There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of oatmeal on a crisp morning, and this Easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe hits all the right notes. I absolutely love how the tender cooked apples blend with cinnamon-spiced oats, giving it that cozy, homestyle vibe that’s perfect for lazy weekends or busy weekday breakfasts alike. You’ll find that this recipe is not only delicious but straightforward, making it a go-to whenever you want a nourishing start without fuss.
When I first tried this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised by how the maple syrup and warm spices transformed simple oats and apples into a breakfast treat my whole family goes crazy for. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and uses pantry staples, so it’s easy to pull together at a moment’s notice. Honestly, once you try this Easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a favorite in your morning rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.
- Vegan-Friendly: Made without dairy or eggs, perfect for plant-based diets.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the sweetness and spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Any Day: Works equally well as a weekday quick breakfast or a weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe lies in the balance of fresh fruit, warming spices, and creamy oats that all come together beautifully. Each ingredient plays its part in creating that perfect cozy bowl of breakfast goodness.
- Apples: Choose a firm apple that holds its shape well when cooked, like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
- Vegan butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the apples nicely.
- Maple syrup: Natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and apples.
- Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice: Brings warmth and depth of flavor, go with whatever you have on hand.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors—don’t skip it!
- Lemon juice: Brightens the apples and keeps them vibrant without overpowering the dish.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely subtle sweetness that rounds out the spices.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps the oats creamy and dairy-free.
- Water: Helps cook the oats to perfect tenderness.
- Rolled oats: The heart of the recipe—classic old-fashioned oats give the best texture here.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: Optional, but their crunch adds a nice contrast and extra nutrition.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe is how easy it is to tweak depending on what you have in your kitchen or your mood that day. Don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite add-ins or swap ingredients for dietary needs.
- Add-ins: I like stirring in raisins or dried cranberries for a little chew and tartness—my kids ask for this combo all the time!
- Nut-free option: Swap out the walnuts for sunflower seeds or skip the crunch altogether if you’re avoiding nuts.
- Milk substitute: You can use oat milk, soy milk, or even coconut milk depending on your preference for creaminess.
- Sweetener swaps: Honey, agave, or coconut sugar can be used instead of maple syrup if that’s what you prefer.
How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Apples to Perfection
Start by warming your vegan butter in a small pan over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the diced apples and cook them for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick. Then, add the maple syrup, cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice), and a pinch of salt. Let the apples cook gently for 6-8 minutes until they’ve softened and the liquid reduces—this concentrates their sweetness and creates a lovely sticky sauce. Be sure not to rush this step; it really makes a difference in flavor. Finish it off by stirring in the lemon juice and vanilla extract for a bright, aromatic lift. Then set them aside while you prepare the oats.
Step 2: Cook the Oatmeal Slowly
In a small pot, combine the water and unsweetened almond milk and bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, a big pinch of salt, and a splash of maple syrup. Give it a good stir so everything is mixed well, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tilted lid—that way steam can escape while keeping the oats moist. Let the oatmeal simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom. You’ll know it’s done when it’s thick, creamy, and the oats are tender but not mushy.
Step 3: Assemble and Enjoy
Transfer your creamy oats to a cozy bowl, then generously top them with the warm, spiced cooked apples. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans if you like a bit of crunch. Now comes the fun part—dig in! This is one of those bowls you want to savor slowly, ideally with a cup of coffee or tea nearby. Trust me, the way the flavors meld together is pure breakfast bliss.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
- Use Fresh, Crisp Apples: I find that firm apples hold up better during cooking and give the best texture without turning mushy.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: That little splash helps brighten the apple flavor and prevents them from browning too much during cooking.
- Simmer Gently: Cooking the oats on low with a tilted lid ensures creamy oats without sticking or burning.
- Customize Sweetness Last: Start with less maple syrup—you can always add more to taste after cooking.
How to Serve Easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this oatmeal with a handful of crunchy chopped walnuts or pecans—they add texture and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup on top just before serving for an added touch of coziness. If you’re feeling fancy, a spoonful of coconut yogurt or a splash of oat milk cream can make it even richer.
