This stovetop apple cinnamon oatmeal combines fresh apple flavor, applesauce, and warm spices for a comforting, nutritious breakfast. It’s quick to make and ideal for busy mornings or weekly meal prep.
Go-To Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
There’s nothing like a warm bowl of oatmeal to welcome the cooler months. This apple cinnamon version blends applesauce, vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of maple for a creamy, naturally sweet breakfast that tastes like fall in every spoonful.
Why you’ll love it
Quick and easy: Ready in about 10–12 minutes on the stovetop—perfect for hectic mornings.
Great for meal prep: Make a large batch and refrigerate or freeze portions for grab-and-go breakfasts all week.
Whole grain goodness: Made with rolled oats for a soft, chewy texture and plenty of fiber.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: 1 cup. Rolled oats swell as they cook and yield a creamy texture.
- Unsweetened almond milk: 2 1/2 cups, divided. Any milk works, but using milk instead of water makes the oatmeal creamier.
- Pure maple syrup: 2 tablespoons. Use honey or agave if preferred.
- Applesauce: 1/2 cup, unsweetened recommended for a natural apple flavor.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon for depth of flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon—the signature spice for this dish.
- Chia seeds: 1 tablespoon to add texture and healthy fats (optional).
Optional toppings
- Minced or sliced fresh apple
- Extra ground cinnamon
- Granola for crunch
- Nut butter for richness
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
This recipe is straightforward and forgiving—perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike.
Combine ingredients and bring to a boil
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 2 cups almond milk, maple syrup, applesauce, vanilla, cinnamon, and chia seeds. Stir to combine and heat over medium-high until it comes to a gentle boil.
Let simmer
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the oats thicken. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup almond milk and continue to simmer for another 1–2 minutes until the oatmeal reaches your desired consistency.
Add toppings and enjoy
Divide into bowls and top with fresh apple chunks, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a spoonful of granola, or a drizzle of nut butter. Serve warm.
Using other varieties of oats
If you don’t have rolled oats on hand, you can use steel-cut or quick oats—just adjust the liquid and cooking time.
Stovetop steel-cut oats
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 3 cups liquid
Bring 1 cup steel-cut oats and 3 cups liquid to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and creamy.
Stovetop quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 2 cups liquid
Combine 1 cup quick oats with 2 cups liquid, bring to a boil, and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
FAQs
Is oatmeal gluten-free? Oats themselves are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur during processing. Look for oats labeled “certified gluten-free” if you require a gluten-free product.
Is oatmeal healthy? Yes. Oatmeal is a whole grain, high in fiber, generally low in added sugar, and provides plant-based protein and sustained energy.
What liquid should I use? Unsweetened almond milk keeps this recipe creamy without added sugar. You can use any milk—dairy, oat milk, cashew milk, or water (water will produce a less creamy result).
Topping ideas
Elevate your bowl with one or more of these favorites:
- Nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew)
- Chopped nuts: walnuts, pecans, or peanuts
- Fresh apple slices
- Fresh berries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
- Granola for crunch
- A sprinkle of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup
Storage
Allow cooked oatmeal to cool completely. Transfer to a sealed glass container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days, depending on add-ins. Plain oats with milk will keep longest.
Freezer instructions
Oatmeal freezes well and is ideal for make-ahead breakfasts:
- Cool the cooked oatmeal completely.
- Spoon portions into a well-sprayed muffin tin or small containers and freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Remove frozen portions, transfer to a freezer-safe bag, press out excess air, label with date, and freeze up to 3 months.
To thaw and reheat
Microwave frozen portions for 2–3 minutes to defrost, then heat on high for 30–60 seconds until warm. Add a splash of milk if the oatmeal is too thick after reheating.
Nutrition (per serving)
Approximate values per serving: Calories: 314 kcal; Carbohydrates: 53 g; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 8 g; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: 19 g. Nutrition may vary with different toppings and ingredient brands.
Tips & notes
- If you prefer looser oatmeal, stir in an extra tablespoon or two of milk.
- Optional toppings are not included in the nutrition estimate.
- For more texture, stir in grated apple or lightly sautéed apple pieces while cooking.
Photography for this recipe was provided by Ashley McGlaughlin.