Craving a warm, comforting breakfast? This classic apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe is a cozy way to start your day. Making it requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, yielding a one-pot breakfast that’s both delicious and nourishing. The combination of crunchy almonds and oats is hearty and packed with energy, while just-soft bites of apple with cinnamon and a bit of brown sugar make it feel like fall. It’s just the thing to help use up the spoils of a trip to an apple orchard. Here are more of our favorite apple recipes for making good use of a haul of apples.
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Apples: The chopped apples add sweetness and texture to the oatmeal. Tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Pink Lady, are a good choice for this recipe because they balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and hold their shape well even as they cook. Check out our full guide to the best apples to use for baking, cooking and eating fresh.
- Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are the main ingredient in oatmeal. As they simmer, they absorb water and become soft and creamy. Nutritionally, they’re a great source of whole grains, fiber and protein.
- Brown sugar: The brown sugar adds sweetness to the oatmeal. Brown sugar also has a richer flavor than granulated sugar.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon pairs beautifully with apples and adds a warm, autumnal flavor to the oatmeal.
- Vanilla extract: The extract adds a subtle vanilla flavor to the oatmeal. If you like, you could replace the vanilla extract with almond extract to enhance the flavor of the chopped almond topping.
- Almonds: The chopped almonds add a nutty flavor and crunch to the oatmeal. Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, protein and fiber. Toast the nuts ahead of time for the best flavor.
- Maple syrup and milk (optional): A drizzle of maple syrup on top of the finished oatmeal adds a boost of sweetness, while milk forms a cooling moat around the edge, where the oatmeal meets the bowl.
Directions 
Step 1: Cook the apples and oats
In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring the water to a boil. Add the apples, oats and salt, then cook and stir for five minutes.
Step 2: Add the flavorings
Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Cover the pan and let it stand for two minutes.
Step 3: Add the toppings
Sprinkle each serving with chopped almonds. Serve with maple syrup and milk, if desired.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Variations
- Mix up the nuts: Swap the chopped almonds on top with chopped pecans, walnuts or hazelnuts.
- Spice it up: Build on the cinnamon spice by adding some ground ginger, cardamom or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic twist on this apple and cinnamon oatmeal.
- Make it a protein powerhouse: Stir in a scoop of protein powder, a drizzle of peanut or almond butter or a dollop of Greek yogurt to increase the protein and make this a great post-gym breakfast.
- Give it a seed boost: Stir in chia seeds, flax seeds or hemp hearts for added fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
How to Store Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
If you have apple cinnamon oatmeal left over, allow it to cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store leftover chopped almonds at room temperature in an airtight container.
Can you freeze apple cinnamon oatmeal?
Freezing oatmeal is a great way to meal prep! Do be aware that the freezing process will soften the apples somewhat. To freeze it, let your cooked oatmeal cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags. Press out as much air as possible before sealing; this will help prevent freezer burn.
How do you reheat apple cinnamon oatmeal?
The easiest way to reheat oatmeal is in the microwave. Just transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of milk or water to keep it from drying out, then heat it in 30 second bursts, stirring in between. This usually takes about a minute, but times can vary based on your microwave’s power. You can also reheat oatmeal in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Tips
Can you use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture of your oatmeal will be slightly different. Quick oats cook faster, so you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Is this apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all these ingredients are free of gluten, but note that not all oats or almonds are labeled gluten-free because they are processed on equipment that may be exposed to ingredients that do contain gluten. To make this recipe gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and almonds to avoid any potential cross-contamination.
Can you make a vegan version of this cinnamon apple oatmeal?
Absolutely. Oatmeal has a creamy texture even without dairy and makes a great vegan breakfast. To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based milk or cream instead of dairy milk to drizzle over the finished bowl.
