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 delightfully cozy about warm oats paired with sweet cinnamon apples, and this Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe captures that feeling perfectly. It’s rich, creamy, and lightly sweetened, making it a morning treat you’ll actually look forward to time and again.

A white bowl filled with creamy oatmeal forms the base layer, with a thick, smooth texture and light beige color. On top, there is a generous heap of small, golden-brown cooked apple cubes mixed with a rich, warm cinnamon sauce that spreads slightly into the oatmeal beneath. A silver spoon is scooping some of the layered oatmeal and apples from the right side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface; near it lie three cinnamon sticks and some scattered rolled oats. 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 — the smell of melting coconut oil, sweet maple syrup, and cinnamon filling the kitchen was just so inviting. It’s honestly my go-to when I want something quick, nourishing, and a little indulgent all at once.

Velvety Texture: The rolled oats simmered slowly in almond milk create a creamy base that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Sweet and Spiced Fruit Topping: Cinnamon-spiced honeycrisp apples add just the right balance of sweetness and tartness without overpowering the oats.
Simple, Whole Ingredients: It’s packed with healthy fats from coconut oil and almond butter, plus natural sweetness from maple syrup — no refined sugar here.
Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make a big batch to enjoy leftovers or freeze portions for busy mornings when you need a quick, wholesome start.

The image shows three white bowls filled with a creamy beige oatmeal base. The oats have a thick, smooth texture with some small bits visible in the mixture. Each bowl holds a layer of small, diced apple pieces cooked to a golden brown color and placed on top of the oatmeal, sprinkling some cinnamon or spice powder over them. One bowl has a swirl of light brown almond butter mixed at the edges. A woman's hand holding a spoon is dipping into one of the bowls, lifting some oatmeal and apple pieces. Around the bowls, there are scattered raw oats and cinnamon sticks resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe shines because each ingredient plays its part: oats give hearty texture, almond milk keeps it creamy without dairy, and the warming spices and apples bring flavor and freshness that wake up your senses. Don’t skimp on the quality of your apples here — honeycrisp ones really stand out.

Flat lay of rolled oats in a small pile, whole peeled honeycrisp apples chopped into neat pieces, a creamy swirl of almond butter, solid chunks of coconut oil, a small heap of ground cinnamon, a drizzle of rich maple syrup flowing gently, and a splash of pale almond milk, all beautifully arranged in natural, soft lighting, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Rolled oats: They absorb liquid beautifully, creating that comforting creaminess on the stovetop without turning mushy.
Almond milk: Adds subtle nuttiness and creaminess without heaviness; use unsweetened for better control over sweetness.
Maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness with a hint of caramel, perfectly pairing with cinnamon and apples.
Coconut oil (solid): Adds richness and a slight tropical nuance, helping to balance the oats’ earthiness.
Almond butter: Boosts protein and healthy fats, making this breakfast more satisfying and creamy.
Cinnamon: The star spice here that deepens flavor and pairs amazingly with apples.
Salt (pinch): It might seem small, but it enhances all the sweet and nutty elements.
Honeycrisp apples: Their crisp texture and natural sweetness stand up well to cooking, not turning too mushy.

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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 Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe is a fantastic base for your favorite add-ons or tweaks. I love to switch up the fruit or add a handful of nuts for extra crunch and protein, but you can customize it however suits your morning mood.

Variation: Some days I swap the honeycrisp apples for pears or peaches when they’re in season — the cinnamon still ties everything together beautifully.
Dairy-Free Options: Using almond milk keeps it vegan and dairy-free, but any plant-based milk you prefer works just fine.
Extra Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or some Greek yogurt with the almond butter for an extra filling breakfast.
Spice it Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves with the cinnamon for a cozy flavor twist.

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

Step 1: Simmer the Oats Until Creamy

Start by combining rolled oats and almond milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a gentle rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it slowly simmer. Stir occasionally — this helps prevent sticking and ensures the oats cook evenly. You’re looking for a creamy, thick consistency after about 10 to 15 minutes. If it’s too thick, simply add a splash more almond milk to loosen it up. Once done, turn off the heat but keep it warm.

Step 2: Stir in the Flavor Boosters

This is where the magic happens. Add maple syrup, solid coconut oil, almond butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt right into the oats. Stir vigorously until everything is combined and silky smooth. The coconut oil and almond butter give this oatmeal a luscious mouthfeel, so don’t skip them! Taste and adjust any sweetness or spice here before moving on.

Step 3: Cook the Cinnamon Apples

In a separate saucepan, heat up your coconut oil over medium. Toss in the chopped honeycrisp apples along with the maple syrup and cinnamon. Let the apples soften gently for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want tender pieces that still hold their shape and release their natural juices, mingling with the cinnamon and sweetness beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve Your Breakfast

Scoop the creamy oatmeal into bowls, then generously top with the warm cinnamon apples. The contrast between the silky oats and just-softened fruit is delightful. Grab a spoon and enjoy immediately—you deserve this little morning luxury.

Top Tip

Having made this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks to make your Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples just right every time. These tips saved me from mushy apples and bland oats, so I hope they help you too!

Don’t Rush the Oats: Slow simmering and occasional stirring ensure the perfect creamy texture without sticking or dryness.
Use Firm Apples: Choose a crisp variety like honeycrisp or gala to maintain that lovely texture after cooking.
Balance Sweetness: Maple syrup is naturally sweet, so add a little at a time to avoid overpowering the cinnamon apples.
Keep Coconut Oil Solid: Adding it solid helps it emulsify better, enriching the oatmeal’s creaminess rather than just melting away.

How to Serve Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe

cinnamon apples oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a handful of toasted chopped walnuts or pecans on top—adds a lovely crunch and earthy contrast. Sometimes a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of almond butter on top lifts it even more. For extra flair, a pinch of flaky sea salt on the apples really heightens all the flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair this breakfast with some fresh fruit slices or a small glass of orange juice for a refreshing balance. On busy days, I serve it alongside a protein-rich hard-boiled egg to keep me fueled through the morning.

Creative Ways to Present

For a weekend brunch, I’ve served the oatmeal layered in clear mason jars with the cinnamon apples and a sprinkle of granola on top. It looks stunning and feels like a mini parfait — great for impressing guests without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The texture thickens as it cools, so before serving, just heat it gently up on the stove or microwave and add a splash of almond milk to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This oatmeal freezes nicely in portioned containers. I usually freeze it without the apple topping and add fresh or reheated cinnamon apples later for best texture. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

Microwave reheating works fine if you add a splash of almond milk and stir halfway through. Or I prefer reheating gently on the stovetop with a little extra almond milk for that fresh-from-scratch creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use steel-cut oats for this Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe?

Steel-cut oats can be used, but they require a longer cooking time (about 25-30 minutes) and more liquid. You’ll want to adjust cooking times and be patient for creamy results.

What’s the best way to avoid apples turning mushy?

Choosing firmer apple varieties like honeycrisp helps, and cooking them just until tender but not falling apart is key—5-6 minutes over medium heat usually does the trick.

Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan using almond milk and coconut oil, and rolled oats labeled gluten-free make it safe for those avoiding gluten.

How do I make this recipe less sweet?

Simply reduce the maple syrup or omit it altogether. The sweetness of the apples combined with cinnamon naturally flavors the oatmeal nicely without much added sugar. You can also add unsweetened almond milk to balance sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe has become one of those kitchen staples I rely on when I want a hearty, comforting, yet wholesome breakfast. It’s easy enough for busy mornings but special enough to feel like a treat. Give it a try—you’ll see how a simple bowl of oats can quickly turn into your new favorite morning ritual.