Name: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon avocado oil (coconut oil , butter, or ghee would also work); 1 large apple (or 2 small apples, cut into small chunks (peeling is optional)); ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of ground nutmeg; ¼ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, plus more as topping); 1 cup rolled oats (- Not quick cooking {I used Trader Joe's gluten free brand oats}); 2 cups unsweetened almond milk; 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional); 1 tablespoon maple syrup (plus more to finish); ¼ cup pomegranate seeds (as garnish (optional))

I don’t know about you, but I think nothing says fall like apples and cinnamon. We all love it in cakes, muffins, and cookies, but why not enjoy it for breakfast, too?

This recipe came to me after a full day of apple picking at a local orchard. We came home with more apples than I knew what to do with. I needed to cook breakfast and thought sautéing them would be a good idea. My kitchen immediately smelled like apple pie, which made me want to add a pinch of cinnamon and some nutmeg.

Then somehow I added some milk and rolled oats. A few moments later, it was like the boring oatmeal I eat every morning got a major upgrade.

Since that day, a warm breakfast bowl of oatmeal with apples and cinnamon is the official fall breakfast in our house. Try it; I know you will love it too.

Apple and cinnamon oatmeal garnished with toppings like walnuts and apples from the top view.

My Ingredient Notes for Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal:

This apple oatmeal recipe comes together with a handful of basic ingredients. For the full list and measurements, refer to the recipe card below.

Ingredients for homemade apple cinnamon oatmeal from the top view.

Here are a few helpful notes to guide you as you make it:

Fresh Apples: I use Honeycrisp apples, but any other variety, like Fuji, Pink Lady, Gala, or Granny Smith, works too. I recommend cutting them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and a bite-sized piece of apple in every spoonful.

Peeling them is optional.

Pro tip: If you have them on hand, feel free to experiment with different kinds of apples when making this recipe. Each type brings its own flavor and texture, so mixing them makes it more exciting.

Old-fashioned rolled oats: If you are following a gluten-free diet, choose a brand labeled gluten-free. This recipe is written specifically for rolled oats; other kinds of oats, like quick-cooking or steel-cut oats, will not work here.

New to using oats for breakfast? Check out my detailed articles on Rolled Oats vs. Steel-Cut Oats and Quick Oats vs. Rolled Oats.

Oil: I use coconut oil, but avocado oil works too. Butter or ghee (clarified butter) can be used in place of oil and takes the flavor up a notch if you have it on hand.

Nuts: I use unsalted walnuts, but pecans or almonds would also work well in this recipe. If you have the time, I recommend toasting your nuts for a few minutes to enhance their flavors.

Milk: For a neutral base, I use unsweetened almond milk, but oat milk makes it creamier if that is what you are after. Coconut or regular cow’s milk both work too.

Alternatively, you can make this apple cinnamon oats recipe using water instead of milk. If you do, keep in mind it will be less creamy.

Pro tip: For a richer apple taste, consider replacing some of the milk with apple juice. A good place to start is 1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice with 1 1/2 cups of milk.

Sweetener: Instead of adding sugar to the mixture, I finish it with a drizzle of maple syrup for better control. If you would rather build sweetness in as it cooks, honey, brown sugar, regular sugar, or coconut sugar all work.

How To Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal on Stovetop?

This healthy apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe comes together in two parts: sautéing the apples and cooking the oatmeal. Below are the steps:

A collage of images showing how to make cinnamon apple oatmeal step by step.

Step 1 – Sauté apples and spices: Start by heating the oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the apple cubes and sauté, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the ground cinnamon and nutmeg and cook for 10 more seconds to enhance their flavors.

Do not skip sautéing the apples. I know it is an extra step, but a few minutes of sautéing softens them and brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 2 – Make oatmeal: Add the nuts, rolled oats, milk, and chia seeds (if using). Stir to combine and cook, keeping a close eye on it and stirring occasionally, until thickened for 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 3 – Serve with toppings: Ladle into bowls, and garnish with fresh diced apples, more nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of pomegranate arils, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Make it your own with (optional) toppings: While this apple and cinnamon oatmeal can be served on its own without any toppings and still be delicious, you can have fun with the topping ideas below:

Add a tablespoon of almond or peanut butter, raisins, cranberries, and even a dollop of vanilla yogurt.
A drizzle of unsweetened applesauce adds another hit of apple flavor.
If you have leftover maple cranberry sauce around the holidays, that works well here too.

Other Apple Recipes You Might Also Like:

Here are a few more recipes worth trying if you enjoyed this oatmeal with apples:

A crisp fall salad: My Apple Salad pairs thinly sliced apples, baby spinach, and walnuts with a creamy yogurt-and-mayo dressing. It is a sweet and savory salad that you can make in 15 minutes.
My go-to muffin: Anytime I make these Apple Almond Flour Muffins, I get compliments because they use the natural sweetness of apples.
A Warm Dessert: The magic of my Dairy-Free Apple Crisp is the crunchy topping made with oats, almond flour, and a bit of coconut oil.

If you try this Homemade Apple Oatmeal recipe, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It really helps others who are thinking of making the recipe.