Side Dishes
To round out the breakfast, I often serve this Easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe alongside fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries. A warm cup of chai tea or coffee is my beverage of choice to complement the spices. If you want an extra protein boost, a side of scrambled tofu or a boiled egg works nicely without overpowering the subtle apple flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this oatmeal in glass jars layered with additional fruit compote or nut butter swirls for visual appeal. You can also top it with edible flowers or a dusting of powdered cinnamon for a charming touch. It makes a lovely breakfast-in-bed surprise when plated beautifully and served with a sprig of fresh mint.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since the oats absorb the moisture over time, they may thicken quite a bit, so just add a splash of almond milk when reheating to bring back that creamy texture. The cooked apples hold up well, so I add those as a topping fresh from the fridge for the best flavor.
Freezing
If I make a big batch, I’ve frozen portions of this oatmeal in freezer-safe containers and found that it thaws nicely without losing flavor. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. The apples retain their taste and texture surprisingly well after freezing.
Reheating
When reheating, I recommend warming gently on low heat with a splash of almond milk or water to loosen the oats back up. Stir often so it heats evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan. The apples can be added back in once warmed just to keep their texture fresh and separate.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats for this recipe?
While quick oats can be used in a pinch, I recommend sticking with rolled oats for the best texture and creaminess. Quick oats tend to get mushier and cook much faster, which can make the oatmeal less satisfying and balanced. If you use quick oats, reduce the cooking time and keep a close eye on the pot.
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Is it okay to skip the lemon juice in the apple topping?
You can skip the lemon juice, but I found it really brightens the apple flavors and prevents them from turning too dark as they cook. If you don’t have lemon juice, a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar or just omit it—it won’t drastically affect the final dish.
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How do I make this recipe sweeter without adding too much sugar?
Using ripe, sweet apples helps naturally sweeten the dish. You can also rely on the maple syrup but start with less and add more after tasting the cooked oatmeal. A dash of vanilla extract enhances sweetness perception without extra sugar.
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Can I prepare this oatmeal recipe the night before?
Yes! You can cook the oatmeal and apples separately, then store them in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in the morning, assemble, and enjoy a quick breakfast without sacrificing freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I love how versatile it is and how it effortlessly balances simple ingredients to create something memorable. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy morning or want to treat yourself on a slow weekend, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy oatmeal.
Print
Easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast featuring tender, spiced apples cooked in vegan butter and maple syrup, layered atop creamy rolled oats simmered with almond milk and cinnamon. Naturally sweetened and topped with crunchy nuts, this wholesome dish is perfect for a nourishing start to your day.
Ingredients
Apples
- 1 apple, diced small
- 1/2 tablespoon vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Oatmeal
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- Big pinch of salt
- Splash of maple syrup
- Chopped walnuts or pecans, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Apples: In a small pan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Add the diced apples and cook for a couple of minutes to soften slightly. Stir in maple syrup, cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Continue cooking the apples for 6-8 minutes, until the liquid evaporates and the apples become tender and flavorful. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract to brighten the flavors.
- Prepare the Oatmeal: In a small pot, combine water and unsweetened almond milk and bring to a boil. Add rolled oats, cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, a big pinch of salt, and a splash of maple syrup. Stir well, reduce heat to low, cover with a tilted lid, and simmer for about 8 minutes until the oatmeal becomes tender and thickened.
- Assemble and Serve: Transfer the cooked oatmeal to a serving bowl and top with the warm spiced apples. Add chopped walnuts or pecans as a crunchy garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty, flavorful breakfast.
Notes
- Use any variety of apple you prefer; tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness well.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity to taste for desired sweetness.
- For a creamier oatmeal, use oat milk or dairy milk instead of almond milk.
- Chopped nuts add texture but can be omitted or replaced with seeds for nut-free versions.
- To make this recipe vegan, ensure your butter substitute is plant-based.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
