There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of oats mingled with sweet apples and fragrant cinnamon. This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe is my go-to when I want a cozy, hearty breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl—plus, it’s simple enough to whip up on busy mornings.

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

Honestly, this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe is one I return to time and again. It’s got the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creaminess that never fails to brighten my morning. Plus, the honey adds a natural, gentle sweetness that really brings everything together.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen, making breakfast a breeze.
Deliciously Cozy: The warm apple and cinnamon combo feels like an instant mood booster.
Customizable Toppings: The sautéed apples, Greek yogurt, and walnuts add texture and creaminess you’ll love.
Nutrient-Packed: Ground flaxseed and oats provide a satisfying fiber boost to keep you full.

A white bowl full of creamy oatmeal with soft beige color and a thick texture. On top, there is a layer of chopped walnuts arranged in a small curved line, showing their rich brown and beige shades. Next to the walnuts, there is a dollop of white yogurt with a smooth, creamy texture. Beside the yogurt, there are small pieces of bright red and yellow apple slices, adding a fresh and juicy look. A gold spoon is lifting a mix of oatmeal, apple, yogurt, and walnut from the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft beige cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe plays a part in creating the perfect breakfast. The oats and flaxseed bring heartiness and nutrition, while the fresh apples and cinnamon add sweetness and warmth. Using milk, whether dairy or your favorite plant-based type, makes the oats creamy and smooth.

Flat lay of old-fashioned oats in a small white ceramic bowl, whole uncracked brown eggs, a crisp red apple cut into small cubes on a white ceramic plate, ground cinnamon in a small white ceramic bowl, smooth golden honey in a small white ceramic bowl, golden butter slab on a white ceramic dish, shelled walnuts on a simple white ceramic plate, creamy plain Greek yogurt in a small white ceramic bowl, ground flaxseed in a small white ceramic bowl, creamy almond milk in a small white ceramic bowl, 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: These give a nice, chewy texture and hold up well on the stovetop without turning mushy.
Milk (dairy or nondairy): I love using almond milk because it adds subtle nuttiness without extra sweetness.
Ground flaxseed: A great way to sneak in omega-3s and add thickness to the oatmeal.
Apple (cut into small cubes): Fresh apples add natural sweetness and a bit of tartness; smaller pieces cook evenly.
Honey: The star sweetener here — it melts into the oats and sautéed apples for a rich flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon provides warmth and depth, enhancing the apple’s natural flavors.
Butter: Used for sautéing the apples, it helps caramelize them and brings out their juiciness.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creamy tang and extra protein when served as a garnish.
Walnuts: Give a satisfying crunch and additional nutrients.

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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

I love switching things up with this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. It’s such a versatile base that you can easily make it your own — and you absolutely should!

Variation: One fall, I tossed in a handful of dried cranberries along with the apples for a tart pop. It was a delicious surprise that I think you’d enjoy too.
Dietary swaps: Use coconut milk for a richer, tropical twist or maple syrup instead of honey if that’s what you prefer.
Extra protein: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder after cooking to keep you full even longer.
Nut allergy: Switch walnuts for pumpkin seeds for that same crunch without worrying about allergies.

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

Step 1: Combine and Simmer the Oatmeal

I start by mixing the oats, milk, ground flaxseed, diced apples, honey, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Then I bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, I reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 12 minutes. This slow simmer is key — you want those apples to soften just enough to add sweetness but still keep a slight bite. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn or stick on the bottom!

Step 2: Sauté the Apple Topping

While the oatmeal cooks, I heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Then I toss in the second batch of diced apples and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften and get those lovely caramelized edges. Lower the heat and stir in honey and cinnamon — be ready for that sweet honey bubbling. Another 2 to 3 minutes on low heat will get the apples tender enough without becoming mushy. This topping always feels like the best part to me.

Step 3: Assemble and Enjoy

Divide the creamy apple oatmeal into bowls, spoon over those luscious sautéed apples, and add dollops of plain Greek yogurt. A sprinkle of walnuts gives a perfect finishing crunch. It’s a total win in my book every time!

Top Tip

After cooking this recipe multiple times, I’ve gathered a few tips that really make a difference in the texture and flavor. I want you to get it just right on your first try — it’s worth it!

Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low during simmering to avoid scorched oats and to gently soften the apples.
Don’t Skip the Topping: Sautéed apples with honey and cinnamon are worth the extra step — they add that caramelized sweetness that transforms this oatmeal.
Use Fresh Apples: The fresher, the better — you want them slightly crisp even after cooking for texture contrast.
Stir Occasionally: Give the oats a gentle stir now and then to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe

The image shows a bowl filled with creamy oatmeal, which takes up most of the bowl with visible soft texture and bits of apple mixed in. On top of the oatmeal, there are three distinct toppings arranged in sections: golden brown walnut halves on one side, diced cooked apples with red skin glistening and slightly soft in the middle, and a dollop of smooth white yogurt placed partly over the walnuts and apples. The bowl is white with brown speckles and sits on a white marbled surface. To the right, a golden spoon is placed inside the bowl, and around the bowl, there are cinnamon sticks and a beige cloth for decoration. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top this oatmeal with a generous spoonful of plain Greek yogurt — the tanginess contrasts beautifully with the sweet apples and honey. Freshly chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch and make every bite more interesting. Sometimes I sprinkle a dash more cinnamon on top to amp up the warming spice.

Side Dishes

Pair this with some crisp apple slices or a slice of whole grain toast slathered with nut butter for an extra satisfying meal. A cup of hot herbal tea or coffee rounds out a perfect weekday breakfast or weekend treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or brunch, I’ve served this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe in cute glass jars layered with yogurt and toasted nuts — it looks fancy but takes almost no extra effort. Adding a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cinnamon powder makes it feel special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which can happen if you’re meal prepping), put them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The oats will thicken as they cool, so you might want to add a little extra milk when reheating to loosen things up.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this oatmeal because the texture changes a bit and the apples don’t hold up as well. But if you must, freeze in single portions and thaw overnight in the fridge, stirring well before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk to return that creamy consistency. If using microwave, heat in short bursts and stir in between to heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

You can, but quick oats will cook much faster and may become mushy rather quickly, losing some of the chewy texture that makes this recipe delightful. If using quick oats, reduce cooking time and watch closely.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes! To make the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe vegan, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Also, use a vegan butter or oil for sautéing the apples.

How do I prevent the oats from sticking to the pan?

Stir the oats occasionally during cooking, and keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil. Using a nonstick saucepan or a heavy-bottomed pot also helps prevent sticking and burning.

Can I prepare this recipe the night before?

You can prepare the oats the night before and then reheat in the morning, adding a splash of milk to loosen it up. Alternatively, you can chop the apples and measure out your ingredients in advance to streamline morning prep.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Honey Recipe has a special place in my morning routine — it’s like a little daily celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together. I hope you give it a try and find the same comfort and joy that I do. Whether you’re rushing out the door or savoring a slow weekend morning, this oatmeal is always a delightful way to start your day.