Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge
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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge
This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is the ultimate cozy breakfast—creamy, comforting, and bursting with warm fall flavor. Made with thick-cut rolled oats, almond milk, maple syrup, and sweetened condensed milk for extra richness, it’s a bowl of pure comfort to start your day. Each spoonful is infused with aromatic apple pie spice and topped with buttery sautéed apples caramelized in brown sugar and vanilla. Dairy-free, Vegan, Gluten-free, Sugar-free, + Overnight options.
Apples + cinnamon are my go-to cozy flavors, whether it’s in pancakes, cakes, or even pop-tarts. But nothing quite beats the classic comfort of a bowl of Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge. A few years ago, this recipe became my go-to breakfast whenever someone in the family started to feel sick, and it's been a family favorite ever since.
It’s so easy to make—ready in under 15 minutes! The natural sweetness of caramelized apples takes the flavor to another level, creating the perfect balance of warmth and comfort. It’s a wholesome, hearty breakfast that feels indulgent but is still nutritious and satisfying!
The result? A creamy, slightly sweet oatmeal that feels like dessert for breakfast—but with all the wholesome goodness you love. Add toasted walnuts, granola, or a sprinkle of crumble topping for texture and crunch. Perfect for chilly mornings, weekend brunches, or meal prep, this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal brings together everything we love about fall—warmth, flavor, and a little sweetness for the soul.
If you want more cinnamon apple goodness definitely try my Overnight Vegan Apple Cinnamon Rolls next up!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Warm, cozy, and nourishing. It tastes like apple pie in a bowl—perfect for cool mornings or a comforting start to the day.
- Ultra-creamy texture. Sweetened condensed milk and simmered oats make this oatmeal lush and spoon-worthy.
- Naturally sweetened option. Skip refined sugar and use pure maple syrup or brown sugar for a wholesome boost of flavor.
- Customizable toppings. Add nuts, granola, crumble, or extra caramelized apples to build the breakfast of your dreams.
- Meal-prep friendly. Make once and reheat throughout the week for easy, satisfying mornings.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge
- Ingredients
- How To Toast Your Walnuts or Pecans
- Best Apples for Oatmeal
- Tips for the Creamiest Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- What Types Of Oats I Can Use For Porridge?
- Storage + Make-Ahead Options
- Health Benefits of Oats
- Why Sweetened Condensed Milk Is So Important!
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge Q + A's
- More Comforting Breakfast Recipes to Try Next!
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge
There are a few key ingredients in this warm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal recipe that you may not usually use in your morning oatmeal. Of course, I always use Bob's Red Mill products when it comes to my flours, oats, and grains, so this recipe was no different.
Ingredients
Here's the list of ingredients to make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge for breakfast today:
- Rolled Oats (Thick-Cut). Rolled oats create a hearty, creamy texture that holds up beautifully to slow simmering. Thick-cut oats give more chew and a richer feel compared to instant.
Substitutes: Quick oats for a faster cook time, steel-cut oats for a chewier, nuttier version (adjust liquid + cook time). - Almond Milk. A neutral, lightly nutty base that keeps the oatmeal creamy without heaviness.
Substitutes: Whole milk for extra richness, oat milk for a naturally sweeter flavor, coconut milk for a tropical twist, or water if you prefer a lighter bowl. - Sweetened Condensed Milk. This is the secret to extra lush, velvety oatmeal. It adds sweetness, body, and a creamy “rice pudding–like” texture.
Substitutes: Coconut condensed milk (for dairy-free), maple syrup + a splash of cream, or brown sugar + extra milk. - Maple Syrup. Adds natural sweetness and warm fall depth.
Substitutes: Brown sugar, coconut sugar, honey, or apple butter for a more apple-forward flavor. - Vanilla Extract. Brings warmth and enhances the sweetness of the apples and spices.
Substitutes: Maple extract, almond extract, or skip if using a vanilla-flavored milk. - Apple Pie Spice. A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice that infuses every bite with fall flavor.
Substitutes: Pumpkin pie spice, or a simple mix of cinnamon + nutmeg. - Sea Salt. Enhances sweetness, balances the oats, and rounds out the spices.
Substitutes: Pink Himalayan salt or kosher salt.
Sautéed Apple Topping
- Fresh Apples (Sliced). A sweet and tart topping that caramelizes beautifully. Choose apples that soften well while still holding shape.
Substitutes: Pears, peaches, or even bananas for a different flavor profile. - Butter. Creates that caramel-like richness coating each apple slice.
