There is nothing quite like waking up to a warm bowl of oats infused with the sweet, spicy goodness of cinnamon and fresh apples. This One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe is a hearty, wholesome breakfast that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly morning. Combining simple pantry staples with fresh fruit, this dish comes together effortlessly on the stove, creating a naturally sweetened, comforting meal that keeps you fueled and satisfied. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a slow weekend morning, this oatmeal is your new favorite way to start the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building those comforting fall flavors while keeping the dish simple and nutritious. From creamy oats to fragrant cinnamon and sweet apple, each item adds something special in taste, texture, or color.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These provide a creamy texture and hearty base that cooks evenly without turning mushy.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds creaminess and richness, transforming the oats into a luscious breakfast.
- Medium apple, peeled and diced: Fresh apples bring natural sweetness and a tender bite after simmering.
- Maple syrup or honey: A touch of natural sweetness that perfectly balances the cinnamon’s warm spice.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the oatmeal with cozy, aromatic flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making them pop beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: A splash added at the end for a subtle, comforting scent and richness.
- Optional toppings: Chopped nuts, extra apple slices, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup to personalize each bowl.
How to Make One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan
Start by combining your rolled oats, milk, diced apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt all together in a medium saucepan. This one pot approach not only simplifies cleanup but allows the flavors to meld beautifully as they cook.
Step 2: Bring to a Gentle Boil
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it reaches a gentle boil, you’ll see the oats starting to plump and the apples beginning to soften.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the oats creamy and ensure the apples become tender but not mushy. This simmering step develops the rich, comforting flavors this One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe is known for.
Step 4: Finish with Vanilla and Rest
Remove the oatmeal from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the pot sit for a minute so the oatmeal thickens up to the perfect creamy consistency. This little pause also amps up the inviting aroma.
How to Serve One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
While this oatmeal is delicious on its own, adding toppings elevates the experience. Try chopped nuts for a crunchy contrast, extra apple slices for freshness, or a little extra drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness and shine.
Side Dishes
For a fuller breakfast spread, pair this oatmeal with a side of Greek yogurt or a hard-boiled egg. These sides add protein and texture, making your meal more balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe in pretty bowls and sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for an inviting look. For a fun twist, layer the oatmeal with yogurt and apple compote in a glass for a breakfast parfait style presentation that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover oatmeal can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It thickens as it cools, so adding a splash of milk before reheating helps revive its creamy texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well for longer storage. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat your oatmeal gently over low heat, stirring often and adding a little milk or water to loosen it up if needed. The warm aroma will quickly bring back that comforting feeling.
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats have a chewier texture and require longer cooking times, so they’re not ideal for this one pot method. Stick with rolled oats for creamy, quick-cooking oatmeal.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well during cooking and offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness to complement the cinnamon.
Is it possible to make this oatmeal vegan?
Absolutely! Use your favorite plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, and swap the honey for maple syrup to keep it completely vegan.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes! You can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat in the morning and add fresh toppings for a quick breakfast.
How can I make this oatmeal sweeter without using extra syrup?
Adding a mashed ripe banana or a handful of raisins during cooking naturally boosts sweetness without added sugar.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe is a warm invitation to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in breakfast. Its comforting flavors, easy prep, and wholesome ingredients make it a staple you’ll return to time and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and make this cozy dish a beloved part of your morning routine.
Print
One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast that’s quick, wholesome, and packed with cozy fall flavors. Made with fresh apples, hearty oats, and a touch of cinnamon, it’s an easy go-to morning meal that’s both filling and naturally sweetened. Perfect for busy mornings or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 medium apple, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- â…› teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Chopped nuts
- Additional apple slices
- Drizzle of maple syrup
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the oats, milk, diced apple, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Bring to Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the oats are soft and the apples are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the oatmeal sit for a minute to thicken, then serve warm with your favorite optional toppings such as chopped nuts, extra apple slices, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Notes
- For creamier oatmeal, use whole milk or add a splash of cream at the end.
- To make it sweeter, stir in extra maple syrup or mashed banana.
- This recipe can be doubled for meal prep and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
