Name: Creamy 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 deeply comforting about a warm bowl of oats, especially when it's laced with sweet, cinnamon-kissed apples. This Creamy Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe is one of those cozy mornings that turn into a little celebration—both simple and special in every spoonful.

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 Creamy Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this creamy stovetop oatmeal countless times when I needed a breakfast that feels indulgent but is still nourishing. The cinnamon apples on top add a fresh, fruity twist that makes every bite a little celebration. You’re not just making oatmeal—you’re crafting moments of delight to start your day.

Ultra Creamy Texture: The almond milk along with coconut oil and almond butter make the oatmeal luscious without feeling heavy.
Warm Cinnamon Apples: Cooking the apples in coconut oil and cinnamon brings out their natural sweetness and adds comforting spice.
Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: It’s easy to find everything and it stacks well for busy mornings or leisurely brunches alike.
Customizable & Friendly: You can tweak the toppings or spices easily to match your pantry and mood.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe has a purpose that brings harmony to the final dish—whether it’s the creamy base, the blend of spices, or the fresh apples. Let me break down why these work so well together and how you can pick the best versions for your kitchen.

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 absorb the liquid well, cooking down to a creamy, tender texture without turning mushy, unlike instant oats.
Almond Milk: This plant-based milk keeps the oats creamy and light, plus it adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that pairs perfectly with apples and cinnamon, giving gentle warmth and depth.
Coconut Oil: Adds richness and helps create that velvety texture in the oatmeal, plus it’s great for cooking the apples to tender sweetness.
Almond Butter: This little boost amps up the creaminess and adds protein, making your breakfast last longer.
Cinnamon: The spice star here, binding all flavors while bringing cozy aromas that make every spoonful irresistible.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance the oats’ natural flavor.
Honeycrisp Apples: Their sweetness and firm texture hold up beautifully when sautéed, mixing perfectly with cinnamon and maple syrup.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Feel free to get creative — I often swap out apples for pears in autumn or add a handful of toasted nuts on top for crunch.

Variation: I’ve tried this with chopped walnuts stirred into the oats right before serving—it adds a lovely texture contrast and nutty flavor I adore.
Dairy Alternative: Using oat milk instead of almond milk works well too if you want a thicker creaminess.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the maple syrup depending on how sweet you like it; sometimes I skip it for a less sweet version and rely on the apples.
Additional Spices: A dash of nutmeg or ginger can add a warming twist if you want to spice things up a bit.

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

Step 1: Bring Oats and Almond Milk to a Boil

Start by adding your rolled oats and almond milk to a medium saucepan. Turn the stove on to medium-high and watch carefully as it reaches a rolling boil. This step wakes up the oats and prepares them for slow, creamy cooking. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and give it an occasional stir—you don’t want the oats sticking to the bottom. Keep an eye on the texture over 10-15 minutes, cooking until everything looks luscious and creamy.

Step 2: Stir in the Flavorful Boosters

Turn off the heat and immediately add the maple syrup, coconut oil, almond butter, cinnamon, and pinch of salt. Stir these in gently but thoroughly. The coconut oil and almond butter melt in beautifully, turning your oatmeal ultra-silky, while cinnamon brings that spicy warmth. Taste once everything’s combined and adjust sweetness if you like—it should feel like a cozy hug in a bowl.

Step 3: Sauté the Apples to Perfection

While the oats finish, heat coconut oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Toss in the peeled, chopped Honeycrisp apples, drizzle with maple syrup, and sprinkle cinnamon on top. Stir occasionally as the apples soften, about 5-6 minutes. The goal here is tender apples that still hold their shape and soak up that sweet-spicy glaze—this topping is what makes this recipe truly special.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Divide your creamy oatmeal into bowls and spoon those warm cinnamon apples on top. You can dig in immediately or let it cool a little if you prefer. Either way, prepare for a breakfast that feels nourishing yet indulgent, just like a morning hug from your favorite sweater.

Top Tip

After making this Creamy Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few things that make all the difference between good oatmeal and unforgettable oatmeal.

Use Medium Heat for Cooking Oats: Cooking on too high heat can cause the oats to stick or cook unevenly, so medium heat keeps them perfectly creamy without burning.
Don’t Rush the Apples: Let the apples caramelize gently in the coconut oil and maple syrup—this builds their flavor and sweetness wonderfully.
Stir Gently But Often: This prevents lumps and keeps the texture smooth, especially after adding almond butter and oils.
Avoid Adding Too Much Liquid: The oats will continue to absorb liquid after you turn off the heat, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly thicker than too runny.

How to Serve Creamy Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe

Garnishes

I tend to keep garnishes simple so the oatmeal and cinnamon apples shine. A sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds or walnuts adds crunch and extra nuttiness without overwhelming the flavors. Sometimes I top with a light dusting of extra cinnamon or a few fresh apple slices for a pretty presentation.

Side Dishes

This oatmeal pairs beautifully with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a side of scrambled eggs if you want something savory to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit or a cup of strong coffee also make great companions to this cozy breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch-worthy twist, I like to serve the oatmeal in mason jars layered with the cinnamon apples, a drizzle of honey, and chopped nuts, then topped with a sprig of fresh mint. It’s a simple way to elevate the experience and impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover oatmeal (which is rare in my house!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days. The cinnamon apples can be stored separately to maintain their texture and reheated gently.

Freezing

I don’t often freeze this oatmeal because I prefer it fresh, but you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of almond milk.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to restore creaminess. Add a bit of almond milk to loosen the oatmeal if it’s too thick. Warm the apples separately and add on top right before serving.

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—about 30 to 40 minutes. If you want to use steel-cut oats, you’ll need to adjust cooking time and liquid, and the final consistency won’t be quite as creamy as with rolled oats.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan when using plant-based almond milk and coconut oil. Just ensure your maple syrup is pure and you’re good to go.

What if I don’t have coconut oil?

You can substitute coconut oil with another neutral oil like avocado or light olive oil, or even unsalted butter if you’re not avoiding dairy. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I keep the apples from turning mushy?

To keep apples firm, cook them over medium heat just until they’re tender but still hold their shape, about 5-6 minutes. Avoid cooking longer or on high heat, which can cause them to break down too much.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Stovetop Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples Recipe has become my go-to when I want breakfast that’s both nourishing and a little bit magical. It’s a simple recipe that feels far from boring—and that’s what breakfast should be, right? I hope you give it a try and find the same cozy joy I do every time I stir up this creamy, cinnamon-spiced, apple-topped bowl of goodness.