Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal recipe

This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal recipe is packed with chunks of fresh apples swirled throughout warm creamy oats and topped with maple syrup. It’s ready in 20 minutes and is gluten-free, dairy-free, and meal prep-friendly! 

When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than waking up to a warm bowl of Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal!

It’s made with creamy oats topped with the sweet flavor of apples and a drizzle of maple syrup for a cozy breakfast you’ll want all year round, especially during the fall season.

Whether I’m running out the door or I’m craving something quick and comforting, I always make a big batch so I can enjoy it for meal prep throughout the week. It’s the perfect grab-and-go breakfast!

Breakfast doesn’t have to be hard! Meal prep these easy breakfast recipes to get you through the week: Our Favorite Breakfast Burritos, Crockpot Breakfast Casserole, and Sheet Pan Pancakes!

Why we love this easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal:

• Customizable: Add in extra spices, use a different type of fruit, or add in nuts or raisins to make it your own.
• Quick: In 20 minutes, you can whip up this homemade Apple Oatmeal recipe, so it’s great for busy mornings!
• Nostalgic: If you grew up on those Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal packets as a kid, you will love this healthier version. 

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Ingredients:

• Apple: Choose a firm, sweet-tart apple like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer a more tart apple, you can use Granny Smith!
• Butter or vegan margarine: Use butter for a richer flavor or a vegan margarine if you’re going dairy-free. Both will help cook the apples and create a smooth, flavorful base.
• Ground cinnamon: The warm spice that gives the oatmeal a cozy fall flavor. A must-have for apple-based recipes!
• Ground ginger or nutmeg (optional): Adds an extra layer of fall spice. Nutmeg gives a warm, aromatic depth, while ginger offers a bit of heat and warmth. Use sparingly!
• Water: The base for cooking the oats. You can substitute water with almond milk or another plant-based milk for added creaminess.
• Rolled oats: I like the heartier texture of regular large flake oats or rolled oats, but instant or quick oats would work as well. You can use them interchangeably in this recipe. Make sure to grab certified gluten-free oats if you need!
• Maple syrup or other sweetener: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor. You can swap it for any sweetener you prefer, such as brown sugar, honey or agave syrup.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a depth of flavor.

How to make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal:

20 minutes is all it takes to make this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal! Make sure to check the recipe card for the full list of recipe instructions.

• Cook the chopped apples until they are tender-crisp.
• Add water, oats, and spices to the saucepan and cook.

• Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup and vanilla.
• Serve warm.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Fruit swap: A lot of different fruits would work great in this recipe. Canned peaches or pears would eliminate the need to cook the apples and get breakfast on the table sooner, and any frozen fruit or fresh berries would be great as well!
• Honey: If you prefer honey over maple syrup (or another sweetener), you can use that as well. I use maple syrup or brown sugar because it pairs great with apples and makes this recipe vegan.
• Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like chia seeds, a drizzle of peanut butter, chopped nuts, or anything else you like!

How to store leftovers:

Store any leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it cool completely before refrigerating to preserve texture.

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to loosen up the oats. Stir well and heat until warm.

Serving suggestions:

Although we’d never turn down a warm bowl of oatmeal, you can absolutely bulk up this breakfast with a few more dishes! 

If you’re already meal-prepping the oatmeal, you might as well tag along these Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole or Easy Instant Pot Egg Bites! 

Want to keep things classic? You can’t go wrong with a side of Air Fryer Bacon or eggs any way you like them. 

And if you need something to wake you up, make a Cold Brew Coffee or Easy White Chocolate Mocha!

More oatmeal recipes you’ll love:

• Slow Cooker Oatmeal — so easy and hands off!
• Instant Pot Oatmeal — no peeking!
• Baked Oatmeal Recipe — this one freezes perfectly.
• Easy 4 Ingredient Baked Oatmeal Cups — great for on the go!