This quick and easy cinnamon spice oatmeal recipe is the perfect healthy breakfast, that can be made ahead of time for those hectic school mornings.

This homemade oatmeal has all the warm spices for the winter months to come and it’s a great way to start your day. It’s the homemade version of the packets of instant oatmeal, but without the high sugar content and artificial flavor.

Is Cinnamon Spice oatmeal healthy?

This oatmeal recipe is sweetened with pure maple syrup instead of any processed sugars, which makes it refined sugar free.

Also, oats are linked to some health benefits, like helping slow digestion, increase satiety, and suppress appetite, all great advantages of starting your day with a bowl of oatmeal! It’s also linked to helping reduce the effects of chronic inflammation and there are also studies that suggest that oats may reduce the risk of heart disease (Harvard.edu).

As long as you don’t pack your oatmeal with processed sugars, and you add healthy toppings like nuts packed with healthy fats and fresh fruit, you’ll have a perfect and easy breakfast in your hands.

On the other hand, the store-bought instant oatmeal packets are sometimes loaded with sugars and artificial flavors. For this reason, this homemade oatmeal recipe is a better option for you!

Why you’ll love this Oatmeal recipe

1. This oatmeal recipe is super quick and easy to make! it’s prepared in 15 minutes total time, and can be eaten right away
2. It’s a healthy way to start your day. It’s refined sugar free and packed with fiber
3. It’s super versatile, you can add more toppings or change them completely for a different flavor
4. According to Harvard.edu, Oats have been proposed to have some health benefits like helping slow digestion, increase satiety, and suppress appetite. They’re also linked to helping reduce the damaging effects of chronic inflammation and are associated with reducing the risk of heart disease
5. It can be made ahead of time, for a grab-and-go, quick and healthy breakfast

Ingredients you’ll need to make this Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal recipe

This recipe uses very simple ingredients:

• Quick oats. I used quick oats (natural flavor) to make it a super fast recipe to prepare, but you can also use old fashioned oats instead, just make sure to leave the oats soaking in the milk and spices overnight
• Milk of choice. I used almond milk, but you can use regular milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or any non-dairy milk of your choice for a vegan oatmeal option
• Cinnamon and All-spice. These give that spicy and warm flavor to the oatmeal
• Pure maple syrup. Instead of cane sugar, for less sugar and a healthier option to sweeten your bowl of oatmeal
• Vanilla extract. Good quality pure vanilla extract goes a long way
• Banana and raw walnuts. I used these as toppings, but feel free to substitute them with any of your favorite nuts, like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, or fresh fruit like fresh apples

Take a look at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.

Add-ons and Substitutions

1. Nut Butter: Add a spoonful of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter for extra creaminess and protein.
2. Dried Fruits: Mix in dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for added sweetness and texture.
3. Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds: Sprinkle these for extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Coconut Flakes: Add some unsweetened coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
5. Protein Powder: Stir in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder to boost the protein content.
6. Yogurt: Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for added creaminess and probiotics.

These add-ons and substitutions will help you customize your oatmeal to suit your taste and dietary preferences!

How to make this easy oatmeal recipe

In a medium-sized container, combine instant oats, milk, 1 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, allspice, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until well combined.

Fill your bowl with the prepared oatmeal. Add the walnuts and banana slices -or any toppings of your choice- and enjoy!

If you want the oatmeal warm, just heat the milk in a medium microwave-safe bowl or heat on a medium saucepan, on your stovetop on medium heat, until warm enough. Then, pour on top of the rest of the ingredients and mix.

How to store

Store this oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge.

Oatmeal could dry out in the refrigerator. If you’re eating it the next day, just add a splash of milk to your bowl and mix before eating

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this oatmeal ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just heat it up in the morning for a quick breakfast.

What non-dairy milk works best in this recipe?

Any non-dairy milk will work well. Almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, and oat milk are all great options.

How can I make this oatmeal thicker or thinner?

To make the oatmeal thicker, use less milk. For a thinner consistency, add more milk.

Can I sweeten the oatmeal with something other than maple syrup?

Absolutely! Honey, agave nectar, or coconut sugar are great alternatives. Adjust the amount to your taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe is gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe without any sweetener?

Yes, you can omit the sweetener or use a sugar substitute if you prefer.

Here’s a video of this cinnamon spice oatmeal recipe so you can see up-close texture and consistency.

Follow this link for more delicious recipes, or follow the links below for some of my favorite recipes using oatmeal:

Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Protein Packed Energy Bites

Healthier Chocolate Hazelnut Granola

The ultimate Granola Bar

Chocolate and Strawberry Oatmeal

If you make this recipe, please be sure to give it a star rating and leave a comment!