Homemade Brown Sugar Oatmeal
This brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal is what you make when you want a breakfast that is cozy, sweet, and filling. It’s a comforting breakfast that never goes out of style! With just the right touch of sweet brown sugar, a hint of cinnamon, and a deliciously smooth texture, it’s as delicious as it is nutritious! Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly morning or simply need a quick and satisfying meal, this oatmeal delivers.
What makes this oatmeal special is the balance of flavors. The brown sugar melts into the cooked oats and the cinnamon adds a hint of warmth. We’re cooking the oats in a combination of milk and water for a super creamy texture and don’t forget the pinch of salt to balance everything out.
With just a few ingredients and less than 10 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious breakfast to give you a great start to your day.
Great recipe! I used almond milk and Truvia brown sugar. Will be making again!
–Lisa
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
What You’ll Love About Homemade Brown Sugar Oatmeal
- Delicious breakfast that’s sweet and cozy
- Nutritious meal with whole grains
- Made with wholesome ingredients
- Perfect breakfast for fall and winter mornings
- Easy to adjust sweetness to everyone’s preferences
- A healthy breakfast is ready in less than 10 minutes
Ingredients
- Milk – I recommend using whole milk for a really creamy texture, but you can use your favorite plant-based milk. Soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or your preferred milk will all work.
- Water – This is used for cooking the oats – I tested using all milk, and found a combination of milk and water worked best. If you prefer, you can make it with all water and then finish with a splash of milk when serving.
- Oats – I recommend using old-fashioned oats, but you can also use quick-cooking oats or quick oats, you’ll just need to adjust the cooking time. You could also use steel-cut oats, but know it will take a lot longer to cook.
- Salt – Salt might seem odd in a sweet breakfast, but a pinch of salt helps bring out the sweetness in this oatmeal and adds flavor.
- Brown sugar – Brown sugar is obviously a must in this brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal recipe and you can use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar. You can adjust the amount to personal taste. You can also sweeten the oatmeal with maple syrup if you prefer or add a little bit of both.
- Cinnamon – Use high-quality cinnamon for the best flavor and adjust to personal taste if desired.
- Chopped nuts – Pecans are delicious, but you can really use any chopped nuts. It’s a great way to add in some extra texture and nutrition.
Emily’s Tip
For the creamiest texture and flavor, I found that cooking the oats in a combination of milk and water is ideal. It makes the oatmeal super creamy and silky smooth. You can also use all water and finish with a drizzle of milk, but try it with both. It’s also a great way to add in some extra protein to your meal.
How to Make Brown Sugar Oatmeal
This is an overview, the detailed instructions can be found below in the recipe card.
- Heat liquids. Bring milk and water to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook oats. Stir oats and salt into the milk mixture and lower the heat. Cook over low heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until desired consistency.
- Flavor oats. Remove oats from the heat and stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. Divide into bowls and drizzle with additional milk or heavy cream (a favorite at our house) and add any additional toppings.
Storage
Store leftover cinnamon and brown sugar oatmeal in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
How to reheat
Reheat leftover oatmeal in the microwave or a small saucepan until heated through.
Can you freeze oatmeal?
Yes, you can freeze oatmeal (try using souper cubes!) and freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat until hot before serving.
How to prep oatmeal ahead
You can also prep this oatmeal ahead so that all you need to do is reheat it in the mornings. Simply double or triple the recipe (you can do this right in the recipe card!) and then divide into storage containers. (A big batch will take a little longer to cook as you have more oatmeal.) Store in fridge and reheat in the morning.
Oatmeal Topping Ideas
Looking to add some crunchy texture or filling nutrition to your homemade oatmeal? Try some of these topping ideas:
- Chopped nuts – Walnuts, pecans, or almonds
- Extra protein – Stir in Greek yogurt, protein powder, chia seeds, peanut butter, or even whisked eggs (this gives it a great texture, stir until the eggs are incorporated and “cooked”)
- Seeds – Chia seeds or hemp seeds would add a nutritious crunch
- Peanut butter – Or other nut butter like almond butter or cashew
- Sliced fruit – bananas, apples, pears, strawberries, or blueberries would all be delicious
- Granola – Sprinkle your favorite granola on top
- Maple syrup – For homemade maple brown sugar oatmeal, finish your bowl of oats with a drizzle of maple syrup
- Sweet flavor – Add in a little vanilla extract or top with dried fruit like raisins or cranberries or a few chocolate chips if desired
More Easy Breakfast Recipes
If you like this easy and healthy breakfast, you will probably love these other breakfast recipes. These are simple enough for weekdays if you’re ready to switch things up!
- 5-Minute Healthy Breakfast Board for Kids
- Greek Yogurt Parfait
- Sourdough French Toast
- Peanut Butter Toast
Want More?
Read more about my nutrition philosophy here and follow Emily on Instagram or TikTok for family dinner recipe videos and tips for feeding kids.
Brown Sugar Oatmeal
- Prep Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This warm and cozy brown sugar oatmeal is the perfect sweet start to your day. Made with simple ingredients and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- pinch of sea salt
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (add more to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring milk and water to a simmer.
- Add in oats and salt and cook over a low simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Divide into bowls and serve.
Notes
- Adjust brown sugar and cinnamon according to your own preferences.
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup for maple brown sugar oatmeal.
Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.
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Wonderful oatmeal recipe with brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans!!! Brought back childhood memories. Thank you.
So glad you enjoyed it! It is reminiscent of my favorite oatmeal packet 🙂
Great recipe! I used almond milk and Truvia brown sugar. Will be making again!
Thanks for letting us know your swaps, Lisa!