February 6, 2023
updated
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Toss aside those instant oat packets for this homemade cinnamon apple oatmeal! Instead of artificial flavors, this recipe gives apple pie vibes in every bite.
It’s a cozy breakfast you can make with both old-fashioned or instant (quick) oats.
Best Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Imagine: a creamy bowl of oatmeal filled with tender bits of apple and cinnamon spices. While this breakfast is far from dessert, each bite will make you second guess.
Not only is it a nutritious option, but the delicious flavors will have you jumping out of bed to make a bowl. Can’t say that about any oatmeal recipe, can we?
While we all know how to make oatmeal, there’s something about getting the consistency right and enjoying the flavor of apple pie by the spoon. Plus, with my tips below, you’ll get nicely cooked apple pieces that seamlessly blend into your oats.
Is Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Good for You?
There are plenty of benefits to eating oatmeal, including this cinnamon apple recipe. For one, it’s low in added sugar and high in fiber. Each serving offers 7.5 grams of fiber, only 3 grams of fat, and less than 300 calories.
Top it with a high-protein food like Greek yogurt or with eggs, and you have a complete breakfast that’s nutritious, will keep you full longer, and tastes out of this world.
What Does Cinnamon Do to Oats?
Cinnamon amplifies the flavor of cooked oatmeal and gives it a little spice which, for many, reduces the need to add sugar to their oats. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar. Adding it to oats is a win-win.
Ingredients
Let’s grab these items from the pantry and fridge:
- Butter: just a little to sauté the apples into tender brown deliciousness.
- Apple: any variety of apples will work but tart green apples, like using Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, and Pink Lady, work best.
- Cinnamon: adds spice and makes oatmeal taste great.
- Maple syrup: to sweeten the apples and oats. You could omit it or use honey instead.
- Old-fashioned oats: also known as rolled oats.
- Water: you can use all water, or cut it in half with milk for creamier oats.
- Salt: just a pinch to enhance the flavors of the apple, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
*You’ll find the ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the end of the post.
What Type of Oats are Best?
Old-fashioned or quick oats are the best options for this stovetop recipe. Old-fashioned oats are larger flakes and take about 5 minutes to cook, while instant oats are flatter, smaller, and cook in about 2 to 3 minutes.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal on the Stove
Now, let’s grab those ingredients and make this cinnamon apple goodness happen:
- Make the cinnamon apple topping
Sauté the apple over medium heat with butter and cinnamon. Drizzle on the maple syrup and remove from heat. - Cook the oats
Combine the oats, water, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, depending on the oats you use until the oats have absorbed all the liquid and have a rich consistency. - Dish up
Add the cooked cinnamon apples to the oats and stir to combine. Serve with additional cinnamon and sliced apple.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Bowl of Oatmeal
Don’t follow the directions (from the back of the container)
Don’t wait for the water to boil to add your oats (as instructed on the back of the oatmeal container). Instead, combine the oats, water, and salt in a saucepan and bring everything to a boil- this will make the oatmeal much creamier.
Cook the apples separately
If you add raw apples to the oats, they won’t have enough time to cook down, soften, and develop a tender, pie-like texture.
Choose your sweetener
Don’t have maple syrup on hand? You can swap it out for honey or brown sugar, just be sure to add it to the apples and immediately remove them from heat before the sugars begin to burn.
Make it overnight
Want to wake up with breakfast already made? Then try these Apple Pie Overnight Oats OR my Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal. One can be enjoyed chilled (great for summer) or straight from the slow cooker.
Serving Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
If you LOVE topping your oats with yummy ingredients, try adding some golden raisins, dried cranberries, or crunchy granola to this recipe- all of these flavors match the cinnamon and apple theme.
Turn this recipe into a full, higher-protein breakfast by pairing it with a high-protein option like Greek yogurt or scrambled eggs. Combining fiber, complex carbs, and protein will keep you full for hours.
Stovetop Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon butter
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and diced
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add apples and cinnamon and cook stirring, for about 3 to 5 minutes until they have softened. Once the apples are soft, add in the maple syrup and turn off the heat.
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the oats, water, and salt. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until thickened and creamy.
- Remove the cooked oatmeal from heat, and add in the cooked apple. Stir to combine and top with additional cinnamon and sliced apple.
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