Name: Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 3.5 cups almond milk; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 2 tbsp solid coconut oil; 1 tbsp almond butter; 1 tsp cinnamon; pinch salt; 2 small honeycrisp apples, peeled and chopped; 1 tbsp coconut oil; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1/2 tsp cinnamon

There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl in the morning, and this Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe is exactly that—rich, creamy oats paired with sweet, fragrant cinnamon-spiced apples that make every bite feel like a cozy hug. It’s easy to whip up but tastes like you’ve been at it for hours.

A white bowl filled with creamy oatmeal as the base layer, light beige in color and soft texture. On top, there is a thick layer of small, cubed cooked apples, golden brown with a sprinkle of cinnamon giving a warm, spicy look. The oatmeal and apple cubes are mixed with a drizzle of light brown sauce, pooling slightly around the sides. A metal spoon is scooping some of the oatmeal and apples from the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a few cinnamon sticks and scattered oats nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this stovetop oatmeal with cinnamon apples recipe on a chilly fall morning. The spice-filled aroma filled my kitchen, and I was hooked from that moment on. It’s honestly one of my go-to breakfasts when I want something warm, satisfying, and a little bit special without tons of hassle.

Creamy Comfort: The slow-cooked oats simmered in almond milk become perfectly creamy, creating a luxurious texture that's so soothing.
Flavor Harmony: The sweet cinnamon apples on top balance the oats beautifully, adding freshness and a touch of natural sweetness.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand, making it a convenient breakfast to whip up any morning.
Customizable: Whether you’re dairy-free, vegan, or just love tweaking flavors, this recipe adapts easily to your preferences.

The image shows a white bowl filled with thick oatmeal topped with a generous layer of small golden-brown cooked apple cubes sprinkled with cinnamon, creating a textured and warm-colored top layer. The oatmeal beneath is creamy and light beige, with some visible grains giving it a slightly rough texture. A spoon scoops into the oatmeal, lifting a creamy portion mixed with the apple cubes. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface scattered lightly with oat flakes. Nearby, a woman's hand is holding the spoon from the right side. Around this bowl, there are glimpses of two more white bowls of oatmeal, one topped similarly with cooked apple cubes and the other with a swirl of smooth beige almond butter and cooked apples. There are also cinnamon sticks on the surface near the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together: creamy almond milk, naturally sweet maple syrup, and the warm spice of cinnamon. The addition of apple topping adds texture and bright flavor that makes each spoonful unforgettable.

Flat lay of rolled oats, a small jar of creamy almond butter with a smear beside it, chunks of peeled honeycrisp apples, a few cinnamon sticks and a small bowl of ground cinnamon, solid coconut oil pieces, a small puddle of golden maple syrup glistening, and a splash of almond milk, all beautifully arranged with soft natural light and warm tones, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Rolled oats: They hold their shape while cooking and create the perfect creamy oatmeal texture.
Almond milk: A great dairy-free option that adds nuttiness without overpowering the oats.
Maple syrup: Natural sweetness that blends seamlessly into the oatmeal and apples.
Coconut oil: Adds richness and a hint of tropical flavor; solid at room temp, it melts into the oats for creaminess.
Almond butter: Boosts flavor and makes the oatmeal extra smooth and satisfying.
Cinnamon: The star spice here—warms up the oats and perfectly complements the apples.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those flavors and balance sweetness.
Honeycrisp apples: I love these for their natural sweetness and crispness that soften nicely when cooked.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is like a blank canvas that’s easy to make your own. I often swap almond milk for oat milk to change up the creaminess or add a handful of toasted nuts for crunch. Feel free to play around and find the version you love best.

Variation: Sometimes I toss in raisins or dried cranberries with the apples for extra bursts of sweetness—totally elevates the texture and flavor!
Dairy-Free Swap: If you aren’t a fan of almond butter, peanut butter or sunflower seed butter work just as well, depending on your taste.
Less Sweet: If you’re watching sugar, reduce the maple syrup or skip it altogether—those cinnamon apples add natural sweetness, so you won’t miss it.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe

Step 1: Soak in that Creamy Oat Base

Start by placing the rolled oats and almond milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a rolling boil—this lets the oats absorb that lovely nutty milk. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and stir every few minutes. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until you get a luscious creamy texture. Patience here pays off because this slow cooking really develops flavor and stick-to-your-ribs texture.

Step 2: Swirl in the Goodies

Turn off the heat and stir in maple syrup, coconut oil, almond butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This is where magic happens—the coconut oil melts in, and the almond butter makes it silky smooth. Make sure everything is mixed well so each spoonful is perfectly flavored.

Step 3: Cook the Cinnamon Apples

While the oats are finishing up, heat coconut oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add your peeled and chopped honeycrisp apples along with maple syrup and cinnamon. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the apples soften slightly but still have a little bite. Stir gently so the syrup thickens and coats the fruit beautifully—it smells incredible!

Step 4: Bring It All Together and Serve

Divide the oatmeal evenly into bowls and spoon those warm cinnamon apples right on top. The contrast of creamy oats and tender, sweet apples is irresistible. Grab a spoon and dig in while it’s still warm!

Top Tip

From my kitchen adventures, I’ve learned a few tips that make this stovetop oatmeal with cinnamon apples recipe shine and help keep things easy and foolproof.

Low and Slow is Key: Don’t rush the oats’ simmering time; stirring occasionally prevents sticking and ensures a creamy finish.
Fresh Apples Matter: Picking crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji yields the best texture and naturally sweet flavor.
Mind the Coconut Oil: Adding solid coconut oil at the end gives creaminess without making the oats greasy.
Don’t Skip the Salt: A small pinch balances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop, trust me on this one!

How to Serve Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe

Cinnamon Apples Oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top—adds a wonderful crunch that contrasts the creamy oatmeal and soft apples. A light drizzle of extra maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt can also bring an extra touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

When I’m sharing this for brunch, I love serving it alongside crispy turkey bacon or a fresh green smoothie. The oatmeal feels so hearty it pairs well with protein to keep you full all day.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the oatmeal and cinnamon apples in glass jars or parfait cups, topped with granola and sliced almonds. It looks stunning and feels like a treat, perfect for guests or cozy weekend mornings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The oats will thicken as they chill, so you might need to stir in a splash of almond milk when reheating to loosen the texture.

Freezing

I haven’t had great luck freezing this one because the apples get mushy when thawed. Instead, I recommend making just enough for a few days and enjoying it fresh—it really shines that way.

Reheating

Reheat the oatmeal gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring in a bit of almond milk to bring back the creamy texture. Warm the apple topping separately or right on top for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Steel-cut oats have a chewier texture and take longer to cook than rolled oats, so if you decide to use them, increase the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes with extra liquid. For this cinnamon apples recipe, rolled oats work best for that creamy texture.

What type of apples are best for this recipe?

Apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are ideal because they’re sweet and hold their shape well when cooked. Avoid very soft apples or those that turn mushy quickly, as you want that tender but slightly crisp bite.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This entire stovetop oatmeal with cinnamon apples recipe is naturally vegan if you use plant-based almond milk and maple syrup. Just make sure your almond butter and coconut oil align with your dietary preferences.

Can I prep the apples ahead of time?

You can chop the apples a day before and store them in an airtight container with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. However, it’s best to cook them fresh to keep texture and flavor optimal, as cooked apples lose their best qualities when stored.

Final Thoughts

This Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe is one of those breakfasts that feels like home with every comforting spoonful. I love how the sweet spices and tender fruit transform simple oats into something truly special. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy starting your day with a little warmth and joy, just like I do.