This Pioneer Woman Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe is a hearty and comforting recipe, which is made with old-fashioned oats and fresh Honeycrisp apples. It’s the perfect 10-minute breakfast, ready in about 10 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. salted butter
- 1 Honeycrisp apple, cored and cut into 1/2-in. cubes (about 2 cups)
- 3 Tbsp. light brown sugar, divided
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- Pinch kosher salt
- 1/4 cup warm heavy cream or milk, to serve
- 2 Tbsp. chopped toasted walnuts (optional)
How To Make Pioneer Woman Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Sauté the apples: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cubed apple, 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar, and the cinnamon. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until the apples are slightly softened and fragrant.
- Reserve some apples: Use a spoon to remove about a quarter of the cooked apples from the pan and set them aside in a small bowl for topping later.
- Cook the oatmeal: To the saucepan with the remaining apples, add the oats, a pinch of salt, the remaining 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 2 cups of water.
- Simmer until tender: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the oats are softened and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Serve and garnish: Divide the oatmeal between two bowls. Pour the warm heavy cream or milk over the top. Garnish with the reserved cooked apples, a sprinkle of extra brown sugar and cinnamon, and the chopped toasted walnuts, if using.

Recipe Tips
- What are the best apples for oatmeal? Honeycrisp apples are great because they are crisp and sweet-tart. Other good options that hold their shape well are Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, or Granny Smith for a tarter flavor.
- How can I make this oatmeal even creamier? For a richer, creamier oatmeal, you can cook the oats in milk (dairy or non-dairy) instead of water. Adding an extra splash of heavy cream at the end also makes it more decadent.
- Can I use steel-cut oats? Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Steel-cut oats take much longer to cook (about 20-30 minutes) and will require more liquid, typically a 4:1 ratio of liquid to oats.
- How do I toast walnuts? To quickly toast the walnuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently, until they are fragrant and slightly browned.
What To Serve With Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
This oatmeal is a complete and satisfying breakfast on its own, but you can customize it with extra toppings like:
- A drizzle of pure maple syrup or honey
- A dollop of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- A sprinkle of chia seeds or flax seeds for extra fiber
- A handful of raisins or dried cranberries stirred in at the end
How To Store Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Refrigerate: Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The oatmeal will thicken as it cools. Reheat: To reheat, place the oatmeal in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk or water. Stir until it is warmed through and has reached your desired consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Pioneer Woman Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 420kcal
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 30g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on specific ingredients and toppings used.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan and dairy-free?
Yes, easily. Use a plant-based butter (like one made from avocado or coconut oil) or coconut oil to sauté the apples. Cook the oats with water or a non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. Use a plant-based cream or milk to serve.
Can I use quick-cooking oats?
You can, but the texture will be different. Quick-cooking oats will cook much faster (in about 1-2 minutes) and will result in a softer, mushier oatmeal compared to the chewier texture of old-fashioned oats.
Why are my oats gummy?
Gummy oatmeal is usually a result of over-stirring. While the oats need an occasional stir to prevent sticking, stirring them constantly can break down the starches too much, leading to a gluey texture.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Apples Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Streusel Bagels Recipe
Pioneer Woman Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
Description
A warm, comforting bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal with tender, sautéed apples, ready in under 15 minutes for a perfect fall breakfast.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté the cubed apple with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and the cinnamon for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Remove about a quarter of the apples and set aside for topping.
- To the pan, add the oats, salt, remaining 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 2 cups of water.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and the liquid is absorbed.
- Divide into two bowls, top with a splash of cream, the reserved apples, and a sprinkle of walnuts.
Notes
- u003cliu003eSautéing the apples first brings out their flavor and ensures they are tender.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUsing old-fashioned (rolled) oats provides the best chewy texture.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve more people.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor an extra touch of flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract with the oats.u003c/liu003e
