Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal Recipe (V, GF)

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This luscious cinnamon spice oatmeal recipe is full of warm spices to keep you cozy all winter long. It has everything you love about those packets of instant oatmeal, but better. This homemade version of a breakfast favorite is a great way to impress your loved ones and fill your home with holiday fragrance! Overall, this oatmeal is the perfect healthy breakfast for the winter months and beyond.

Very close-up image of a bowl of cinnamon spice oatmeal topped with chopped apples, walnuts, and maple syrup with a gold spoon tucked in

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YOU WILL LOVE THIS OATMEAL
INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS
VARIATIONS
STORAGE
TIPS
FAQ
Recipe

YOU WILL LOVE THIS OATMEAL

It is simple to make. I love recipes that look impressive, but are actually super simple. Just combine, simmer, and stir. I have multiple friends and family members who specifically request my oatmeal, yet it's so easy! While my peanut butter and blueberry oatmeal is a fan favorite, I think this one is winner for the holiday season!
It's healthed-up. This homemade oatmeal is full of satisfying fiber, protein, and healthy fats. This is thanks to the whole oats, soy milk, and ground flax! This oatmeal is also naturally vegan and gluten-free, so many can enjoy it (Be sure your oats are labeled gluten-free if this recipe needs to be completely free of gluten contamination).
It is totally customizable. This recipe goes great with a bunch of toppings. I love to create an "oatmeal bar" with fresh fruit, nuts or nut butters, and sweetener so everyone can give themselves exactly what they want. Plus, I've got directions for cooking this oatmeal just about every which way: stovetop, slow cooker, microwave, or even as overnight oats!

INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

labeled ingredients including soy milk, oats, toppings, ground flaxseed, aquafaba, and spices on a white marble counter

Old-fashioned rolled oats: I prefer steel-cut or old-fashioned oats over quick oats because they have a heartier texture. You can easily use whatever oats you have, just pay attention to the cooking instructions on the container and make adjustments accordingly.
Unsweetened soy milk: Feel free to use your favorite non-dairy milk to make this vegan oatmeal. Keep in mind the sweetness and flavor if using other non-dairy milks. You can also use water in a pinch, though it will be less creamy.
Ground flaxseed: I love to add seeds to my oatmeal for some additional texture and healthy fats. If you do not have ground flaxseed, you can substitute with chia seeds or omit.
Spices and seasoning: I use cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice to bring that warm holiday flavor to these oats. I also recommend adding some salt to make the flavors really pop. If you do not have one or two of the spices mentioned, no fear! Cinnamon is the most important here; all the rest are just just icing on the cake.
Vanilla extract: I love to use a high-quality vanilla extract to boost the warm flavors of these oats. If your milk is vanilla flavored, you can omit this vanilla.
Aquafaba: I love to use aquafaba to make my oatmeal super fluffy. You can also use egg whites for the same effect. This is totally optional, but I do find it super delicious!
Optional toppings: I chose fresh apples, some maple syrup, and raw walnuts this time, but there are many healthy toppings to choose!

INSTRUCTIONS

Add all the ingredients except for the aquafaba/egg whites to a medium saucepan over medium to medium-high heat.

Saucepan filled with uncooked oatmeal ingredients

Bring to a soft boil, stirring frequently. Then, turn the heat down to medium-low and continue to stir until the oatmeal is just under your desired consistency. From there, turn off the stovetop and move the pan off of the burner. Allow the oatmeal to cool for a few minutes. Then, working quickly, stir in the aquafaba/egg whites until throughly combined.

Saucepan with cooked oatmeal inside and a wooden spoon

From here, serve with your favorite toppings and your favorite coffee drink.

VARIATIONS

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal: Start at night and have a delicious bowl of oatmeal the next day! In the slow cooker, add all the ingredients except for the aquafaba/egg whites to your crockpot. Stir well to combine. Cook on low for six to eight hours. Turn off the crockpot and, working quickly, stir in the aquafaba/egg whites.

Close-up image of a bowl of cinnamon spice oatmeal topped with chopped apples, walnuts, and maple syrup with a gold spoon tucked in.

Cinnamon Spice Instant Oatmeal Packets: Make your own instant oatmeal mix! Omit the vanilla and aquafaba/egg whites for this. Instead of old-fashioned oats, use quick 1-minute oats. Combine all ingredients except milk in a medium bowl. Then, distribute a heaping half cup into reusable food storage bags or jars. To cook, add one serving of oatmeal and ¾ cup of milk or water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 60-75 seconds. Stir and let sit for one to two minutes. Then, add additional toppings such as sweetener.
Cinnamon Spice Overnight Oats: One of my favorite breakfasts! Omit the vanilla and aquafaba/egg whites for this one. Combine all the ingredients except for milk in a medium bowl. Distribute a slightly heaping half cup of oats into airtight jars or other food-safe containers. Add a half cup of your chosen milk to each container and stir thoroughly. Place the containers into the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, add desired toppings and enjoy!

STORAGE

Make-ahead: You can pre-prep most of your ingredients ahead of time by combining all ingredients except the milk, vanilla, and aquafaba/egg whites. Keep this dry oat blend in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to three months. Cook a large batch on the stovetop or cook a single bowl of oatmeal by heating a heaping half cup of oatmeal mixture with ¾ cup of milk in your microwave oven. This method is perfect for busy work or school mornings.
Refrigerating: Leftover oatmeal can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I do not recommend freezing leftovers.
Reheating: Easily reheat leftover oatmeal in the microwave by placing a serving into a microwave-safe bowl, adding a splash of milk or water, and reheating for 30 seconds. Stir and continue to heat in 30 second intervals until fully heated.

TIPS

Bowl of cinnamon spice oatmeal topped with chopped apples, walnuts, and maple syrup with a gold spoon tucked in over a tea towel

This recipe is unsweetened. Add your desired sweetener on top or mix in while cooking. To start, I'd recommend adding one to two tablespoons of sweetener (such as brown sugar, vegan honey, or maple syrup) to the entire recipe and adjusting to your taste.

FAQ

Is cinnamon spice oatmeal healthy?

Several studies have linked oats and oatmeal with health benefits including lowering cholesterol, which can decrease your risk of heart disease. However, a packet of instant oatmeal has around 12 grams of added sugar. Homemade cinnamon spice oats are an easy way to decrease or avoid that added sugar while enjoying the benefits of whole grain oats.

What does cinnamon spice oatmeal taste like?

Cinnamon spice flavor oatmeal tastes sweet and peppery, with light citrus and woody flavors. The texture is creamy and fluffy with some bite.

Cinnamon Spice Oatmeal Recipe