Nothing starts the day better than a hot and healthy bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal!
This quick stovetop oatmeal recipe is packed with nutrition, antioxidants, fiber, and all the B-vitamin energy to get through the day!
We love breakfast ideas that keep you going all day in 3 easy steps!
Ingredients
OATS Use old-fashioned oats (also called rolled oats). They have a firmer texture than quick oats. If you’d like to use steel-cut oats increase the liquid and cook them partway. Add the apples 15 minutes before they are ready so the apples don’t get mushy.
DAIRY A splash of milk adds a creamy flavor to this oatmeal recipe. Most non-dairy milks should work just fine too.
ADD-INS Granny Smith is our first choice for how it holds its shape and adds a nice tart flavor. Raisins are added for sweetness but swap them out for cranberries (or other dried fruits) if you don’t love raisins.
Oatmeal to Water Ratio
The following are the water to oats ratios. We substitute some of the water for milk for creamier oats but this is optional. For old Fashioned/Rolled Oats, use 1 cup water to 1/2 cup oats.
Variations
Add a topping of chopped pecans, sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, or mix in other dried fruit. For a touch of sweetness, try adding cinnamon sugar!
Frozen berries or frozen bananas are great to stir in before serving (and help cool the oatmeal to serve to kids!).
PRO TIP: Roast nuts (if using) in a skillet until they are barely browned and fragrant. This makes them extra crunchy and flavorful!
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Oatmeal is so warm and comforting, and it’s super easy to make a hot and healthy breakfast with this easy recipe. Top with nuts, whipped cream, extra brown sugar, fruit, or fruit preserves.
- Cook water, milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a saucepan until it comes to a boil and the sugar is dissolved.
- Stir in the oats, apples, and raisins and lower the heat to a simmer.
- Cook stirring occasionally. Remove from heat when the oatmeal is at the desired thickness and stir in the butter.
In the Microwave
- Put the water, milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a microwave-safe bowl (a large bowl for multiple servings). Cook on high until it comes to a boil.
- Add oats, apples, and raisins to the heated mixture. Stir and heat in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes, until the oats absorb the liquid. Remove from microwave, stir, and add butter.
Tips for Perfect Oatmeal
- Use a combination of water and milk for a creamy consistency.
- Swap out the cinnamon for apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice.
- For this recipe, it’s best to use old-fashioned (or rolled) oats. Quick oats or easy oats will become too soft.
- If your oatmeal thickens too much, stir in some milk, cream, or even applesauce to thin it out.
- We love that the apples and raisins add more texture, but feel free to add nuts or coconut.
More Hearty Breakfasts
- Sausage Cheddar Breakfast Strata – a one-dish wonder
- Brown Sugar Baked Oatmeal
- Breakfast Tacos – freezer-friendly
- Overnight Refrigerator Oatmeal
- Classic Breakfast Sandwich – with homemade sauce
- Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
- Easy Acai Bowl Recipe – quick & healthy
- Homemade Eggs Benedict – perfect for brunch
- Banana Bread Baked Oats – hearty & filling
Did you love this Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar or to taste
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups old fashioned oats
- 1 Granny Smith apple peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon butter
- chopped pecans, brown sugar and cream for topping optional
Instructions
- Bring water, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a boil.
- Stir in oats, apples, and raisins. Reduce heat to simmer and cook 13-16 minutes stirring frequently so the milk doesnt burn.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter. Top as desired and serve.
Notes
- Use a combination of water and milk for a creamy consistency.
- Non-dairy milk works just fine in this recipe.
- Swap out the cinnamon for apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice.
- Use old-fashioned (or rolled) oats. Quick oats or easy oats will become too soft.
- Stir frequently so the dairy doesn't burn to the bottom of the pot.
- If your oatmeal thickens too much, stir in some milk, cream, or even applesauce to thin it out.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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I can’t wait to make this but I’m wondering…Is the butter necessary?
Can it be left out?
I can be left out, we add it for flavor.
Great recipe and soooooo delicious. I followed the recipe exactly and topped with walnuts and half and half.
Thanks much.
Walnuts on top sounds delicious! So glad you loved this recipe!
Excellent recipe. I have tried many oatmeal recipes, and this one is exceptional. Make sure to try the toasted walnuts. So yummy!
So happy you enjoyed it, Jeff!
Can this be made for overnight breakfast meal prep?
Hi Angie, that should work well. When reheating I would add a little additional water or milk to keep it from getting too thick.
I really enjoyed this recipe. I am so full after eating a bowl. I see that the recipe states 4 servings. Is that a 1/2 cup or 1 cup per serving? Thanks for sharing this recipe!
So happy to hear that Erica! You’re welcome! Each serving would be one-quarter of the recipe, close to one cup.
Game changer recipe! Obsessed with it. I eat eggs everyday – but trying to change the habit- This recipe is SO fulfilling and tasty! YUM!
After making this just using the pictures and verbiage, I was very disappointed. Saw the butter in the pictures, but it wasn’t mentioned until the last direction. When searching for the comment section I found the actual recipe with directions. This is backwards. I think i’m just going to skip this site. Too confusing for this 70 year old mind.
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Sorry to hear that you didn’t enjoy the oatmeal Diane. The recipe card contains all of the details. You can find it by scrolling down, or clicking on the Jump to Recipe button near the top of the post. The narrative gives additional helpful information, but the entire recipe is on the recipe card. Hope that helps.