Cinnamon spice and everything nice! This fall favorite is a perfect healthy breakfast recipe for the fall and winter months (or anytime you crave fall flavors!).
One of my go-to breakfasts is a large bowl of delicious, healthy oatmeal. It is super quick to whip up, and easily customizable. Right now, I am craving the fall flavors of cinnamon, spice, and everything nice!
When I need a hearty breakfast, I always choose oatmeal. Oats are a complex carbohydrate, which keeps you fuller for longer. Whole grain oats are high in soluble fiber, helping to lower cholesterol. They have also been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease. This makes for one healthy breakfast!
WHICH TYPE OF OATS TO USE?
There are many different types of oats, so it can be confusing which one you need (why can’t there just be one type of regular oat?!). As it turns out, most oats are pretty similar- the difference is in the processing of the oat. There is very little difference in nutrition between the types of oats. This recipe calls for old-fashioned oats, but you can use any type that you have on hand.
Steel-Cut Oats: Steel-cut oats are sometimes called Irish or Scottish oats. Steel-cut oats are the least processed type of oats available, and are most nutritious. Because these oats have been minimally processed, they require a longer cook time. You can use steel-cut oats for this recipe if you prefer. You will need to adjust the cooking time, so be sure to follow the packaged instructions.
Old Fashioned Oats: These oats are a type of rolled oats. Rolled oats are steamed and then pressed flat. This process helps them cook quickly, so you can have a bowl of oats ready to eat in just a few short minutes. Old-fashioned oats have a wonderful, chewy texture.
Instant Oats: Instant oats are another type of rolled oat. They are the most processed and have the quickest cook time. Instant oats are the most unhealthy, as it is often prepackaged and loaded with added sugars and preservatives.
That being said, instant oatmeal packets aren’t horrible! They are better than grabbing fast food if you’re running late on hectic school mornings or on the way to work.
SIMPLE INGREDIENTS
The ingredients in this recipe are wholesome and healthy. It is also totally customizable to how you like it! The warm spices make this a perfect breakfast for the winter months.
Oatmeal: Use old-fashioned oats for a quick bowl of oatmeal.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon warms this dish and adds an irresistible fragrance.
Allspice: This spice gives oatmeal that delicious fall flavor!
Salt: A little pinch of salt brings the flavors together.
Water or Milk: This recipe cooks well with either liquid- it’s up to you! Coconut milk is great if you want something a bit richer and thicker in texture. Add an extra splash of milk once the oatmeal is cooked if you like a thinner consistency.
Brown Sugar: I like to use a little brown sugar to sweeten this recipe. You could also use coconut sugar, a little honey, or pure maple syrup to sweeten this dish.
Seeds: Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds are great seasonal toppings and are full of healthy fats.
Walnuts: Raw walnuts add a delicious crunch and help keep you fuller for longer.
Cranberries: This dried fruit adds a hint of sweetness and is a great complement to the fall flavors.
OTHER HEALTHY TOPPINGS
Chia seeds: Chia seeds are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. A small teaspoon of chia seeds is unnoticeable in this dish, so it is a great way to get in added nutrition!
Maple syrup and honey: Maple syrup and honey are great substitutes if you want to use less sugar. If you want to make this dish vegan, use pure maple syrup. Avoid synthetic maple syrups with lots of added sugars as this can cause a sugar crash.
Fresh fruit: Fresh berries, apples, or pears add natural sweetness and a nice contrasting bite.
Vanilla Extract: Add a small dash of vanilla extract adds extra sweetness.
HOW TO COOK OATMEAL
There are two simple and quick ways to prepare oatmeal. With either method, you can customize the oatmeal consistency to exactly how you like it. If you prefer it a little watery, you could increase the water amount or let it cook for 30-60 seconds less. If you like it thicker, cook for the times listed below.
MICROWAVED OATS
Making oatmeal in the microwave is my preferred cooking method. It is super simple and quick and requires only one bowl (WIN!). Using a microwave is also great if you want to enjoy oatmeal at the office- it is a quick and cheap lunch!
To cook, add all ingredients to a medium microwave-safe bowl, except for the toppings. Cook oatmeal for 1 minute 30 seconds, then stir. Cook for another 1 minute 30 seconds. Add desired toppings and enjoy! Super duper simple- my type of cooking!
STOVETOP OATS
To make oatmeal on the stovetop, use a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the liquid of choice and bring it to a boil. Add oats, spices, and salt, stirring until combined. Cook over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes. Add to a bowl and add toppings and sweetener of choice.
The Best Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Microwave safe bowl for microwave cooking
- 1 Small saucepan for stovetop cooking
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup water or milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1 dash salt
- 1/2- 1 tablespoon brown sugar adjust for desired sweetness
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds optional
- walnuts optional
- pumpkin seeds optional
- dried cranberries optional
Instructions
MICROWAVE INSTRUCTIONS
- Add liquid, oatmeal, spices, and salt to a medium microwave safe bowl. Cook oatmeal for 1 minute 30 seconds, then stir. Cook for an additional 1 minute 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and adjust for desired sweetness. Top with nuts and seeds of choice & enjoy!
STOVETOP INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small saucepan, bring liquid to boil. Add oatmeal, spices and salt, stirring to combine. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. Add oatmeal to bowl and mix in brown sugar, adjusting to taste. Add desired toppings & enjoy!
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