Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal
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If you’re tired of those store-bought oatmeal packets that leave you hungry an hour later, this maple and brown sugar oatmeal recipe is here to save breakfast. In less than 10 minutes, you can whip up a cozy, homemade version that tastes just like your favorite packet—only better. With rich maple syrup and sweet brown sugar, this quick and easy oatmeal will keep you satisfied and ready to take on the day!
Breakfast is my FAVORITE meal of the day. With 100+ Sweet and Savory Breakfast Ideas on the site, including this maple brown sugar oatmeal, you are sure to find a dish that fuels you for the day! Switch things up and try my baked oatmeal or peach oatmeal recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 10 minutes—perfect for busy mornings.
- Only Five Ingredients: Simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Budget-Friendly: Save money by skipping those pricey store-bought packets and get a better flavor!
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and add in mix-ins for fun variations.
You know those mornings when you’re in a rush, but you still want something warm and comforting for breakfast? That’s when I reach for my go-to brown sugar oatmeal recipe. I used to be all about those pre-made packets, but once I realized how easy it is to make this homemade version, there was no turning back. Seriously, it’s just as quick—maybe even quicker—and the flavor is on a whole other level.
What I love most is how much better it tastes compared to the store-bought stuff. The rich maple syrup and sweet brown sugar blend perfectly, and you can adjust it just how you like it. Plus, with only five simple ingredients, it’s the kind of recipe that feels homemade without all the hassle. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, and I promise, once you try it, those packets won’t even tempt you anymore!
Ingredients You Need
This brown sugar oatmeal recipe is speedy to make, thanks to the quick oats. One minute of cooking in the boiling water and you are ready to go. We love to top ours with fresh blueberries, pecans, almonds, and even peanut butter!
- Oats: Quick oats are perfect for this recipe because they cook in just a few minutes, giving you a creamy and smooth texture without the wait. They’re a great choice for busy mornings when you need breakfast on the table fast!
- Water: For a richer flavor, consider replacing some or all of the water with milk or a dairy-free alternative. This adds creaminess and enhances the overall taste of your oatmeal.
- Brown Sugar: If you like a deeper molasses flavor, opt for dark brown sugar instead of light. You can also reduce the amount slightly and add a splash of vanilla extract for extra warmth.
- Maple Syrup: Make sure to use pure maple syrup for the best flavor—no imitation stuff here! You can also drizzle a little extra on top just before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
- Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon will give your oatmeal a more robust flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a cozy spice blend.
Mix-Ins and Variations
One of the best things about this maple oatmeal is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to keep breakfast exciting every morning. Here are some mix-ins and variations to try:
- Fresh or Dried Fruit: Add a handful of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or chopped apples for a fruity twist. Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots also work wonderfully.
- Nuts and Seeds: Boost the texture and nutrition with a sprinkle of chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Chia seeds or flaxseeds are also great additions for some extra fiber.
- Spices: If you’re a fan of warm spices, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even a dash of cardamom. It adds depth and makes the oatmeal feel extra cozy.
- Yogurt or Nut Butter: For a creamy, protein-packed boost, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or your favorite nut butter. It makes the oatmeal even more satisfying.
- Chocolate Chips: Feeling a little indulgent? A sprinkle of chocolate chips melts perfectly into the warm oatmeal, turning it into a treat that’s almost like dessert for breakfast.
- Savory Twist: If you’re in the mood for something different, try reducing the sugar and adding a pinch of salt, along with some shredded cheese and a poached egg on top. It’s an unexpected, but delicious, savory option!
With so many ways to customize, you’ll never get bored of this simple, comforting breakfast. Mix and match to find your favorite combinations!
How to Make Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal
Making this brown sugar and cinnamon oatmeal is a breeze, even when mornings get a little hectic—just ask my ten-year-old, who loves it when he’s hungry! Here’s how we do it:
- Prep: Bring water to a boil in a small pan.
