Oatmeal Apple Breakfast

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a cozy, nourishing breakfast that’s perfect for cool mornings. This creamy bowl of oats is flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, then topped with tender, sautéed apples and crunchy pecans for the ultimate comfort meal. It comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a quick and wholesome start to your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This oatmeal is the perfect balance of hearty and sweet. The apples are lightly caramelized in maple syrup and cinnamon, giving them a baked-apple flavor, while the oats cook into a creamy, spiced base. It’s customizable, naturally dairy-free, and can easily be made vegan or gluten-free. With a boost of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, it’s a filling breakfast that tastes like dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Oatmeal

• old fashioned rolled oats

• water or milk

• maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar (optional)

• ground cinnamon

• vanilla extract

• sea salt

• chopped pecans, for topping

Cinnamon Apples

• diced apples

• maple syrup

• cinnamon

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine diced apples, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Sauté for a few minutes until the apples soften and resemble baked apples. Set aside.

2. In another saucepan, combine oats, water (or milk), maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat.

3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are creamy and most of the liquid is absorbed.

4. Transfer the oatmeal to a bowl. Top with the cinnamon apples, chopped pecans, and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. Add additional sweetener if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 serving.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Nut-free: Skip the pecans or replace them with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

• Extra protein: Stir in a scoop of protein powder, a spoonful of Greek yogurt, or a dollop of nut butter.

• Make it spicier: Add nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for a deeper fall spice flavor.

• Overnight oats version: Combine ingredients (except sautéed apples) in a jar and refrigerate overnight. Add the apples in the morning.

• Baked oatmeal twist: Double or triple the recipe and bake in a dish for a meal-prep option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the apple topping in a separate container.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.
Freezing: Not ideal for this recipe, as the texture of the oats and apples can become mushy after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter and the texture less hearty.

What type of apples work best?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith hold their shape well when sautéed.

Can I make this oatmeal without sweetener?

Yes, the apples add natural sweetness, but you can leave out the maple syrup or sugar if you prefer.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, if you use plant-based milk and maple syrup as the sweetener.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Absolutely—just scale up the ingredients and use a larger saucepan.

Can I cook this in the microwave?

Yes, combine the oatmeal ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and cook in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until creamy.

How can I make this creamier?

Cook the oats with milk instead of water, or stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, cook a larger batch and store in the fridge. Reheat portions throughout the week.

What toppings go well with this oatmeal?

Try almond butter, raisins, dried cranberries, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Can I use steel-cut oats?

Yes, but they require a longer cooking time (20–30 minutes) and extra liquid.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast that delivers all the flavors of fall in one nourishing bowl. With tender spiced apples, creamy oats, and crunchy pecans, it’s a dish that feels indulgent while still being wholesome. Quick, customizable, and satisfying, it’s bound to become a staple in your morning routine.