Brown sugar and cinnamon oatmeal is a quick, gluten-free breakfast recipe that only takes ten minutes to make. It is the perfect breakfast for busy mornings.

I love oatmeal for breakfast. It is easy to make and a great way to add fiber to your diet. Because breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I'm always looking for easy recipes to share with you.
Why you will love this oatmeal recipe
- It is super easy to make.
- Brown sugar and cinnamon oatmeal is a fun way to prepare old-fashioned oats.
- Kids love it!
Ingredient notes
Oats - I always use rolled oats for my oatmeal recipes. If you want to use other types of oats, please check the package for the exact cooking time.
Sugar - brown sugar and cinnamon are the stars of this dish. Brown sugar contains molasses which gives the oatmeal a fantastic caramel flavor.
Milk - Whole milk gives the oatmeal a rich, creamy flavor, but feel free to use any milk you like. For vegan brown sugar oatmeal, you can use plant-based milk like oat or coconut milk. I don't recommend using soy milk for this recipe because it alters the flavor too much.
How to make brown sugar oatmeal
Add the milk to a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once it starts to boil, add the cinnamon and rolled oats and cook them for about 1-2 minutes. The actual cook time depends on the type of oats you use.
Turn off the heat and add the sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, and divide the oatmeal over your bowls.
Tips and variations
Add some chocolate! Brown sugar and cinnamon go perfectly with a handful of chocolate chips.
Use coconut milk. Replace the milk with coconut milk and add some coco flakes to the oatmeal.
Serve with apples. Warm caramelized apples take this breakfast recipe to the next level and almost turn it into dessert! And be honest, who wouldn't want apple pie for breakfast?
Storage
Freshly cooked brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal is best enjoyed right away, but any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for about two days. To reheat your oatmeal, simply place it in a saucepan and warm it over low heat until it's heated through. You may need to add extra milk, as the oats will absorb the liquid and the oatmeal will become thicker during storage.
More easy oat recipes
Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Oatmeal
Equipment
- 1 heatproof bowl
- 1 saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 5 tablespoons rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch salt
Instructions
- Add the milk to a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once it starts to boil, add the cinnamon and rolled oats and cook them for about 1-2 minutes. The actual cook time depends on the type of oats you use.
- Turn off the heat and add the sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, and divide the oatmeal over your bowls.
Notes
- Microwave option: Prefer the microwave? Just combine everything in a large, microwave-safe bowl and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let it sit for a minute before serving.
- Make it gluten-free: Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed. Most quick and rolled oats are naturally gluten-free, but it's always good to check the label.
- Oatmeal texture tip: Like it creamy? Use milk instead of water and stir often while it simmers. Want it thinner? Just add a splash of extra milk at the end.
- Storing leftovers: Keep extra oatmeal in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a bit of milk or water to bring it back to that creamy texture. This is great for meal prepping!
- Topping ideas: We love this with sliced banana, a handful of toasted nuts, or even a spoonful of peanut butter. In the summer, try it with fresh berries. In the fall, apples and a pinch of nutmeg are delicious.
- What to serve it with: This oatmeal pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and some eggs or yogurt on the side if you want to make it a fuller breakfast.
I always wanted to find a super easy recipe for a good old oatmeal. This is exactly what I have been looking for!
The smell of the cinnamon cooking with the oats is delightful and makes my house smell so good. Great breakfast staple for cool mornings. Thanks for sharing.
I had this oatmeal for breakfast this morning and MAN was it delicious! And I loved how easy it was to make!
There are no two flavors that go so well together. Brown sugar and cinnamon elevated my breakfast this morning! Thanks
This was perfect to start my day, I loved the flavors of brown sugar and cinnamon. Great Recipe!!