Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

Maple brown sugar oatmeal is a cozy, nourishing way to start the day. Maple syrup and brown sugar are all you need to transform a bowl of plain oatmeal into this timeless breakfast. Simply cook a pot of stovetop oatmeal, then stir in the flavorings with a few splashes of milk. The oatmeal is creamy and delicious as-is, or you can serve it with your favorite toppings, like fruit, nuts or a drizzle of peanut butter.

Like other oatmeal recipes, this maple brown sugar version stores well. You can easily prep a big batch at once and reheat it for quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week. Once you learn how to make maple brown sugar oatmeal at home, you won’t go back to relying on store-bought packets!

Ingredients for Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

• Water: So, what’s the best way to ensure your oatmeal has a thick and creamy, not runny, texture? Use the right amount of cooking liquid, of course! Old-fashioned oats need a 1:2 ratio of oats to water. This recipe calls for 2 cups oats, which means you need 4 cups water to cook them. Use a liquid measuring cup to ensure you have the right amount.
• Oats: We’re using old-fashioned oats, which maintain their shape and have a pleasant chew when cooked. You can swap in quick oats, but the oatmeal will be mushier.
• Salt: Salting oats may seem unnecessary, but trust the process here. A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the oats and balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and maple syrup. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference!
• Milk: Adding a few tablespoons of milk to the oats after you pull them from the stovetop makes them even creamier. You can use whole milk or half-and-half for extra richness or plant-based milk for vegan oatmeal.
• Brown sugar: You can use either light or dark brown sugar to add the signature toasty, caramel-like flavor to your oats. This recipe calls for 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, which may sound like a lot but shakes out to just 1 tablespoon per serving.
• Maple syrup: Besides sweetness, maple syrup brings warm and cozy vibes. For the best flavor, use pure maple syrup (not to be confused with pancake syrup).
• Optional mix-ins: Maple and brown sugar oatmeal is delicious on its own, but you can add other flavorings or toppings. We recommend sprinkling ground cinnamon for extra warmth and topping each bowl with a couple tablespoons of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. If you want to make the oatmeal taste even more decadent, try topping it with candied pecans.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the oats

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In a large saucepan set over high heat, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Stir in the oats and salt, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the water.

Editor’s Tip: Toasting oats before cooking them enhances their nutty flavor. Heat the oats in a dry saucepan for two to four minutes until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Then, add the water and proceed with cooking the oats.

Step 2: Add the flavorings

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Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the milk, brown sugar and maple syrup.

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Cover and let the oatmeal sit for three to four minutes or until thickened.

Editor’s Tip: A short rest is essential for achieving the ideal texture. This time allows the oatmeal to absorb the milk, continue to thicken and develop a creamy texture.

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Stir in cinnamon and top with nuts, if desired.

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Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Variations

• Cook the oats in milk: For creamier oatmeal, cook the oats in all milk or use 2 cups water and 2 cups milk.
• Top with fruit: Banana slices and raisins are delicious with maple and brown sugar oatmeal, but you could also try diced apples or peaches for a pie-inspired breakfast.
• Please chocolate lovers: Brown sugar maple oatmeal is plenty sweet, but you can add chocolate chips or cacao nibs for extra texture and to satisfy a chocolate craving. Stir a tablespoon of semisweet or white chocolate chips into hot oatmeal to add swirls of melty chocolate in each bite.
• Add some protein: Drizzle your oats with a tablespoon of almond or peanut butter for extra protein and nutty flavor, or stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
• Try sweet and salty oatmeal: Top maple and brown sugar oatmeal with crispy, smoky bacon crumbles for a riff on maple bacon treats and candied bacon.

How to Store Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

Allow leftover oatmeal to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight storage container and refrigerate it for up to five days.

Can you freeze brown sugar maple oatmeal?

You can store brown sugar maple oatmeal in the freezer for up to three months. Even better, you can reheat oatmeal from frozen for a convenient, anytime breakfast! To freeze it, simply portion oatmeal into freezer-safe storage containers or bags.

How do you reheat maple brown sugar oatmeal?

When you’re ready to enjoy another helping of maple and brown sugar oats, heat the oatmeal in a saucepan set over medium heat or nuke it in a microwave-safe bowl until warm. Add a splash of milk or water before reheating to loosen the oats and prevent drying out.

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Tips

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Can you make maple and brown sugar oatmeal with quick oats?

You can make this recipe with quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats, but the texture will be a bit mushier. Both oats use the same 1:2 ratio of oats to water, so you won’t have to adjust the ingredient amounts. Quick oats cook faster than old-fashioned oats, though, so cook the oats in boiling water for just one to two minutes.

Can you cook the oats in milk instead of water?

Definitely! Whether you prefer cow’s milk or a dairy-free alternative, cooking oats in milk creates a richer, creamier bowl of oatmeal. This maple brown sugar oatmeal recipe calls for cooking the oats in all water, but you can easily swap in an equal amount of milk or use a 50-50 combination of the two.

Is it better to use light or dark brown sugar?

You can make maple brown sugar oatmeal with either light or dark brown sugar. The main difference is the amount of molasses: Light brown sugar has less, giving it a mild, caramel-like sweetness, while dark brown sugar has a bolder, richer flavor. It comes down to personal preference—you can’t go wrong either way!

Is maple brown sugar oatmeal a gluten-free recipe?

Yes, this brown sugar maple oatmeal is a gluten-free breakfast recipe. However, oats can be processed in the same facility as gluten-containing ingredients, like wheat and barley, so there’s a cross-contamination risk. If you’re highly sensitive to gluten and want to minimize exposure, look for oats that are certified gluten-free to be on the safe side.