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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal

    Published: Mar 19, 2023 · Modified: Feb 6, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    A hot breakfast in less than 15 minutes! Brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal is comforting, nutritious, and easy to make. Gluten-free, dairy-free & vegan.

    a bowl of brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal.

    Why you'll love it

    I'm nothing if not a breakfast person! It's my favorite meal of the day. If I'm not flipping homemade pancakes and fried eggs, then I'm whipping up some homemade oatmeal.

    This brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal is a fave combo with its cozy spice. It's just oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and milk or water. The warmth of the cinnamon is key!

    Cinnamon and brown sugar oatmeal is ready in less than 15 minutes. And since Monday mornings are a mad rush to get out the door, quick is necessary!

    Key Ingredients

    water, rolled oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, and kosher salt.

    Old fashioned oats - This recipe is for rolled oats, not quick or steel cut oats. Rolled oats have a great texture without being too chewy. If you have celiac disease, be sure to buy gluten-free rolled oats.

    Water - Or milk! The oats absorb the liquid and they soften. You can use water, plant-based milk, regular milk, or a combination.

    Brown sugar - To sweeten the oats! I used 1 ½ tablespoons. For less sweetness, bump it down to one.

    Cinnamon - For added warmth and spice. You can swap the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice during the fall.

    How to make brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal

    Combine oats: In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt.

    a bowl of oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt.

    Boil water: Pour water into a small saucepan. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

    pouring water into a saucepan.

    Cook oats: Reduce the heat to low then add the oat mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats absorb the liquid and soften, about 10 minutes.

    pouring the oats into a saucepan.

    Cover oatmeal: Remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let sit for 4 minutes.

    oatmeal in a saucepan with a lid.

    Serve: Transfer oatmeal to a bowl and top with crushed nuts and more brown sugar. Enjoy!

    a saucepan with brown sugar oatmeal in it.

    Recipe Tips

    • For chewier oatmeal, use 1 cup of liquid instead of 1 ¼ cup. The oats absorb less liquid and end up chewier. They will cook quicker as well!
    • For the best texture, use old fashioned oats. Steel cut oats won't cook properly and quick oats come out mushy. If you prefer the softer texture of quick oats, you can use quick oats in place of rolled oats.
    • You can double this recipe for more servings! Just double the amounts and follow the recipe as directed. The oatmeal may take a bit longer to cook.

    Oatmeal Toppings

    Oatmeal is a perfect base for crunchy or sweet toppings! For the healthiest option, use whole foods like nuts, fruit, and seeds. All these topping options pair well with brown sugar and cinnamon!

    • Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, slivered almonds, pistachios
    • Fruit: Sliced bananas or strawberries
    • Dried fruit: Raisins, golden raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates
    • Seeds: Flaxseeds, chia seeds, pepitas.
    • Chocolate: Chopped dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips
    • Sweeteners: Maple syrup, brown sugar, or agave
    • Granola: In any flavor!
    a bite of brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal.

    Variations

    Oatmeal is super easy to customize! Try one of these simple variations:

    • Liquid: You can use water, milk, or a combination. Plant based milk works great too! The more milk you use, the creamier the end result will be.
    • Oats: You can use rolled oats or quick oats for this recipe! Rolled oats have more texture and quick oats are much softer. It's a personal preference.
    • Sweetener: You can swap the brown sugar with maple syrup, honey, or light agave if you like!
    a bowl of brown sugar oatmeal with walnuts on top.

    Storage Tips

    • Store leftover brown sugar oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    • Reheat oatmeal in a heat-proof bowl in the microwave until hot throughout. You may need to add a splash of milk or water so it doesn't get too thick.

    FAQs

    Can I make oatmeal with brown sugar and cinnamon in the microwave?

    Yes, if you'd rather make it in the microwave, you can! Just mix the oats and liquid in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover so the liquid doesn't boil over, then microwave on high for 2 minutes. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well and enjoy!

    Can I use quick cooking oats instead of rolled oats?

    Yes, if you don't mind a soft and slightly mushy texture! Quick oats are thinner than rolled oats and don't have much chew. If you like the instant packets from the store, you may like the texture of quick oats better.

    More Oatmeal Recipes

    • Overnight Oats without Yogurt
    • Overnight Oats With Water
    • Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
    • Protein Powder Overnight Oats
    • Maple Walnut Granola
    a bowl of brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal.

    Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal

    Carolyn
    A hot breakfast in less than 15 minutes! Brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal is comforting, nutritious, and easy to make. Gluten-free, dairy-free & vegan.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 1 minute min
    Cook Time 14 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 serving
    Calories 224 kcal

    Equipment

    • small saucepan

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup old fashioned oats*
    • 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 ¼ cup water or milk

    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt.
    • In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low then add the oat mixture.
    • Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats soften and absorb the liquid.
    • Remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let it sit for 4 minutes.
    • Transfer oatmeal to a bowl and top with more brown sugar. Enjoy!

    Notes

    *If you have celiac disease, be sure to purchase rolled oats that are labeled gluten-free. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 224kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 5gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 310mgPotassium: 175mgFiber: 5gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal, cinnamon and brown sugar oatmeal, oatmeal brown sugar cinnamon
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Hi friends!

    My name is Carolyn and I'm the food-obsessed creative behind Caramel and Cashews!

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