APPLE CINNAMON OATMEAL

This apple cinnamon oatmeal is one of our quick and easy go-to breakfasts! There’s something so comforting about starting the day with a warm bowl of oats, especially when it’s packed with fresh, juicy apples, applesauce, cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and a touch of maple syrup. The combination of flavors is delicious and cozy, making it the perfect way to start your morning! Plus, this oatmeal is incredibly easy to make, comes together in minutes, and can be customized with your favorite toppings such as walnuts for a bit of crunch.

Why You Will Love This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

• This oatmeal has the delicious flavors of cinnamon and apples.
• It is bursting with apple flavor! We added both applesauce and diced apples!
• The ground cinnamon complements the apple flavor.
• This oatmeal is easy to make in one saucepan on the stovetop.
• It comes together so quickly and is made with simple ingredients.
• It’s such a cozy, comforting, and nourishing breakfast packed with fall flavors!
• This oatmeal is vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
• There is no oil or butter needed for this recipe.

What Is Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal?

Apple cinnamon oatmeal is the perfect cozy breakfast made by cooking quick oats with diced apples. The unsweetened applesauce enhances the apple flavor, while a dash of cinnamon brings warmth and spice that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the apples. Also, we added a touch of maple syrup for just the right amount of sweetness and chopped walnuts for a satisfying crunch. This oatmeal is effortlessly prepared in one saucepan on the stovetop and ready in minutes!

Ingredients Needed

• Apple: Use one small or medium apple. Peel the apple and dice it for this recipe. We used a Pink Lady apple. Some other options are a Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith apple.
• Quick Oats: This oatmeal is made with quick oats.
• Water: Boil the water to cook the oatmeal.
• Salt: Add a pinch of salt to the water.
• Applesauce: We added unsweetened applesauce to this oatmeal for the ultimate apple flavor!
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds flavor to this oatmeal.
• Nutmeg: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg for another layer of flavor.
• Maple Syrup: We sweetened this oatmeal with maple syrup. You could use sugar-free maple syrup or your sweetener of choice if you prefer.
• Walnuts: As an option, top this oatmeal with chopped walnuts.

How To Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Step 1: Wash and dry the apple. Then, peel the apple and chop it into small pieces.

Step 2: Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan and add a pinch of salt.

Once boiling, add the chopped apples and quick oats. Reduce the heat slightly and stir the mixture occasionally as it simmers and cooks for 1 to 1.5 minutes.

Step 3: Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Then, add the unsweetened applesauce, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and maple syrup to the saucepan.

After that, mix until well combined.

Step 4: Transfer the oatmeal to a bowl, add optional toppings, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this apple cinnamon oatmeal warm after making it. Serve it on its own or with a side of fresh fruit. Or, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to make these oats creamy and to add protein. Also, you can customize this oatmeal by adding your favorite toppings such as a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, chopped nuts, or roughly chopped dried fruit.

Expert Tips

• Cook The Apples: Add the chopped apples to the saucepan at the same time you add the quick oats so they have time to cook. It will result in tender and soft apples. Also, there is no need to sauté the apples separately, they will cook with the oats. This makes it super quick and easy!
• Peel The Apple: We recommend peeling the apple for the smoothest texture in your oatmeal.
• Chop The Apple: Evenly chop the apple into small bite-sized pieces.
• Cook The Oats: Ensure that the quick oats have absorbed all the water and are cooked before mixing in the remaining ingredients.
• Mix Well: Thoroughly mix the oatmeal in the saucepan to incorporate all the ingredients.
• Sweeten To Taste: One tablespoon of maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness to the oatmeal without making it overly sweet. If you prefer sweeter oatmeal, adjust the amount of sweetener to taste or drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
• Make More Oatmeal: You can easily double this recipe to make more oatmeal. You can use two small or medium apples or one large apple.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover apple cinnamon oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk, almond milk, or water when ready to serve.

Variations

• Sweetener Substitutions: We sweetened this apple cinnamon oatmeal with maple syrup. However, you can use your sweetener of choice. Some sweetener options are sugar-free maple syrup, your favorite sugar-free sweetener, honey, brown sugar, regular sugar, coconut sugar, or agave nectar.
• Nuts and Seeds: If you love adding some crunch to your oatmeal, top with your choice of nuts or seeds. We added chopped walnuts to this oatmeal. Some other options are sliced almonds, chopped pecans, chopped cashews, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds. Or, sprinkle some chia seeds or flax seeds over top. For another option, top this oatmeal with a drizzle of nut butter such as peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter.
• Dried Fruit: Roughly chopped dried fruit such as dried cranberries, apricots, or raisins are an excellent topping for this oatmeal.
• Add Fresh Fruit: Add fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas to this oatmeal or serve it on the side. You could even stir frozen fruit into the warm oatmeal.
• Spice Options: As an option, add a pinch of ground ginger or ground cloves to this recipe. Or, you could swap the ground cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice
• Add Vanilla: Add a splash of vanilla extract to further enhance the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Rolled Oats Instead Of Quick Oats?

You can use rolled oats instead of quick oats, but they take longer to cook and have a chewier texture. Just increase the cooking time by following the instructions on your oat package.

How Long Does Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Last?

This apple cinnamon oatmeal is best enjoyed after making it while it is warm. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Is This Oatmeal Gluten-Free?

Yes, this apple cinnamon oatmeal is gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.

Can I Add More Protein To Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal?

You can add more protein to this apple cinnamon oatmeal by mixing in some cottage cheese or Greek yogurt. If you do this, you may want to increase the amount of maple syrup you add so the oatmeal is sweet enough. Or, top with nuts such as walnuts or almonds for added protein.

More Recipes To Try Next!

• Apple Pie Overnight Oats
• Apple Cinnamon Muffins
• Air Fryer Apples
• Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
• Pumpkin Spice Muffins
• Slow Cooker Apple Butter
• Air Fryer Peaches With Cinnamon

If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.