This easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is made on the stovetop and is creamy, lightly sweet and cinnamon-y, and loaded with chunks of cooked fresh apples. It's the perfect fall breakfast!
When the mornings are chilly, I always want a big bowl of hot oatmeal to warm me up and get my day off to a good start. And since it's apple season, my current favorite is this delicious homemade apple cinnamon oatmeal!
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For the past few weeks, I have been happily working my way through all of the different varieties of apples available at my local orchard (oh, how I love this time of the year!).
Mostly, I've just been snacking on them as is - an apple a day, as they say - or dipping them in peanut butter (a winning combination that I had always heard of but only recently tried for the first time) or some of my homemade dulce de leche (the best carmel-y deliciousness ever!).
But I've been enjoying this cinnamon apple oatmeal quite often too. It's wholesome, nutritious, satisfying, and so yummy. And it fills me up until lunchtime.
The best part is that it's super easy to make, and it's ready in just 20 minutes.
Don't have 20 minutes in the morning? No problem! You can make it ahead of time and quickly heat it up for breakfast on the stove or in the microwave. It's great for meal prepping!
If you're a fan of those little packets of instant apples and cinnamon oatmeal (I ate so many of them for breakfast growing up!), you've got to try this homemade version. Sure, it takes a little more time, but it's so worth it because it's even better!
Ingredients You Need
- Apples (your favorite kind)
- Butter
- Cinnamon
- Milk
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Salt
- Pure maple syrup (or brown sugar)
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Note: This is just a quick overview of the steps. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe with detailed instructions.
Tips & Tidbits
- Use whatever kind of apples you like best. My current favorites are Honeycrisp and Gala because they are on the sweeter side, but any type will do.
- I love nice big pieces of apple in my oatmeal, about ½ inch in size, but you can chop them smaller if you'd rather.
- Use regular old-fashioned rolled oats. Don't use quick oats because they will get too soft and mushy. If you're gluten-free, make sure your oats say that they are certified gluten-free.
- I always make my oatmeal with all whole milk because I really like the creaminess, and I think the oatmeal just tastes better. But you can use your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk or even water (just know that the flavor will be different).
- Since we love real maple syrup in my house, that is what we use to sweeten our oatmeal. Brown sugar (light or dark) or even regular sugar also work well with this oatmeal. Whatever you choose, sweeten the oats to your own personal taste.
- To make a larger batch, use a larger pot and increase the cooking time if needed.
- If making ahead, once the oatmeal has cooled, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave (you will probably need to add some milk or water to thin it out a bit).
Feel free to add some healthy toppings to your oatmeal, such as extra cinnamon, nuts, raisins or other dried fruit, chia seeds, or ground flaxseed.
I hope you try this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal recipe and love it as much as I do. Thanks for visiting today!
If you make this recipe, I'd love to know how it went. Please leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
📋Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal (Stovetop)
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, any kind
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups milk, I use whole milk
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, or brown sugar, add more or less to taste
Instructions
- Peel and core the apples; chop into ½-inch pieces (or whatever size you prefer).
- In a medium saucepan (I use a 3-quart saucepan), melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped apples and cinnamon; stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften, about 4 to 5 minutes.Note: The apples will continue to cook and soften with the oatmeal, so don't take them too far at this point so they don't end up mushy.
- Add the milk, oats and salt; stir to combine. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil (note: don't walk away; keep a close eye on the pot because the milk can quickly boil over if you're not paying attention).Immediately reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the oats have softened and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in the maple syrup; serve.
Notes
- If making ahead, once the oatmeal has cooled, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave (you will probably need to add some milk or water to thin it out a bit).
- If making a larger batch, use a larger pot and increase the cooking time if needed.
Leah says
Making this on a cold fall morning was the best thing ever. I made this and put some brown sugar instead of maple syrup and it was incredible. This is going to be a staple for the cold months.
Michelle says
Thank you, Leah...so happy you enjoyed it and will be making it again!