Substitutes: Vegan butter for dairy-free, or coconut oil for added warmth and slight sweetness. - Brown Sugar. Helps the apples caramelize and creates a glossy, syrupy finish.
Substitutes: Maple syrup, coconut sugar, or cane sugar. - Apple Pie Spice. Layers warm fall spice into the apple topping.
Substitutes: Cinnamon alone or a mix of cinnamon + nutmeg. - Vanilla Extract. Adds depth and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.
Substitutes: Maple extract or a dash of cinnamon sugar. - Pinch of Salt. Balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel flavor.
Substitutes: Any fine-grain salt.
Optional Garnishes
- Toasted Walnuts or Pecans. Add crunch, richness, and healthy fats that complement the soft oats and tender apples.
Substitutes: Almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or leave out for nut-free. - Sprinkle of Apple Pie Spice. Boosts aroma and flavor right before serving.
Substitutes: Cinnamon or pumpkin spice. - Crumble Topping or Granola. Adds texture and that “apple crisp meets oatmeal” vibe.
Substitutes: Crushed graham crackers, toasted oats, or maple-pecan granola.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS OATMEAL!
Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge recipe. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How To Toast Your Walnuts or Pecans
Add chopped walnuts/pecans to a baking sheet and toasting them in the oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5-10 minutes, tossing them halfway to avoid browning on one side! Nuts make for a delicious topping for this porridge!
Best Apples for Oatmeal
The apples you choose make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here are the best options for sautéing and topping oatmeal:
- Honeycrisp: Crisp, juicy, and naturally sweet—perfect for caramelized apples.
- Gala: Mild, softens quickly, and blends beautifully with warm spices.
- Pink Lady: Tart and sweet with a firm bite that holds shape as it cooks.
- Fuji: Very sweet and fragrant—ideal if you like a softer, jammy apple topping.
- Granny Smith: Tart and bright; great for balancing sweetness but stays firm.
Mix one tart apple and one sweet apple for the most flavorful topping!
Tips for the Creamiest Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Use extra liquid. Thick-cut rolled oats need more milk to soften fully—this is what gives you that velvety, slow-cooked texture.
- Simmer low and slow. A gentle simmer helps the oats absorb flavor and become rich without getting gluey.
- Add sweetened condensed milk last. Stir it in at the end for a smooth, glossy finish that tastes like dessert.
- Don’t skip the salt. A pinch enhances sweetness and makes the apple + spice flavors pop.
- Let it sit for 2–3 minutes before serving. This resting time thickens the oatmeal perfectly while keeping it creamy.
What Types Of Oats I Can Use For Porridge?
I'm all about that creamy texture you get from steel-cut rolled oats! But hey, when it comes to oats, there's a whole bunch out there, each with its own special qualities.
You can use various types of oats for porridge:
- Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats). These are most commonly used for porridge. They cook relatively quickly and offer a creamy texture.
- Quick Oats. They are similar to rolled oats but are cut into smaller pieces, which makes them cook faster.
- Steel-cut oats. These oats are less processed and have a chewier texture. They take longer to cook but offer a hearty, nuttier flavor.
- Instant oats. These oats are pre-cooked and then dried. They cook the fastest but might have a softer texture compared to other varieties.
Choose the type of oats based on the texture + cooking time you prefer for your porridge!
Storage + Make-Ahead Options
- Refrigerator: Store cooked oatmeal in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It will thicken as it cools—simply add a splash of milk when reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, stirring in extra almond milk to loosen the texture.
- Apple Topping: Store separately in a container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm and glossy.
- Meal Prep: Divide oatmeal into jars or containers, add toppings right before serving, and enjoy warm or chilled.
For grab-and-go mornings, pack oatmeal and sautéed apples in separate small jars so nothing gets soggy.
Health Benefits of Oats
Oats are another superfood that’s great to start your day with. Rolled oats like the ones used in this recipe, are a healthy source of complex carbs, fiber (the soluble kind!), protein, and fat. In addition, they are loaded with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Other great benefits of oats, according to studies:
- They can help lower cholesterol.
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels to avoid crashes and spikes
- May help with losing weight.
- Helps to relieve constipation.
Why Sweetened Condensed Milk Is So Important!
First, I must let you know that Sweetened Condensed Milk is a canned milk that has 60 percent of it's water content removed, making it thicker in consistency.
