There's something especially comforting about a warm bowl of oats sweetened with a touch of honey and dotted with soft, cinnamon-spiced apples. This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe is my go-to for cozy mornings — it’s easy, filling, and feels like a little hug in a bowl.

The image shows a round, rustic bowl filled with creamy oatmeal that has small pieces of apple mixed inside, giving the oatmeal a light tan color with bits of pale white and red from the apple pieces. On top of the oatmeal, there are three distinct toppings arranged in sections: a pile of chopped walnuts with their rough brown texture on the bottom left, a dollop of smooth white yogurt placed close to the walnuts in the center, and cooked apple slices with shiny, soft light yellow flesh and red skin on the top right. A gold spoon rests on the right edge inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a dark brown wooden board, with a beige cloth draped to the right and cinnamon sticks and sliced raw apple placed around the bowl on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that never disappoint. I love how it strikes the perfect balance between hearty and sweet, and it's so versatile that you can make it fancy or just keep it plain and cozy.

Simple yet flavorful: The combination of cinnamon and honey with apples creates a warm, naturally sweet flavor that’s irresistible.
Nutritious comfort food: Made with old-fashioned oats and flaxseed, it’s both filling and packed with fiber and nutrients.
Quick and easy: Ready in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch.
Customizable toppings: Greek yogurt and walnuts add creaminess and crunch, but you can switch it up however you like.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe plays a part in building that cozy, delicious bowl. Choosing the right ones makes all the difference — here’s why I pick each of them.

Flat lay of old-fashioned oats spilled beside a small white ceramic bowl of ground flaxseed, two small white bowls—one filled with unsweetened almond milk, the other with golden honey, a fresh crisp apple cut into small cubes arranged neatly beside a pat of fresh butter on white ceramic dishes, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a dollop of creamy plain Greek yogurt in a white ceramic bowl, and a handful of raw walnuts scattered artistically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Old-fashioned oats: They hold their shape well while cooking, giving you creamy oats with a nice texture — not mushy.
Milk (dairy or nondairy): Using milk instead of water makes the oatmeal creamier and richer; unsweetened almond milk is my personal favorite.
Ground flaxseed: Adds a boost of omega-3s and fiber, plus helps thicken the texture gently.
Apple: Fresh apple cubes soften just enough during cooking and bring natural sweetness and bite.
Honey: Naturally sweetens the oatmeal, and its floral notes pair beautifully with cinnamon and apples.
Ground cinnamon: It’s that warm spice that defines the recipe, enhancing every bite.
Butter: Used for sautéing the apple topping, it adds a lovely richness and helps caramelize the fruit.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Walnuts: Provide crunch and a toasty flavor that complements the soft textures.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I adore about this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your taste. I sometimes swap walnuts for pecans or sprinkle in a handful of raisins before cooking for a bit of chewiness.

Variation: For a creamier dessert-style oatmeal, I stir in a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon — trust me, it makes your kitchen smell amazing!
Dietary modifications: Use coconut milk or oat milk if almond isn’t your thing, and swap honey for maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
Seasonal upgrade: Try adding a handful of fresh or frozen berries when apples aren’t in season — it’s just as delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Start Cooking the Oatmeal

First, grab a medium saucepan and combine your oats, milk, ground flaxseed, diced apple, honey, and cinnamon. I usually stir it all together before turning on the heat so everything is evenly distributed and the apples get spread throughout the oatmeal.

Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a bubbling boil, immediately reduce to low heat and let it simmer. I like to keep a close eye and stir occasionally to prevent sticking, about 10-12 minutes. The oats will soften and thicken, and the apples should become just tender — you want them to hold a bit of texture, not turn to mush.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauteed Apple Topping

While the oatmeal cooks, heat the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Toss in the other diced apple and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring now and then, until the apple edges start to soften and become slightly caramelized.

Turn the heat down to low and drizzle in the honey and sprinkle the cinnamon. Keep stirring gently as the honey melts and bubbles, allowing the apples to soak up that sweet, spicy goodness for another 2-3 minutes. These warm, glossy sautéed apples make the dish so special.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

Spoon the thickened oatmeal into bowls, then top generously with the sautéed apples. Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt and sprinkle some walnuts on top for crunch. I love how the creamy tang of yogurt cuts through the sweetness — it really balances the flavors.

Top Tip

From my time making this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe, these handy tips can make your breakfast especially delightful and foolproof.

Even Apple Cooking: Cut your apples into similar sized cubes so they cook evenly; uneven pieces can result in some mushy while others stay hard.
Watch Your Heat: When simmering the oatmeal, keep the heat low enough that it bubbles gently — too high and oats might burn or stick.
Butter Matters: Using real butter for sautéing the topping gives the apples a richer, deeper flavor you just can’t beat with margarine or oil.
Stir Well: Give your oatmeal a good stir every few minutes while cooking to prevent lumps and keep it creamy.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe

apple cinnamon oatmeal - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top this oatmeal with plain Greek yogurt and chopped walnuts — the creaminess contrasts so nicely with the warm oats, and the walnuts add a satisfying crunch. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or even a few toasted pumpkin seeds for texture.

Side Dishes

This pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a warm cup of herbal tea. On weekends, I like to serve it alongside scrambled eggs for a more filling brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this oatmeal layered in glass jars with yogurt and a drizzle of honey on top, making a pretty parfait-style breakfast. It’s a lovely way to impress guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cooked oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps well for up to 3 days. The texture firms up a bit, so give it a good stir and add a splash of milk when reheating to bring it back to creamy perfection.

Freezing

Freezing cooked oatmeal with apple can sometimes alter the texture, but it’s still handy for a quick breakfast. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a little milk or water to loosen the oatmeal as needed. Microwave works too—just cover it to keep moisture in and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Quick oats will cook faster and result in a softer texture, but the oatmeal may lose some of its chewiness and body. If you use quick oats, reduce the cooking time and watch closely to avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

To make this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe vegan, substitute the milk for a plant-based milk like almond or oat, and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Can I prep the oatmeal the night before?

Absolutely! You can prepare the oatmeal base the night before and reheat it in the morning with a splash of milk. For best results, add the sautéed apples fresh in the morning to keep their texture and flavor.

What’s the best apple variety for this recipe?

I prefer crisp and slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. They hold up nicely when cooked and provide a pleasant balance to the sweetness of the honey and cinnamon.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe really is like a warm hug in the morning. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to whether it’s a chilly winter day or when I simply want something simple but satisfying. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s truly a comforting start to your day that feels special, without any fuss.