- Cook: Stir in the oats and cook for about 1 minute until they’re soft and creamy.
- Stir: Remove from the heat and mix in the brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy. We love a splash of milk and sprinkle of pecans.
It’s that simple, and the best part is how easy it is to customize with your favorite toppings!
Storage and Reheat Instructions
This oatmeal with cinnamon and brown sugar is perfect for meal prep, making busy mornings even easier. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storage: After cooking, let the oatmeal cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Make Ahead: To save time, you can make a big batch at the beginning of the week. Portion it out into individual servings so you can grab and go each morning.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat your oatmeal in the microwave. Add a splash of water or milk to bring it back to its original creamy texture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy a hot, homemade breakfast all week long, without any fuss!
Expert Tips:
Choose Your Oats Wisely:
- Quick Oats: Best for busy mornings! These cook in just 1 minute and give you a smooth, creamy texture.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: If you have a few extra minutes, rolled oats are a great option. They provide a heartier texture and take about 5 minutes to cook.
- Steel-Cut Oats: Looking for an even heartier bowl? Steel-cut oats are chewy and nutty, but they take longer to cook—around 20 to 30 minutes. Perfect for weekend prep when you’ve got more time.
Control the Sweetness: Start with the suggested amounts of brown sugar and maple syrup, but feel free to adjust to your taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s stirred in!
Keep It Creamy: For extra creamy oatmeal, swap some of the water with milk or a dairy-free alternative. This small change adds richness and makes the oats feel even more satisfying.
Perfect Consistency: If you prefer thicker oatmeal, use a little less water when cooking. For a thinner, porridge-like consistency, add a splash more liquid after cooking.
Recipe FAQs
To keep your oatmeal from becoming too thick, add a little extra water or milk as it cooks. If it thickens up too much while sitting, just stir in a splash more liquid until you reach your desired consistency.
Yes, regular (old-fashioned rolled) oats can definitely be used instead of quick oats. Just keep in mind that they take a bit longer to cook, about 5 minutes, and will give your oatmeal a heartier texture.
Absolutely! You can easily make oatmeal dairy-free by using water, almond milk, oat milk, or any other dairy-free alternative in place of regular milk.
To reduce the sugar, you can cut back on the brown sugar and maple syrup, or even replace the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or a sugar substitute like stevia. Adding fruit, like bananas or berries, can also help add sweetness naturally.
Toppings like fresh berries, sliced bananas, chopped nuts, dried fruits, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg are all fantastic on maple brown sugar oatmeal. For a little indulgence, try adding a drizzle of almond butter or a few chocolate chips!
More Simple Breakfast Recipes
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Maple Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1¼ cup water
- 3/4 cup quick cooking oats
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a small pan.
- Stir in your oats and continue to cook for one minute.
- Remove from the heat and stir in sugar, syrup, and cinnamon.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
More Oatmeal Recipes to Try:
- The BEST Baked Oatmeal
- Coconut Spice Oatmeal
- Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
- Carrot Cake Oatmeal
- Overnight Oats
- Raspberry Overnight Oats
Great recipe! Very tasty!
Thank you, Rose!
Oooo looks yummy! Can’t wait to try this out out! Question for you, if I don’t have maple syrup would you recommend using honey or maybe regular pancake syrup? I have both of those, but not maple syrup unfortunately! Need to get some!! Thanks for sharing your recipe! 🙂
Hi Megan, we’ve made it with both and it’s equally delicious. If you’re using pancake syrup, start with less and add more to taste.
Yum! We like this much better than the packets and it is just as simple to make.
This recipe sucked really bad.. you need to add milk for sure! Yuck!!
Good news is that is an easy swap. Just use water in place of milk.
We’ve tested the recipe time and time again. It’s possible you did something wrong. I’m happy to troubleshoot.
@Caitlin, I disagree. I do not normally comment on recipes, but we really like this one. It is way better than the packets. We add milk on top after cooking.