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    Everyday Family Eats » Breakfast

    Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

    Published: Oct 4, 2023 by Kelli Avila · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    Jump to Recipe
    A bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal.
    A pot with cooked apple oatmeal and a bowl with the finished dish, garnished with cream and cinnamon.

    Oats, apple cider, diced fresh apples, and cinnamon come together to make for a hearty and filling breakfast. This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is made in about 15 minutes and can even be made ahead of time to make for a quick homemade start to your day.

    A finished bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a splash of cream.

    Our household is oatmeal-obsessed. And luckily, oatmeal is so easily adaptable based on the season you are in. Like this Blueberry Oatmeal in the summer, or this Strawberry Oatmeal in the spring, and our favorite Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal all winter long. As for fall, it's gotta be this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal.

    This Apple Oatmeal is made using old-fashioned oats, cooked with fresh apple cider, fresh apples, and cinnamon to bump up the autumn vibes. The house smells amazing while it cooks!

    And want to know the best part? It heats up really well, so if you want to make a big batch at the beginning of the week, you can have it on the table even quicker than the little time it takes to make it fresh.

    So let's get to making it! You can jump around the article using the menu below, or you can just head right to the bottom for the complete recipe.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients Needed and Substitutions
    • Don't Use Anything Other Than Apple Cider
    • Best Type of Apples to Use
    • Kelli's Best Tips
    • Leftovers and Reheating Instructions
    • More Breakfast Recipes
    • Full Recipe

    Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

    Here is a brief overview of the ingredients needed for this recipe. The recipe card lists the full recipe with quantities below this text. If substitutions are available for this recipe, they'll be listed here. If you don't see a substitution you are looking for, please leave a comment below.

    Ingredients for apple cinnamon oatmeal measured out on a tray.
    • old-fashioned / rolled oats (you can use quick oats if you want, but the texture will be slightly different and you won't need to cook the oats for as long)
    • fresh apple cider (see the section below)
    • baking apples (see some options below)
    • ground cinnamon
    • kosher salt
    • maple syrup (this is optional and can be replaced with any number of sweeteners like honey or brown sugar)
    • heavy cream (this is optional, and can be replaced with milk or half and half, if desired)
    Old fashioned oats.

    Don't Use Anything Other Than Apple Cider

    Fresh apple cider is unfiltered apple juice made from crushed whole apples. It is similar to apple juice, except it is not shelf-stable, is minimally processed, and has a much more robust and often tangier apple flavor. It can be found nearly year-round these days in most grocery stores' fresh produce or fresh juice section.

    Only use fresh apple cider. Do not use "apple juice", or the alcoholic cider beverage, and most importantly, do not use apple cider vinegar!

    If you can't find fresh apple cider, use milk or water in equal parts to replace it.

    Best Type of Apples to Use

    Any apple that you like the taste of and that will hold its shape relatively well will work here. Honeycrisp or Fuji are my go-to for this oatmeal, but any number of other apples can work too. Here are a few more suggestions:

    • Cortland
    • Gala
    • Golden Delicious (don't confuse this with Red Delicious)
    • Braeburn
    • Pink Lady
    • Ginger Gold
    • Jonagold
    Cider and diced apples in a white pot.

    To Peel or Not to Peel

    Peeling the apples is a personal preference! I do not find it necessary in this recipe because the apples are cooked until tender, and the skin adds some fiber and vibrancy to the oatmeal. But if you want to peel the apples, go for it!

    Cooked apple oatmeal in a pot.

    Kelli's Best Tips

    Oatmeal made on the stove is a staple in our home because it's really fast, nutritious, and it reheats well. In the cooler weather, I'll make it 1-2 times a week, and reheat leftovers for the next few days. Depending on the season, we will switch up what components are added to it.

    Making this apple oatmeal is simple, but here are my best tips for success:

    • The apples are cooked in the cider and water prior to adding the oats. This allows the apples to cook through and for the apple flavor to permeate the liquid.
    • This recipe doesn't need added sugar, but sometimes I add maple syrup when cooking the apples for an extra special sweet treat. Typically though, because it has the cider and the apples, it doesn't require it.
    • Watch the temperature when the oats are cooking. The directions call for the heat to be turned down to medium-low. This helps ensure the oats are cooked slowly so they are creamy, and so that they don't burn on the bottom.
    • Add a splash of cream once the oats are finished cooking for an ultra creamy texture. Though this step is completely optional.
    • Don't walk away from the oats for too long when you are cooking them. You'll need to stir them a few times while they're cooking. They truly only take a couple of minutes.
    A full bowl of cooked apple cinnamon oatmeal next to a red cloth napkin.

    Leftovers and Reheating Instructions

    Place leftover oatmeal in a container and let it cool completely before placing the cover on (this is a universal tip with all leftovers, by the way). Store in the refrigerator for about three days.

    To reheat, place in a medium pot and add in a splash of milk or water. Reheat on medium-low until the oats are warmed through and creamy. Or use the microwave, though I can't advise on time and temperature as we don't have a microwave in our home and I haven't tested it!

    More Breakfast Recipes

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • Croissant french toast.
      Croissant French Toast
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      Almond Cherry Granola
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    Making the recipe? Be sure to leave a comment with a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review on your experience! Have a question? Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can!

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    Full Recipe

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    A bowl with diced apples cooked with oatmeal.

    Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
    • Author: Kelli Avila
    • Prep Time: 00:05
    • Cook Time: 00:10
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: Serves 4
    • Category: Breakfast
    • Method: Stovetop
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is the perfect 15-minute breakfast, made with oats, apple cider, fresh apples, and cinnamon.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 2-½ cups water
    • 1 cup fresh apple cider
    • 2 to 4 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
    • 2 sweet apples, cored and diced
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 cups old-fashioned / rolled oats
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • Cream for serving (optional)

    Instructions

    1. To a medium pot, add water, cider, optional maple syrup, apples and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
    2. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and add in the oats and cinnamon.
    3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats have thickened up and are tender, about 3-5 minutes. 
    4. Divide oatmeal into dishes and serve. Top with additional cinnamon and a splash of cream.

    Notes

    Quick oats can be substituted, but the texture will be slightly different and they won't need to be cooked for as long.

    You can use any combination of water, milk and cider in this recipe, so long as the total is 3-½ cups.

    Store meal prep or leftover oatmeal in a container and let it cool completely before placing the cover on.

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    I'm Kelli, the creator of Everyday Family Eats, this space where I share easy and quick recipes the whole family will love! I'm a former professional cook and baker, and full-time working mom, who is passionate about creating approachable dinner ideas that allow the whole family to gather at the table and enjoy a meal together.

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