Cinnamon Apple and Walnut Oatmeal

With just 6 simple ingredients, this cinnamon apple and walnut oatmeal is a quick and easy oatmeal recipe with the perfect level of cozy cinnamon spice to get you ready for cooler autumn weather.

Cinnamon Apple and Walnut Oatmeal

September is here so we should all be prepared for the rapid influx of fall-inspired recipes! Pumpkin this, pumpkin spice that, and while pumpkin recipes ARE exciting for this pumpkin season, what about all those other cozy seasonal flavors like apple recipes?

Caramel covered apples. Warm apple cider. So yeah, cinnamon apple and walnut oatmeal for the fall. This easy oatmeal recipe combines the cozy flavors of fall of crisp apples, nutritious walnut pieces, and the subtle spice of cinnamon. Trust me, you’ll love having these fall flavors in your breakfast bowl!

Is Oatmeal Healthy?

This may catch you by surprise but oatmeal is one of my favorite breakfast staples as a registered dietitian. Not only can oatmeal be used in so many different delicious oatmeal recipes, like overnight oats and baked oatmeal bars, but oatmeal is also very nutritious.

Oatmeal's biggest claim to fame is its soluble fiber content which keeps you fuller for longer and is beneficial for healthy gut bacteria. The soluble fiber has also been shown in research to promote heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and lowering LDL while increasing HDL.

Beyond the fiber content, oatmeal also features a variety of vitamins and minerals that support our health plus it is an easy, gluten-free breakfast option that works for many.

Apple Crisp Granola Recipe

Looking for another fall apple recipe? Try out this apple crisp granola which is perfect for snacking or yogurt bowls.

Get the recipe

Ingredients and Instructions:

Ingredients:

• Old Fashioned Oats: Old fashioned tend to have a thicker cooking consistency which is why I prefer them in my dishes. For warm oats, you can certainly use quick oats if you are in a hurry or steel cut oats if you feel like really taking your time.

  For overnight oats, I recommend using old fashioned or rolled oats.

• Milk: If you are still making your oatmeal recipe with water, you are making your oatmeal wrong. To get the perfect oatmeal consistency, you absolutely need to make your oatmeal with milk.

  Not only does milk make a great base for creamy and delicious oatmeal, but milk adds about 8 grams of high quality protein, calcium, vitamin d, phosphorous, potassium, vitamin b12, vitamin b6, and more vitamins and minerals. I use whole milk but you can use any milk you prefer.

• Apple: Apples are a very nutritious, high fiber fruit. I love to have fall recipes with apples because the crispy crunch of a fresh apple reminds me of the crisp weather that is coming our way!

• Chopped walnuts: Walnuts are truly one of my favorite parts of the fall. Yes, my dad is a walnut farmer so I might be biased, but they are so nutritious and fold seamlessly into all of your delicious fall recipes.

  Walnuts are rich in healthy fats and an excellent source of ALA omega-3 fatty acids which can lower inflammation in the body as well as support hormone health. One serving of walnuts also has 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and is a good source of magnesium to help with sleep!

• Cinnamon: Spices are well known for their health promoting properties and cinnamon is no different. Studies suggest that cinnamon may have antioxidants that can promote health and protect against disease.  

• Vanilla Extract: Extracts are one of my favorite ways to add flavor to dishes without adding tons of calories. Vanilla, maple, caramel, and peppermint extracts are staples in my kitchen throughout the fall and winter seasons!

• Brown sugar: because sometimes you just need a touch of sweetness. If you prefer a natural sweetener, use maple syrup to enhance the fall flavors.

• Other optional add ins: Add a boost of nutrition by including chia seeds or ground flax seeds in your oatmeal while it cooks.

Apple Cinnamon and Walnut Oatmeal Instructions:

Step 1:

Add the oats, milk, apples, walnuts  cinnamon, and vanilla extract to a small pan. Cover and cook on the stovetop on low, stirring frequently until it reaches the oatmeal consistency you like, about 10-12 minutes.

Tip- do not cook your oatmeal recipe over high heat. Allow it to cook low and slow over low heat so that the apples have time to soften.

Step 2:

 Add the oatmeal to a bowl and top with a sprinkle of brown sugar (or maple syrup if preferred). Enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make these as overnight oats

   • Absolutely! Simply add all the ingredients to your favorite glass overnight oat container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. One thing to add is that, while the apples soften in the warm oatmeal, the apples will maintain their signature crunch in overnight oats.

2. Can this fall oatmeal recipe be meal prepped?

   • If you want to prep your breakfast ahead of time, I recommend going with overnight oats. Overnight oatmeal is a convenient and nutritious breakfast that comes together in under 5 minutes and is waiting for you in the fridge in the morning.

     For this oatmeal recipe, simply chop your apples then add them to a glass container along with your oats, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Give your container a stir then allow it to sit overnight. Enjoy your apple cinnamon overnight oats in the morning!

3. What are the nutrition facts of this oatmeal?

   • This cinnamon apple and walnut oatmeal is a high fiber breakfast that has about 500 calories and 17 grams of protein.

Other oatmeal recipes you may like:

Looking for other oatmeal recipe ideas? I have a few on my blog that you may enjoy:

Blended Overnight Oatmeal with Mango

Get the recipe

Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars

Get the recipe

Biscoff Overnight Oats

Get the recipe

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Yield: 1 serving

Author: Lauren Twigge

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Cinnamon Apple and Walnut Oatmeal

With just 6 simple ingredients, this cinnamon apple and walnut oatmeal is a quick and easy oatmeal recipe and the perfect level of cozy cinnamon spice to get you ready for cooler autumn weather.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 of an apple, chopped (about ½ cup)
• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Add the oats, milk, apples, walnuts cinnamon, and vanilla extract to a small pan. Cover and cook on the stovetop on low, stirring frequently until it reaches the oatmeal consistency you like, about 10-12 minutes.
2. Add the oatmeal to a bowl and top with a sprinkle of brown sugar. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

507

Fat

24 g

Carbs

59 g

Sugar

26 g

Protein

17 g

Fiber

8 g

Nutrition content has been approximated and could vary based on brand or serving size.

Hey! I’m Lauren

I’m a Registered Dietitian and busy toddler mom committed to bringing you delicious, nutritious, and easy to make recipes!