Homemade Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal is so easy to prepare, and so delicious that it tastes like having dessert for breakfast!
Feeding my kids nutritious breakfasts on school mornings was always a challenge. Everyone wanted something different. One thing they could agree on was apple-cinnamon oatmeal. However, I hated buying that sugar-sweetened, artificially flavored version that comes in instant, ready-to-cook packets. The organic version was slightly better, but discovering a way to make it from scratch was a game changer for me.
In addition to my kids loving it, it’s one of my favorite breakfasts, too. As convenient as the overnight version is, this apple-cinnamon recipe is such a breeze to make that it has become a staple in my meal prep rotation. I’ll often double the recipe so that I have breakfast ready to go on workdays. If I don’t have apples, substituting other fruit, especially pears or peaches, works just as well. Sometimes, I’ll even toss in a few handfuls of blueberries, since I try to eat them daily. However, you could add whatever fruit happens to be your favorite.
What makes this oatmeal recipe stand out above the rest are the tender pieces of cinnamon apples. Sautéed in a mixture of butter, honey, and warm spices, it tastes like apple pie in oatmeal form. It’s hearty, cozy, and satisfyingly sweet, without any of the added sugars that store-bought oatmeals contain. Plus, it only takes 15 minutes to make!
What’s the difference between the various types of oats?
I don’t know about you, but too many options in the oatmeal aisle can get confusing. There have been many occasions when I have stood in front of the shelves, looking up the differences between various types of oats on my phone. To spare you from the same fate, here’s everything you need to know:
- Steel-cut oats: Also known as Irish oats, these are whole oat groats that require longer cooking time and have a chewy texture. Cooking time ranges between 20-30 minutes.
- Rolled oats: Also known as old-fashioned oats, these are steamed oat groats that have been flattened into flakes and cut for quicker cooking. They have a soft texture and take between 5-10 minutes to cook. (Rolled oats are what this recipe uses.)
- Quick oats: Similar to rolled oats, these have been steamed and rolled but are then cut into smaller pieces for even faster cooking. They are softer in texture than rolled oats and take only 1-3 minutes to cook.
- Instant oats: These oats have been steamed, rolled, and pre-cooked. It only takes a minute in a microwave (or stovetop) to cook them.
How do I store leftovers?
As I mentioned, making a double or triple batch of apple-cinnamon oatmeal is great because it’s easy to store leftovers for future meals. Let the oatmeal cool to room temperature before storing it in airtight containers. I prefer using individually portioned jars for easy reheating in the microwave. This oatmeal will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the oatmeal for up to 3 months, either in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container. Let it cool for a few hours in the fridge before freezing. Thaw frozen oatmeal overnight in the fridge before reheating. Leftover oatmeal thickens slightly, so you may need to add a splash of water or milk when reheating to restore it to the desired consistency.
Serving suggestions
Apple-cinnamon oatmeal is a complete breakfast, but you can always add some extra protein with Bacon Deviled Eggs, Turkey Sausage, or Jammy Eggs. Add a Zucchini Smoothie or Green Smoothie to start the day with some veggies, or combine your love of coffee and smoothies into one refreshing beverage with this Coffee Smoothie.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium apple cored and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons honey adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup old-fashioned or rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts optional
- Splash of milk optional, for serving
- Fresh fruit for topping, optional
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced apple, honey, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the apples begin to soften.
- Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the oats; then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and the mixture thickens. Incorporate the vanilla extract.
- If using, stir in the chopped walnuts. Remove the pan from heat and serve immediately with a splash of milk if desired. Top with optional fresh apple slices or other fruit.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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