Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

This cozy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is everything you want in a fall breakfast—warm, hearty, and lightly sweet with tender apples, fragrant cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup. Topped with sautéed apples and crunchy pecans, it’s satisfying, nourishing, and ready in just 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy: Ready in 15 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.

• Nutritious & filling: Fiber from oats and apples, plus healthy fats from nuts or seeds.

• Customizable: Works with any milk, toppings, or add-ins.

• Fall flavors: Apples + cinnamon + maple = cozy comfort.

Ingredients

For the Oatmeal:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats*

• 1 cup milk of choice

• 1 cup water

• 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• 1 small apple, diced into ½-inch pieces

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• Chopped toasted pecans (for serving)

• 2 Tbsp chia seeds, flaxseeds, or peanut butter (optional)

For the Optional Sautéed Apple Topping:

• 1 large crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced ½-inch

• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tsp pure maple syrup

• ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon

• ⅛ tsp kosher salt

Directions

1. Cook the oatmeal:

   • In a medium saucepan, combine oats, milk, water, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and optional add-ins (chia, flax, or peanut butter).

   • Heat over medium-high until it begins to simmer. Reduce heat and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.

   • Stir in diced apple during cooking, then finish with vanilla.

2. Make the apple topping (optional):

   • In a skillet over medium-low, melt butter. Add apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.

   • Cook about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy. Adjust sweetness or spice as desired.

3. Assemble:

   • Serve oatmeal hot, topped with sautéed apples and pecans.

Servings & Timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Steel-cut oats: Cook longer (25–30 minutes) for a nuttier texture.

• Vegan: Use plant-based milk and swap butter for coconut oil in topping.

• Extra protein: Add a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt on top.

• Dessert-style: Stir in chocolate chips or drizzle with caramel.

• Spiced-up: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Microwave with a splash of milk in 30-sec intervals, or warm on stovetop over low heat.

• Freeze: Store in freezer bags/containers up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with milk.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 405

• Carbs: 71g

• Protein: 10g

• Fat: 10g (5g saturated)

• Fiber: 9g

• Sugar: 36g

• Potassium: 579mg

Conclusion

This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a warm, wholesome breakfast that’s as nutritious as it is comforting. With chewy oats, tender apples, and a cozy cinnamon-maple flavor, it’s a fall favorite you’ll want to enjoy year-round.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

This cozy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is made with old-fashioned oats, diced apples, maple syrup, and warm spices for a wholesome and comforting fall breakfast. Topped with sautéed apples and crunchy pecans, it’s hearty, naturally sweetened, and satisfying.

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

• For the Oatmeal:
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats*
• 1 cup milk of choice
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 small apple, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Chopped toasted pecans (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds, flaxseeds, and/or peanut butter (optional)
• For the Sautéed Apple Topping (optional):
• 1 large firm apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the oats, milk, water, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and any optional chia seeds, flaxseed, or peanut butter. Heat over medium-high until the liquid comes to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
2. Add the diced apple. Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the oatmeal is creamy and most liquid is absorbed, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
3. Optional topping: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add diced apple, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft but not mushy, about 8 minutes. Adjust sweetness or spices to taste.
4. Serve oatmeal hot, topped with sautéed apples and toasted pecans.

Notes

• *Quick oats may be substituted, but will be softer and cook faster (add apples in step 1). Steel-cut oats require longer cooking time.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.
• Reheat with a splash of milk in the microwave (30-second increments) or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Freeze up to 3 months in airtight containers or bags. Can freeze oatmeal and topping together or separately.

• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 of 2 servings
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 36g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 71g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 21mg