Healthy Cinnamon Oatmeal

This homemade Healthy Cinnamon Oatmeal recipe made from scratch takes plain oatmeal to another level and makes a quick and easy way to start the day!
Whole grain oats and cinnamon simmered together in almond milk and served with healthy toppings and a touch of maple syrup make a delicious meal for any time of day!

As the weather starts cooling, oatmeal is definitely in order. Plus, I just really wanted to use this Cranberry Applesauce swirled in a bowl of cinnamon oatmeal.

And it was delicious – as I knew it would be – especially with the addition of fresh diced apple, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and pomegranate seeds! And let’s not forget the drizzle of pure maple syrup, that is what sweetened it perfectly.

Is Cinnamon Oatmeal Healthy?
Yes! Eating cinnamon and oats in the morning is a great way start to your day. Oatmeal is heart-healthy, rich in carbohydrates to boost your energy for the day. Plus, it is loaded with fiber and sticks with you for a few hours curbing your appetite.

Just be careful what you put into your oatmeal because not all additions are created equal. Stick with quality add-ins and toppings to make the most of your bowl of oatmeal.

For variations of oatmeal, try this Everyday Oatmeal, DIY Muesli Mix, Chunky Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies, and Baked Apple & Banana Oatmeal.

side by side photos of cinnamon and oatmeal.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Oatmeal by itself is not very exciting and benefits from the help of few other ingredients to make it interesting and over the top delicious.

Liquids: I used a combination of half unsweetened almond milk and half water. Feel free to use only one liquid of choice. Oftentimes, I’ll make my oatmeal with water only and stir in a bit of milk after it’s cooled a few minutes. I find my oatmeal is a little creamier with some non-dairy milk included.
Sweetener: Pure maple syrup is my sweetener of choice when making oatmeal. Feel free to use coconut sugar, organic brown sugar, or raw sugar stirred in. Alternately, sweeten your oatmeal with dried fruits like chopped dates or raisins.
Nuts & Seeds: These add protein and texture to oatmeal. I’ve used pecans and pumpkin seeds but feel free to use your favorite nuts and seeds. Vary it up with chopped or slivered almonds, walnuts, pistachio, cashews, and sunflower seeds would all be great!
Fruits: I topped my oatmeal with cranberry applesauce (which is a wonderful blend of sweet & tart), fresh diced honey crisp apples, and pomegranate seeds (use when in season). You may also opt to add other fall/winter seasonal fruits like diced pears or these warm Healthy Skillet Cinnamon Apples. Green apples are great too. When in the spring/summer season, fruits like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries make a healthy addition. And of course, bananas available year-round would be great sliced or mashed.
Spices: Cinnamon is great all by itself in this recipe, and if you really love your cinnamon, feel free to add another 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon, or simply sprinkle more on top, as I did. If you have a little nutmeg on hand, try adding 1/8 teaspoon for variation. Cardamon is also a great spice, try adding 1/4 teaspoon.
top down view of freshly made pot of healthy cinnamon oatmeal.

How to Make Cinnamon Oatmeal
This recipe includes instructions for the stovetop and microwave. Both methods are super easy and will be ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish.

Stovetop: Add the oats, cinnamon and water to a medium pan, bring it to a boil, turn heat to low and simmer at a gentle boil for 5 – 7 minutes, stirring frequently.
Microwave: Place the oats, cinnamon, and water/milk in a microwave safe dish. Cook at full power for 3 – 4 minutes, keeping an eye on the bowl after 3 minutes, if it starts to boil over, open the microwave door to stop it. Once oatmeal has settled, continue cooking keeping an eye on it. You may need to add 30 seconds – 1 minute more.
And that’s it, quick and easy, no-fuss oatmeal.

Serve with healthy toppings and enjoy a warm and cozy bowl of cinnamon oatmeal!

How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover oatmeal in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
To reheat, add a splash of water to the oatmeal and heat over low heat on the stove, or on high power in the microwave for 1 – 2 minutes.
top down view of cinnamon oatmeal with applesauce, pecans, apples, pomegranetes in a black bowl

If you make this easy oatmeal recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

HEALTHY CINNAMON OATMEAL
top down view of cinnamon oatmeal with applesauce, pecans, apples, pomegranetes in a black bowl
Whole grain oats and cinnamon simmered together in unsweetened almond milk, served with healthy toppings and a touch of maple syrup makes a delicious breakfast ready in less than 15 minutes!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 3/4 cup water or unsweetened non-dairy milk (or a combo)
Healthy Toppings

1/2 – 2/3 cup cranberry applesauce
1 apple, cored and diced
Handful pecans, whole or broken
small handful pepitas
small handful pomegranate seeds
pure maple syrup, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Stovetop: In a medium sauce pan, add the oats, cinnamon and water/milk, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, over a gentle boil for 5 – 7 minutes, stirring frequently. Let cool a few minutes before serving.

Microwave: In a medium sized bowl, add oats, cinnamon, and water/milk. Microwave on full power for 3 – 4 minutes. After 3 minutes, keep an eye on the bowl, if it starts to boil over, open the microwave door to stop it. Once oatmeal has settled, continue cooking keeping an eye on it. Add 30 seconds – 1 minute more if needed. Let cool a few minutes before serving.

Serve with the healthy toppings, or anything else you may like, and enjoy a healthy bowl of cinnamon oatmeal.

Store leftover oatmeal in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

To reheat, add a splash of water to the oatmeal and heat over low heat on the stove, or on high power in the microwave for 1 – 2 minutes.

NOTES
Change up the nuts and seeds to suit your taste, or to what you have on hand.

You may also like to change it up with topping your oatmeal with these warm and delicious Healthy Skillet Cinnamon Apples.