Alright, early birds and busy bees, we’ve got the answer to those chaotic mornings – the One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal! Because, let’s face it, in the hustle and bustle, a nutritious yet delicious breakfast often takes a backseat. No more settling for a hasty granola bar. This recipe levels up your breakfast game, taking classic instant oatmeal to new heights with fresh ingredients. And the best part? Just one pot is needed to whip up a delicious breakfast that’s bound to hit the spot!
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Why we love One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
This delicious, healthy breakfast is a game-changer for so many reasons! First, it tastes absolutely delightful, like an apple pie but with the delightful crunchiness of oat — but it’s definitely got that cinnamony, nutmeg flavor that the most incredible pies do.
Another reason we love it is that it’s so good for you! Oats are super healthy and filled with nutrients.
Finally, this recipe is gluten-free, which means it’s safe for you if you have an intolerance. And we love that (who wouldn’t?)!
What are one pot meals
One pot meals are essentially just meals you can make using just one pot! While we do a lot of one pot pasta dishes, you can also make other meals with just one pot — like this oatmeal recipe! It’s simple, easy to clean up, and low-effort. But the reward is delicious, nutritious oats — nom!
In a one pot meal, not only do you skip having a ton of dishes to clean up, you also get to really let the flavors marry together. And because we use milk directly to cook the oats, they are so much more flavorful and the texture is almost as dreamy as those silk sheets you just rolled out of!
History of oatmeal
Oats are an incredibly ancient grain — they date back conclusively to Egypt in about 2,000 B.C., though some think China may have known about them even earlier. That’s more than 4,000 years of oat history!
But when it comes to oatmeal, that took a bit longer to come about. Some people suggest the first instances of cultivated oats turned into a porridge-like meal come from Scotland. The climate in the UK is ideal for growing oats.
How to make One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- In a 4 qt pot on medium heat add butter, brown sugar, apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg and cook, stirring, until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Top with oats, milk, as well as vanilla extract, bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Serve with walnuts/pecans, a drizzle of maple syrup, and an extra splash of milk, if needed.
How to store One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal leftovers
Once cooked, oatmeal should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge. It will keep for up to three days when stored properly.
To reheat, simply top the oatmeal off with some fresh meal and place in the microwave for 60 seconds.
Common Questions about One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Firmer, tarter apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith work amazingly in oatmeal because they hold their shape without turning to complete mush. These varieties also offer that perfect sweet-tart flavor that balances so well with the warming cinnamon and hearty oats! I personally love using Honeycrisp for their juicy crunch and natural sweetness – they’re worth the extra cost when they’re the star of your breakfast bowl.
We think one pot apple cinnamon oatmeal is practically the poster child for nutritious breakfasts! It combines whole grain oats (hello, fiber and protein) with fresh fruit and cinnamon (which may help regulate blood sugar).
One pot apple cinnamon oatmeal is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch, portion it into containers, and refrigerate for quick breakfasts all week – it reheats beautifully with just a splash of milk. The flavors actually improve overnight as the cinnamon and apple continue to infuse into the oats. You can also prep “freezer packs” with the measured dry oats, dried apples, and spices ready to dump into a pot with liquid when you’re ready to cook!
Boosting the protein in your apple cinnamon oatmeal turns it into an even more satisfying meal! Stir in a spoonful of almond or peanut butter while cooking, add a scoop of protein powder once it’s off the heat, mix in some Greek yogurt for creaminess, or top with a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. For a more savory-sweet vibe that’s surprisingly amazing, try cooking the oats in part bone broth instead of water – you can’t taste it but get all that protein goodness!
More Oatmeal recipes to try
- Date & Apricot Overnight Oats.
- S’mores Oatmeal Cookie Skillet
- Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal
- Healthy Baked Banana Bread Oatmeal
One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter or coconut oil
- 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 medium honey crisp apples peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a 4 qt pot on medium high heat add butter, brown sugar, apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg and cook, stirring, until tender and caramelized, about 2-3 minutes.1 Tablespoon unsalted butter or coconut oil, 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar, 2 medium honey crisp apples, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Top with oats, milk, as well as vanilla extract, bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook for 3-4 minutes.1 cup old fashioned rolled oats, 2 cups unsweetened almond milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Serve with walnuts, a drizzle of maple syrup, and an extra splash of milk, if needed.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I just made this recipe this morning and it’s absolutely delicious!
Thank you, ladies!
Soooo good and so easy! I followed the recipe as written. This will be a regular in our household, thank you!
Thank you, Suzy! We’re so happy you enjoyed it. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This recipe is easy to make and delicious. I also added a banana, chia seeds, walnuts and did not add the brown sugar.
Sounds delicious! Love the additions/modifications!
Delicious and super easy to make!
This was easy and delicious. I made this with my 5 yo and she loved helping out.