Also, it has 40-45% sugar, making it a great sugar substitute in recipes that use sugar. More importantly, condensed milk creates a caramelized flavor along with it's sweetness, which give the dishes that require it, a beautiful kick of flavor.
That being said---I generally love using the original Sweetened Condensed Milk like the Eagle Brand's version, however, If you are dairy-free or vegan I love using Edwards & Son's Let's Do Organic's dairy-free coconut version for vegan-friendly meals!
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge Q + A's
Yes! Simply replace the sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk or add an extra splash of almond milk + a little maple syrup. Use vegan butter for the apple topping.
Absolutely. Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and swap sweetened condensed milk for coconut condensed milk or maple syrup. All other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Yes, but steel-cut oats will need more liquid and a longer cooking time. Increase the milk and simmer until tender, or cook them separately and fold in the spices + apples.
Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, and Gala are all excellent. They soften while still holding shape. For a tart option, use Granny Smith. Choose apples that won’t turn mushy when sautéed.
Yes! Sweeten it naturally with mashed banana, applesauce, date syrup, or sugar-free maple syrup. Omit the brown sugar in the apple topping or replace with a sugar-free alternative.
Simmer longer on low heat, stir frequently, and avoid adding too much liquid at the beginning (reduce the milk by 1 cup or so). Sweetened condensed milk also helps create a thicker, richer texture.
Simply add a splash more almond milk or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Yes—use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Definitely! Store cooked oatmeal in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Add extra almond milk before reheating to keep it creamy. Store sautéed apples separately for best texture.
You can, but the oatmeal will be less creamy and flavorful. For best results, use at least half milk, half water.
Yes! Simply scale all ingredients up and use a larger pot to prevent sticking. Perfect for feeding a family or prepping breakfast for the week.
Yes—you can use raw apples, apple butter, applesauce, or even granola as a quicker topping. But the sautéed apples bring that warm caramelized flavor that makes the bowl feel extra cozy.
Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess. Stir well until smooth.
More Comforting Breakfast Recipes to Try Next!
If this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge recipe hits the spot, you’ll definitely want to cozy up to my other warming breakfasts next!
- Pumpkin French Toast
- Banana Chai Oatmeal Porridge
- Toasted Coconut Bread [Gluten-Free]
- Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Chip Chia Seed Muffins
- Vegan Pumpkin Spice Muffins
- Fluffy Cinnamon Vegan Belgian Waffles
- Superfood Breakfast Oatmeal Cookie [Vegan + Gluten-Free]
- Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried my Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag me @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Porridge
Ingredients
OATMEAL:
- 1 cup thick-cut Rolled oats, organic (See FAQ section to make oatmeal thicker or thinner, depending on preference)
- 3 cups Almond milk (You can sub with whole milk or your fave plant-based milk or water)
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (Reduce to ¼ cup for less sweetness)
- 2-3 Tbsps pure maple syrup (You can sub with organic cane sugar or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsps apple pie spice (See Notes for homemade blend option)
- Pinch of sea salt
SAUTEED APPLES TOPPING:
- 1 organic apples, sliced (See FAQ for types of apples that can be used)
- 2 Tbsps unsalted butter (You can sub with salted butter + omit salt)
- ¼ cup organic brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of sea salt
OPTIONAL GARNISH:
- Toasted walnuts or pecans (See Notes!)
- Sprinkle of apple pie spice
- Crumble topping (See Blog Post for How to Make)
- Granola
Instructions
TO MAKE THE OATMEAL:
- Add oats and Almond milk to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until everything is combined. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low so that everything simmers for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. At the halfway mark, stir in the condensed milk. Continue to simmer.
- Once done, oats should thicken and become swollen + fluffy and creamy with a little over half the liquid still remaining. Stir in the maple syrup, vanilla, and apple spice blend and let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes before removing it from heat. NOTE: See FAQ section to make thicker or thinner, depending on preference
TO MAKE THE SAUTEED APPLE TOPPING:
- In a medium (10-inch) skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and heat until melted. Add the brown sugar, apple pie spice, and vanilla and stir until combined and everything begins to bubble a bit, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the sliced apples and butter and toss until well coated and the butter melts and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until tender and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat. Cool completely!
- To serve, portion oatmeal into serving bowl(s) and top with sautéed apples followed by toasted nuts, sprinkles of apple pie spice, a crumble topping, and/or granola, if desired.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Can be stored in the refrigerator (once fully cooled) for up to 5 days. Perfect for meal prep for the week!