Robert Tyus says
Excelente!! 😋
Michelle says
Thank you, Robert!
Karolyn says
This is my go-to oatmeal recipe. It’s so easy and flavorful. My whole family loves it.
Michelle says
So happy you all enjoy it...Thank you, Karolyn!
Florensia C says
This taste like desert. Extremely yummy and no soggy apple slices. Perfection.
Michelle says
Thank you, Florensia...so happy you enjoyed it!
Sarah says
Delicious and easy recipe! Perfect for a chilly winter breakfast.
Michelle says
Thank you, Sarah!
Leslie says
Michelle, It is a cold wintry day here in northern Indiana and I thought this is a perfect day to try this.
Was delicious!!
I think peaches would be a great option as well.
Michelle says
Thanks, Leslie...so happy you enjoyed it, and I agree that peaches would be a great option!
Shannon Neubarth says
I’ve made this recipe several times and I love it! So simple, easy and quick! 😋
Michelle says
Thank you, Shannon...so happy you love it, and I appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the recipe!
JB says
I am not one to eat oatmeal. I usually avoid it at all costs because every time I try it I start gagging and trying to choke it down after the 3rd bite. I was surprised with this recipe. I was able to get most of I down which is saying a lot for someone who doesn’t like oatmeal. I cut the recipe in half and followed it to a “T” and it was quite tasty. The only thing I changed was instead of maple syrup or sugar, I used a packet of sweetener. I would highly recommend!
Michelle says
Thank you, JB...what a nice compliment! It makes me super happy to know that you enjoyed the oatmeal, and I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Diana rosier says
Tried this today and it was delicious. Thanks for the recipe
Michelle says
Thank you, Diana! So happy you enjoyed the oatmeal, and I appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the recipe!
Sam S says
My favourite stovetop oatmeal recipe! The perfect amount of cinnamon and sweetness. The apples are cooked perfectly. Myself and my 2 year old love it. Thank you!
Michelle says
Thank you, Sam! So happy you both love the oatmeal, and I appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the recipe!
Julia says
Great! Thank you!
Michelle says
Thank you, Julia!
Carmen says
Thank you for this simple recipe! We had some apples we needed to use and loved this oatmeal! I’ve made it twice now and doubled the recipe the second time. Perfect for chilly mornings!
Michelle says
Thank you, Carmen! So happy you are enjoying the oatmeal, and I appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the recipe!
Theresa DuChemin says
Somewhat quick and easy, and my grandchildren loved it!
Michelle says
Thank you, Theresa! I appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the recipe!
Julia says
I was already cooking an apple and a half on the stove and wondered what oatmeal recipe I could find with cooked apples and I found this one! So good! I even accidentally tripled the cinnamon, I thought it said tablespoon. Still so good!! I compensated with fresh chopped apples and some milk when served.
Michelle says
Thank you, Julia! So happy you found the recipe and enjoyed it. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Susan says
I cut bigger chunks of apples and leave the skins on. I add a variety of dried fruits. Great recipe - thank you!
Michelle says
Thank you, Susan...so glad you like this recipe! The addition of some dried fruits sounds delicous!
Lora says
Delicious, healthy breakfast. I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk to make it dairy free. A favorite for our family on those cold mornings!
Michelle says
Thank you, Lora! I'm so happy that you and your family enjoy this oatmeal!
Dee says
Michelle, this sounds absolutely scrumptious. I'll be making this for those frosty mornings when I want something hot. My question, can I freeze?
Thank you for the recipe.
Michelle says
Hi, Dee! Honestly, I've never actually tried freezing this oatmeal, but I think you could, although I would suggest that you might want to make it with water instead of milk because the texture of milk can sometimes change in the freezer (it can become grainy). You could always add some milk after you thaw it and reheat it. If you try it, please come back and let us know how it went!
Janie says
This looks absolutely delicious….thank you for the recipe!
Michelle says
Thank you, Janie!