Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal on the Stovetop

A pot of oatmeal cooked with diced apple, cinnamon and a pinch of salt is a warm, cozy breakfast that is ready in about fifteen minutes. The apples soften into the oats and lend them natural sweetness, so you need only a small drizzle of maple syrup at the end. Toasted almonds or walnuts on top add crunch.

This recipe uses old-fashioned rolled oats, which have a creamy texture with a little chew. Instructions for steel-cut and quick oats are below, along with ideas for making it ahead.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal on the Stovetop

A pot of oatmeal cooked with diced apple, cinnamon and a pinch of salt is a warm, cozy breakfast that is ready in about fifteen minutes. The apples soften into the oats and lend them natural sweetness, so you need only a small drizzle of maple syrup at the end. Toasted almonds or walnuts on top add crunch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 17 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup milk or unsweetened plant milk, plus more for serving
• 1 medium apple cored and diced, peel on or off
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup or to taste
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract optional
• 2 tbsp sliced almonds or chopped walnuts toasted
• 1 tbsp butter optional

Method

 

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water, milk, diced apple, cinnamon and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Stir in the oats and reduce the heat to medium-low.
3. Cook, stirring every minute or so, for 5–7 minutes, until the oats are tender and creamy and the apples have softened.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the maple syrup, vanilla and butter, if using. Let stand 1 minute; it will thicken a little more.
5. Divide between two bowls, add a splash of milk if you like it looser, and top with the toasted nuts and an extra pinch of cinnamon.

Notes

• A pinch of salt makes a big difference; oatmeal without it tastes flat.
• Firm, sweet-tart apples such as Honeycrisp, Fuji or Pink Lady hold their shape best.

Rolled, steel-cut or quick oats

All three come from the same whole oat groat. Steel-cut oats are chopped into pieces and take 20–30 minutes to cook into a chewy, nubbly porridge; use 1 cup oats to 3 cups liquid. Rolled oats are steamed and flattened, so they cook in about five minutes. Quick oats are rolled thinner still and cook in one or two minutes, but they turn soft and pasty if overcooked. For this recipe, rolled oats strike the best balance.

Make-ahead options

Oatmeal reheats well. Make a larger batch, cool it, and keep portions in containers for up to four days. Add a splash of milk or water before reheating in the microwave or a small saucepan, since it firms up in the fridge. You can also stir the apples and cinnamon into overnight oats: combine raw rolled oats with an equal amount of milk and the grated apple, refrigerate overnight, and eat cold or warmed.

Toppings to rotate

Change the toppings and the same bowl never gets boring: a spoonful of nut butter, plain yogurt, chopped dates, toasted pumpkin seeds, a few raisins simmered with the oats, or a sprinkle of ground flaxseed. In autumn, try pears instead of apples, with a little ground ginger.

Variations and swaps

• Use pears instead of apples.
• Replace the maple syrup with honey or brown sugar.
• Use all water for a lighter oatmeal, or all milk for a richer one.
• Add a spoonful of chia seeds with the oats for a thicker texture.

Storage

Refrigerate cooked oatmeal in sealed containers for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water, stirring until creamy.

Questions readers ask

Are oats gluten-free?

Oats are naturally free of gluten but are often processed alongside wheat. Choose oats labeled gluten-free if you need to avoid it.

Why is my oatmeal gluey?

It was probably stirred constantly or cooked too long. Stir occasionally and take it off the heat while it still looks slightly loose.

Can I make it in the microwave?

Yes. Combine everything except the toppings in a large bowl and microwave on high for 2 1/2–3 minutes, stirring halfway.

This recipe is for general cooking information only and is not medical or nutrition advice. See our Disclaimer and Image Credits.