Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Quick oats will cook much faster, requiring only about 1-2 minutes after adding to the apples. The texture will be softer and less chewy than with rolled oats, but still delicious!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. While oats are naturally gluten-free, they're often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, so certification is important for those with celiac disease or serious gluten sensitivity.

Can I make this ahead for the entire week?

Absolutely! This oatmeal is perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday, divide into containers, and refrigerate. You'll have breakfast ready for 3-4 days. The oatmeal will thicken as it sits, so add a splash of milk when reheating.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is nearly vegan already! Simply use coconut oil instead of butter, and ensure your brown sugar is vegan (some brands use bone char in processing). All other ingredients are plant-based, making this an easy vegan breakfast option.

One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe

Name: One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter or coconut oil; 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar; 2 medium Honeycrisp 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

Description

This One Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a cozy and comforting hot breakfast perfect for chilly mornings. Made with caramelized apples, a hint of cinnamon, and nutmeg, this dish comes together in just one pot for a quick and easy meal. It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with comforting fall flavors — a wholesome and satisfying way to start your day.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Oatmeal Base

1 Tablespoon unsalted butter or coconut oil
1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
2 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Oatmeal Cooking Liquid

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the Apple Base
In a 4-quart pot, melt the butter or coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add light brown sugar, diced apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook while stirring for about 2–3 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized, releasing an aromatic, warm fragrance.
Combine Oats and Milk
Sprinkle the rolled oats on top of the caramelized apple mixture. Pour in the unsweetened almond milk and stir in the vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats reach your desired level of creaminess.
Serve and Garnish
Ladle the oatmeal into bowls while it’s still warm. Top it with your favorite garnishes such as walnuts, a drizzle of maple syrup, or an extra splash of almond milk for added creaminess. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Optional Add-Ins: Top with chopped pecans, sliced bananas, or a sprinkle of chia seeds for added nutrition.
Use Fresh Apples: Honeycrisp apples work best for their sweetness, but you can substitute with Fuji or Gala apples.
Make it Vegan: Simply use coconut oil in place of butter.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with an extra splash of milk to loosen the consistency.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 170kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 7mg