Oatmeal is a classic morning meal that never seems to go out of style. This brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal is a delicious spin on traditional oats that’s perfect for chilly fall or winter mornings when you need something warm and comforting to start your day.
This cinnamon brown sugar oatmeal is naturally sweetened and flavored, making it a healthy and delicious breakfast. It provides a good source of fiber to keep you full and satisfied. The cinnamon also adds great flavor and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Compared to packet instant oatmeal which can be high in added sugars, this homemade version allows you to control the amount of sweetness. It’s made with basic real food ingredients and is infinitely customizable with mix-ins so you can create a new flavor every day!
I like to make a big batch on the weekends so I have easy grab-and-go portions ready to heat up on busy mornings. The oats will thicken up even more as they sit and soak up the liquid, resulting in a creamy bowl of goodness. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
KEY INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (I used almond milk)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, fresh fruit, maple syrup, etc.
TIPS FOR MODIFICATION
- Use any milk you prefer like dairy milk, soy milk, coconut milk etc.
- Try using part water and part milk for a creamier texture.
- Add different spices like nutmeg, allspice, vanilla extract etc.
- Sweeten with honey, maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Mix in fresh, dried or frozen fruits.
- Top with crushed nuts or seeds for crunch.
- Garnish with shredded coconut for texture.
- Swirl in nut butter or chocolate hazelnut spread.
- For added protein, stir in nut butter, protein powder or greek yogurt.
This comforting cinnamon brown sugar oatmeal is simple to throw together and makes mornings feel a little cozier. It’s a wholesome, nourishing way to start your day.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1½ cups water
- ⅓ cup milk of choice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts fresh fruit, maple syrup, etc.
Instructions
- Combine and boil your base: In a medium saucepan, bring the water and milk mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Add Oats and Salt: Once the liquid is simmering, stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats and a pinch of salt. This will help enhance the oatmeal's flavor.
- Simmer and Stir: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the oatmeal simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Spice It Up: As the oatmeal cooks, add ground cinnamon to the mixture. The warm, aromatic spice will infuse the oatmeal with its comforting flavor.
- Sweet Touch: Stir in the brown sugar to add sweetness and a rich molasses-like flavor. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of sweetness.
- Cook to Perfection: Continue to cook and stir the oatmeal until it reaches your preferred consistency. If you like your oatmeal creamier, cook it for a shorter time. For a thicker texture, cook it a bit longer.
- Serve and Customize: Once the oatmeal is cooked to your liking, ladle it into serving bowls. Now comes the fun part—toppings! Sprinkle chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) for a satisfying crunch and extra protein. Add raisins for bursts of sweetness and texture.
- Fruitful Delights: Enhance the flavor profile by topping your brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal with sliced bananas. The natural sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the warm spices.
- Sweet Drizzle: For an optional finishing touch, drizzle a bit of honey over the oatmeal. This extra sweetness adds a touch of decadence.
- Savor and Enjoy: Grab a spoon and take in the comforting aroma as you enjoy each spoonful of your homemade brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal. The blend of textures and flavors will awaken your senses and nourish your body.
- Customize to Your Taste: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to customize it by adding dried fruits, nut butters, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg for a different dimension of flavor.