- OVERNIGHT OPTION: Simply add all oatmeal ingredients to a bowl and mix together until combined. Tightly cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours). Once ready to serve, top overnight oats with toppings and enjoy.
- TOASTED NUTS: Add chopped walnuts/pecans/almonds, etc. to a baking sheet and toasting them in the oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5-10 minutes, tossing them halfway to avoid browning on one side.
- HOMEMADE APPLE PIE SPICE: To make your own apple pie spice blend, simply mix together: 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ground allspice, ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger, and a pinch of ground cardamom.
- WHAT PLANT-BASED MILKS ARE GOOD FOR THIS RECIPE? My go-to plant-based brand for plant-based milk when using store-bought is Ripple. However, you can always use your fave or one of the following: Almond, coconut milk, homemade oat milk (froths/foams VERY WELL), homemade cashew milk, flax milk, potato milk, quinoa milk, etc.
- VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE + OTHER OPTIONS: See FAQ section and/or read full Blog Post!
Nutrition
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LET US KNOW!
Im with alexys (see comment below) on this - nice recipe, and can see what it would sgetting at, but the ingredient proportion are nonsensical, particularly the sugar. You could cut everything by half (and cut the milk by 2/3’s and the sugar by 3/4’a - yes really)and still have 2 very generous portions.
Wow - what an experience. I should’ve known from the nonsensical proportions that this would be a mess. I ended up adding more oats, doubling the amount of granny smith apples, and using three gala apples to make use of all the caramel. With the amount added, I had enough to meal prep for six days! How in the world is the original recipe only for 2 servings?!? Regarding the taste, it’s tasty, but not much to brag about. I’ve made something similar with far less ingredients and certainly with far less sugar.
Hi Alexys! Thanks so much for your feedback! This is actually the first time I've heard of so many servings being derived from this recipe. I've actually made it a few times myself and often use around the same amount of ingredients for other porridges and haven't had an issue. I'm so sorry that it didn't work out. I dp hope that you get a chance to try it again. 🙂
I made this this morning and it was delicious! The recipe was easy to follow and all the ingredients are things i regularly have on hand. Packaged oatmeal is way too sweet and this was the perfect amount, plus the apples added a juicy zing. We got 3 servings from it and I feel full, but not heavy. Will definitely be making this again!
Hi Brittany! I'm so glad that you enjoyed this recipe! It's definitely a fave in our house for sure!! 🙂
This is delicious! I love how it’s just sweet enough without too much sugar, and it’s so filling!
Wonderful! I had to use instant oats, but the recipe still came out so tasty. Topped with a little plain Greek yogurt made this perfect for my pre-workout meal.
Hi Lisa! I'm so glad that you enjoyed this recipe! It's definitely an easy, quick breakfast meal that's one of my favorites! 🙂
This is one of my favorite fall recipes - I meal prep a double recipe and portion out for my breakfast during the week. It reheats so well!
Can't wait to try this recipe, I know my family will love it!
I'm making this tomorrow. Love delicious twists on my regular oatmeal breakfast.
So good! Making this this cold Fall morning with apples that I now know EXACTLY what to do with!
This looks so yummy! Definitely going to try.
Thanks so much Deserena! Be sure to let me know how it turns out!
I eat a bowl of oatmeal everyday so this would be a great way to switch it up!
Hi Amanda! I'm definitely trying to get in the routine of eating oatmeal daily as well. There are so many ways to revamp oatmeal so it's such a good way to keep your tastebuds from getting bored.
I eat a bowl of oatmeal everyday and this would be a great way to switch things up! Trying out this recipe this weekend!
I haven't tried this with coconut milk yet, but plan to. Hope you don't mind that I shared this with my facebook peeps!
Coconut milk makes it so much more creamy! I definitely recommend! Also, thanks so much for sharing this! I truly appreciate it!
OK so I eat oatmeal EVERY morning haha!!
ANDDDD I have chia seeds
NEVER thought of putting them together like this even though it makes total SENSE!!
Ugh - shame on me and yay on you!!
OMG, really? I never really got into the whole oatmeal game of having it every morning! BUT I do see why people love it daily! Yes, girl! You need to try them together. It's bomb! 🙂
yum- this sounds delish! We try to eat plant based the majority of the time. I'll have to give this recipe a try! thanks for sharing
Hi Melissa! Yes, we try to do the same, especially when it comes to desserts as a way to lead our little one by example! Be sure to let me know how it turns out when you do decide to try it!
great recipe i might try this in the future
Thanks so much Denise! I do hope that you like it!