.
- Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and top with extra diced apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a handful of chopped nuts for crunch. Drizzle with a little extra maple syrup for the ultimate cozy touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
- I personally love this during autumn, it makes me feel very cozy!
Substitutions and Add-Ins:
For a sugar-free version, swap the maple syrup for mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce.
Make it vegan by using almond milk or coconut milk instead of dairy.
Add some extra spice by incorporating a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a deeper flavor.
Turn it into a baked oatmeal dish by mixing everything, pouring into a baking dish, and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest, share it with friends, or leave a review below!
👉 Want More Easy Breakfast Recipes? Check out my favorites here!
This apple cinnamon oatmeal is the definition of comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh off the stove or meal prepping for the week, every bite is warm, cozy, and satisfying.
Have you ever tried making apple cinnamon oatmeal at home? Let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite way to customize it?
