Description

This One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a comforting and nutritious breakfast recipe that combines tender apples and warm spices with creamy oats. Cooked together on the stovetop, it’s a simple and wholesome way to start your day with a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for fall mornings, this recipe is easy to make and customizable to suit dairy-free or extra crunchy preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Oatmeal Base

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
4 cups milk or unsweetened almond milk
1 cup water

Fruit & Flavorings

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

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Instructions

Combine liquids and spices: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, water, diced apples, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to mix all ingredients together.
Simmer the mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the apples begin to soften, releasing their natural sweetness and infusing the liquid with flavor.
Add oats and cook: Stir in the rolled oats and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are tender and the mixture thickens to your preferred consistency.
Finish with vanilla and butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and, if using, the unsalted butter to enrich the oatmeal and add a silky texture.
Rest and serve: Let the oatmeal sit for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken further before spooning it into bowls. Top with additional cinnamon, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired, and enjoy warm.

Notes

For a creamier texture, use whole milk instead of almond milk.
To make a dairy-free version, use almond milk and omit the butter.
Add raisins or chopped pecans for extra flavor and texture.
Adjust sweetness to taste by increasing or decreasing brown sugar and maple syrup.